Tesla Model Y L first drive is a role compression masterclass
How many cars can one car realistically replace? In the Tesla Model Y L, the answer seems to be quite a few. It takes the familiar, already established formula of the Model Y and literally stretches it into something that can serve as a family hauler, athletic daily driver, and long-distance cruiser while building significantly onto the practicality and daily usability that made the original so compelling.
Initially developed for China’s chauffeur-oriented market, the Model Y L adds a third row to accommodate one additional passenger over the 5-seat Model Y, while giving rear-seat occupants the full benefit of the 150 mm (5.9 inches) its wheelbase gains over the standard Model Y. Second-row legroom is vast and highly comfortable, and is further complemented by individual captain’s chairs equipped with heating, cooling, power reclining, and powered armrests. Adding to the experience is a dedicated rear-comfort drive mode and an 8-inch rear touchscreen, which gives passengers control over the climate while providing access to real-time navigation tracking, onboard games, and media platforms including YouTube, Netflix, Twitch, and Spotify. The 2-2-2 seat configuration also allows for access to all three rows without having to fold or slide any seat.
Grok AI was recently integrated into the Tesla’s infotainment. Grok can easily engage in conversation, whether you’re asking about the weather, stock prices, or the latest sordid gossip. Converse with Grok in its “Unhinged” mode and try not to LOL. And yes, it can curse you out in Filipino or Mandarin with equal fervor.
The front cabin remains largely unchanged from the standard Model Y, retaining its minimalist layout centered around a 16-inch touchscreen that controls navigation, climate, and media. Even gear selection is handled onscreen, although the car’s predictive Auto Shift system can handle it automatically. The screen is also home to a seemingly endless collection of party tricks, from racing games that can be played using the steering wheel and brake pedal to a Boombox feature with a megaphone and an assortment of sound effects.
When parked, passengers can also stream content from Netflix, Twitch, and YouTube. The Model Y L also gains an exclusive 19-speaker audio system, comprising 18 individual speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. “Immersive Sound X” uses real-time 3D sound processing to turn conventional stereo tracks into a spatial, concert-like soundstage. Double-pane acoustic glass keeps the cabin isolated from road and tire noise. Rounding out the front cabin are 50-watt and 30-watt wireless chargers for the driver and passenger sides, respectively, alongside standard heated and ventilated seats. The second-row captain’s chairs likewise are heated and ventilated.
The third row is arguably the most important part of the Model Y L’s proposition, and it is far more accommodating than its compact dimensions might suggest. Even taller adults can fit without immediately feeling cramped, with respectable headroom and usable legroom making longer journeys feasible. Tesla also equips the rearmost seats with their own air vents, cupholders, and USB-C charging ports, giving the third row much of the same functionality as the rest of the cabin.
For families, the Model Y L’s flexibility is further reinforced by ISOFIX and top-tether mounting points across the second and third rows, allowing multiple child seats to be accommodated simultaneously. Safety is also a priority, with the car achieving a five-star crash test result from ANCAP in 2026 and offering a massive array of safety features such as blind-spot monitoring synced with the cabin’s wraparound ambient lights, lane keep assist, automated emergency breaking, and a semi-autonomous driver assistance suite.
With all seats up, the Y L enjoys a surprisingly large amount of cargo space, particularly as the car contains a deep load floor and a frunk for overflow storage. Should owners require more space, all four rear seats fold electronically with the push of a switch.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Y L’s standard-fit adaptive dampers that it gains over the regular Model Y create a significant difference in ride quality. These dampers allow any bump that would normally have been felt by the passenger to be absorbed by the car’s suspension. The car feels genuinely athletic despite its increased length, with effortless direction changes and enough passing power (0-100 kph in 5 seconds, 50 to 80kph in about 2 seconds) to be quicker than 95% of cars on the road.
The car’s computers continually monitor tire grip, optimizing power delivery and handling. The recent deluge in Metro Manila didn’t faze the Model Y L at all. A sign of how much effort went into the handling is the staggered tire setup: 255mm front and 275mm rears on 19-inch aero wheels.
Range figures hover around a massive claimed distance of 681km, while real-world figures in mixed conditions come in at an extremely respectable 520-570km. One of the best features of owning a Tesla is access to the company’s Supercharger network. There are already several in Metro Manila, such as in Opus Mall. Supercharger supports a maximum DC fast charging speed of 250 kW (enabling a 10% to 80% charge in about 28 minutes) and an 11 kW onboard AC charger for home or destination charging. Tesla has put up additional Destination chargers around the country. The available chargers and their locations can be easily checked on the Model Y L’ screen. The car also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) bidirectional charging up to 3.5 kW. This makes long-distance trips in the Y L viable. Plug in to a Supercharger, buy your groceries or have a cup of coffee, and come back to an almost fully-charged Tesla.
The Model Y L enters a segment where competition is relatively scarce and comparatively expensive. Notable competitors include the Kia EV9 (P5,988,000), BYD Tang EV (P3,421,000), and Hyundai Ioniq 9 (P4,580,000). At a starting price of P2,849,000 with significantly better technology, superb driving dynamics, and comparable range and comfort, the Y L occupies a price point of its own and asserts itself as the family car to own.
