Tesla Model Y L Approved for Launch in South Korea

Regulatory filings with the Korea Energy Agency, highlighted by @Tslachan, indicate the Tesla Model Y L is nearing launch in South Korea. The company’s first true six-seat SUV is set to expand to another major international market.

The Model Y L debuted in China last summer and has drawn interest from families who have outgrown the standard five-seat layout. With Tesla discontinuing the Model X later this year, a roomier, family-focused SUV becomes an important part of its global lineup.

Tesla's First Six-Seater

Rather than adding seats to the trunk of a regular Model Y, the Model Y L extends the wheelbase by 150mm and overall length by 177mm to support a true 2-2-2 seating arrangement.

Second-row passengers get adjustable individual seats with easy access to the third row. It also includes a larger 16-inch central touchscreen and a suspension system tuned for comfort rather than sportiness.

Regulatory Approval in South Korea

South Korean certification data outlines the local configuration: a 97.25 kWh battery pack supplied by LG Energy Solution.

The vehicle has been certified for energy consumption efficiency, confirming a 6-passenger seating capacity. This is usually among the final steps before opening orders for a new region.

Tesla Model Y L Launch Heatmap

For much of its life, the Model Y L was exclusive to China, launching at a 339,000 yuan (roughly $49,000 USD) price point. It is now expanding, with Tesla announcing launches in Australia and New Zealand.

Europe may be next, as the larger variant received EU type approval late last December. In North America, Elon Musk previously said the six-seat Model Y L wouldn’t make its way to the U.S. until "late 2026, if ever".

With the Model X set to be discontinued later this year, the Model Y L offers families more space and comfort without moving to a full-sized van or a large truck.