- Tesla Model Y Performance launches in Europe
- Back in the line-up after brief hiatus
- Accelerates from 0-60mph in 3.3 secs
- EV range 360 miles
- Adaptive suspension
- Priced from £61,990
It’s back - it’s the Tesla Model Y Performance, and it’s here to bring ‘max adrenaline’ to your motoring, according to the US manufacturer.
When the Model Y enjoyed its so-called ‘Juniper’ facelift at the start of the year there was one noticeable absence from the line-up: the Performance variant.
Now, after a brief hiatus, the Performance has been returned to its rightful place in the Model Y roster with a price tag beginning at £61,990.
What are the main differences between the old Tesla Model Y Performance and the new Juniper model?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Tesla Model Y Performance - design and style
The new Performance Model Y adopts the same ‘Juniper’ styling as the rest of the range. That means sharper, edgier looks inspired by Tesla’s Cybertruck and Cybercab, and with distinctive full width light bars at the front and back. You also get a flattened bonnet and split headlights.
Where the Performance Model Y differs from the regular car is in its more aggressive rear spoiler and bumpers, lowered suspension, red brake callipers, and 21-inch forged alloy wheels.
Tesla Model Y Performance - battery and range
In a quirk of the company, Tesla doesn’t divulge battery sizes in its comms so we’re in the dark about the capacity.
But what we do know is that you get a range of up to 360 miles between charges, which is well up on the 319 miles you got with the old Performance Model Y.
When it comes to charging, the Tesla Model Y Performance lets you add up to 151 miles of range in just 15 minutes when it’s plugged into a 250 kW public Tesla Supercharger.
How does that compare with rivals?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N supports rapid charging at a max of 240 kW, which gives you a charging time from 10% to 80% in 18-36 minutes, which is a shade slower than than the new Tesla.
Tesla Model Y Performance - power and pace
The powertrain is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive set up. And you’ll be pleased to know that it now offers more oomph than before.
The power has gone up from around 426hp to around 460hp (again, Tesla isn’t explicit about power stats) which gives you a 0-60mph sprint speed of 3.3 seconds (down from 3.5 seconds with the old model).
The Model Y Performance isn’t as rapid as its Tesla Model 3 Performance cousin, with the sleeker saloon doing the 0-60mph dash in just 2.9 seconds.
Top speed for the Model Y Performance maxes out at 155mph, down on the 163mph max of the Model 3 Performance.
Is the Tesla Model Y Performance quicker than its SUV rivals? It’s slightly tricky to tell as Tesla lists 0-60mph times rather than our European standard 0-62mph times, but here’s a quick run-down:
- Tesla Model Y Performance: 0-60mph 3.3 secs
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: 0-62mph 3.4 secs
- Kia EV6 GT: 0-62mph in 3.5 secs
- Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: 3.7 secs
- Smart #5 Brabus: 0-62mph 3.8 secs
- Polestar 4 Dual Motor: 0-62mph 3.8 secs
Tesla Model Y Performance - chassis and suspension
The latest Model Y Performance is packing some serious chassis upgrades. Adaptive suspension is fitted as standard and keeps the rapid SUV stable at high speeds and on bumpy roads, with the Model Y’s brain making subtle adjustments to the dampers depending on the road surface and how you’re driving.
There are also new springs, anti-roll bars and bushings, with the whole system stiffened for better agility.
Tesla Model Y Performance - cabin and interior
Premium materials abound in the cabin of the Model Y Performance, with vegan leather paired with carbon fibre inserts in the doors and dashboard. There’s better sound-damping and acoustic glass for a more serene ride.
And you can also expect new heated and ventilated sport seats with extra bolstering and side cushions to support you when you’re indulging in some ‘spirited’ driving.
The second row of seats is also heated with a power recline feature.
The central touchscreen has been upgraded, too. It’s now a 16-inch, high-def system with ‘epic response times’ wrapped in a ‘near-borderless design’, says Tesla.
There’s an additional 8-inch touchscreen in the second row that gives rear passengers access to their own controls.
Tesla Model Y Performance - is fully autonomous driving available in the UK?
The ‘Basic Autopilot’ tech comes fitted as standard on the Tesla Model Y Performance and includes semi-autonomous auto steer and traffic aware cruise control.
The Model Y Performance is also capable of full self-driving skills - BUT you won’t be able to enjoy them here in the UK just yet as the Department for Transport is yet to give Full Self Driving (FSD) the legal rubber stamp.
Tesla has launched public (supervised) trials in London and Swindon but the legal framework surrounding FSD isn’t expected to be in place until 2027.
So, the software for self driving exists in the Model Y Performance, it just can’t be activated yet.
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