Tesla has just launched their all-new Model Y Performance, an upgraded version of its best-selling electric SUV that delivers thrills without sacrificing practicality.
Power is at the heart of Model Y performance, courtesy of a dual-motor Performance 4DU configuration that sends 460 horsepower to all four wheels, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph, allowing you to keep up with the performance automobiles on the autobahn. Tesla’s engineers did not stop with power; they also added a new high-density battery pack that provides 360 miles of range on the European WLTP test.
The adaptive suspension from the Model 3 Performance adjusts in real time to the road conditions, so you get a smooth ride on the highway or a taut setup for the twisties. New springs, roll bars and bushings stiffen things up, while a stronger rear body structure adds torsional rigidity. So a car that feels solid when you’re carving corners but won’t beat you up on the daily commute. Custom drive modes like “Insane” mode let you turn up the aggression or loosen traction control for some fun. Staggered 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 forged wheels with performance tires give you traction and sharper steering response.
A new front fascia and slimmer headlamps improve the looks, while a full-width rear light bar and carbon fiber spoiler reduce drag and increase downforce. Red brake calipers and a small Performance badge tell you you’ve got an edge over the regular models. These changes bring the drag coefficient down to 0.22, so you get more range and the car stays stable at high speed.
Inside, it’s a step up from the regular Model Y. The centerpiece is a 16-inch screen, bigger and clearer than the 15.4-inch screen in earlier upgraded Model Ys, with nearly 80% more pixels for crystal clear graphics. This screen is exclusive to the Performance model and is silky smooth for navigation and entertainment. Up front, heated and ventilated sport seats hug you tight during hard cornering and the thigh support is adjustable for long trips. The rear passengers have perforated, heated seats with power reclining and an 8-inch screen for temperature and media control. Premium sound-damping materials and acoustic glass keep the cabin as silent as a whisper even at high speeds. Carbon fiber trim on the console and doors adds a touch of elegance, while the panoramic roof keeps the inside light and airy.
Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin-Brandenburg is building these for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with deliveries starting in September. In the UK, prices start at £61,990 ($83,649), about £2,000 ($2,698) more than the Model 3 Performance and £10,000 ($13,494) above the Long Range All-Wheel Drive Model Y. Not cheap, but you get a lot for your money—especially when you factor in Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capability, which is £8,000 ($10,795) on other models. Orders are open now and Tesla is banking on the Model Y Performance to keep its lead in a market where the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E are hot on its heels.
The Model Y Performance will be available first in Europe, with no indication of a debut in the United States. That seems surprising given Tesla’s large US fan following, but it might be a strategy to drive demand in a soft market where sales fell in 2024.