The most potent version of the world’s best-selling EV has sharper styling, sports seats, and adaptive dampers
Tesla has quietly taken the wraps off the Model Y Performance, the flagship version of world’s best-selling EV. The newcomer blends increased dual-motor power with sharper looks, an adaptive suspension, and sports seats, aiming to deliver supercar thrills in a family-friendly, all-electric package.
From the outside, the Model Y Performance is distinguished from lesser versions thanks to a sportier bodykit and an exclusive set of 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 wheels with red brake calipers. Highlights include the redesigned bumper intakes at the front, the carbon spoiler extension at the back, the sharper diffuser, the extra vents on the rear bumper, and the special emblem on the tailgate.
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Inside, there is a new pair of sports seats with integrated headrests and enhanced bolstering, providing heating, ventilation, and electric adjustment. Furthermore, the dashboard features a carbon fiber finish and houses a larger 16-inch infotainment display (up from the standard 15.4-inch unit) with a higher resolution. Standard equipment includes an audio system with 15 speakers and a subwoofer.
The Model Y Performance has dual electric motors giving it AWD capabilities. Unfortunately Tesla doesn’t provide the output figures. According to local media outlets, the European model is good for 460 hp (343 kW / 466 PS). However, chances are that the US-spec version will generate a combined 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS), matching the Model 3 Performance.
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What we know from the brand’s official website is that the most potent version of the crossover can accelerate from 0-100 km/g (0-62 mph) in 3.5 seconds. This makes it 0.4 seconds slower than the equivalent Model 3 and 0.1 seconds slower than the rival Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
In terms of chassis setup, the Model Y Performance swaps the frequency selective dampers of the regular version for a new set of electronically controlled continuously variable dampers. These are similar to its sedan sibling but have a different tuning for the crossover. They are combined with upgraded suspension hardware, staggered wheels, and new Drive Modes.
Despite the extra grunt, Tesla managed to keep the WLTP range figure of the Model Y Performance to a respectable 580 km (360 miles), which is a mere 6 km (4 miles) short of the Long Range. This was made possible thanks to the high-density battery cells with increased charge capacity. When connected to a Supercharger, the EV can gain up to 243 km (151 miles) of range in 15 minutes.
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The new Model Y Performance is already available to order in Europe, UK, the Middle East, and Africa, with deliveries expected to commence in September 2025. In Germany, it is priced at €61,990 ($72,400), which means it is €9,000 ($10,500) more expensive than the Long Range.
At the moment, we don’t have any information on North American availability, which is expected to follow soon.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio
