Tesla has launched its longest-range Model Y in China, with up to 821 km of CLTC range, or over 730 km of WLTP range, only months after launching the Australian-bound ultra-long-range variant of the Model 3 sedan.
This new model’s launch was shared on Tesla’s Weibo page in China with the translated post saying: “The Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version is here! 821 km range (CLTC)”.
This new long-range variant with the bigger battery will deliver 228 km of additional CLTC range over the entry-level single motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant, which stands at 593 km of CLTC range. That’s over 38% more range than that offered on the entry-level RWD model.
This range upgrade is mainly due to the use of a new 78.4 kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) battery pack supplied by LG Energy for Tesla’s long-range vehicles in China.
On Tesla’s website in China, the Model Y Long Range RWD is now available for under $A62,500. The new variant sees its acceleration decrease from 5.9 seconds to 5.6 seconds, while keeping the same top speed of 201 km/h.
To help maintain sales volumes in the highly competitive Chinese EV market with multiple incentives on offer. These include a 5-year 0% interest, paint option and charging benefit as well as free transfer of Enhanced Autopilot until the end of 30 November 2025.
All variants of the Model Y, including the new Long Range RWD, have an estimated delivery date of 4-6 weeks.
In Australia, Tesla currently offers the Model Y in three variants, including RWD Standard Range, AWD Long Range and the most recent addition, the AWD Long Range Performance.
Pricing of the RWD single-motor starts at $58,900 and delivers up to 520 km of range. The Long Range AWD variant starts at $68,900 before on-road costs. Both these models are made at Tesla’s most productive factory in China, GigaShanghai.
In recent months, Tesla has also launched the Performance variant, with quite a few upgrades starting at $89,900 before on-roads.
These include a more aggressive exterior design, new performance powertrain, adaptive suspension and unique drive modes, 21″ Arachnid 2.0 wheels, carbon fibre interior trims, 16-inch touchscreen, performance sport seats, heating and ventilation to name a few.
The new Model Y Long Range RWD is up for sale in China now but it’s yet to be confirmed for other markets. If the Model 3’s longest range variant is anything to go by, then this could very well be on the cards for Australia in New Zealand in 2026.
For now, those wanting long range can order the Model Y AWD Long Range with 600 km of range is available to order with deliveries expected within weeks from ordering.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
