Peter Lyon
August 30, 2025
The new Tesla Model Y Performance was just revealed by Tesla a day after it was teased. The updated SUV, which starts at GBR61,990 in the UK, is loaded with enhancements that allow for acceleration times that rival supercars.
The Model Y Performance is the most performance-oriented model in the series, as the name implies. With 460 horsepower from its dual motors, it can accelerate as fast as the BMW M4 Competition xDrive (which translates as 4WD), reaching a top speed of 250 km/h and completing a 0–100 km/h sprint in under 3.5 seconds. The range is still robust at 579 km (WLTP) even with the additional power.
In typical Tesla fashion, no specific battery information is provided; nevertheless, Autocar claims that the vehicle is equipped with a new “high-density” battery cell that, despite being more powerful, doesn’t significantly reduce range compared to the Long Range AWD.
The new Model Y Performance has the same adaptive suspension system as the Tesla Model 3 Performance, but it is calibrated differently. This is in addition to the obvious performance improvements. The vehicle also has “optimised” wheels and tires for improved performance, including 21-inch “Arachnid 2.0” alloy wheels and updated suspension components.
It’s unclear whether the diffuser-inspired feature on the back serves as an aerodynamic device or is purely decorative, while the front bumper employs extra aero elements. Its sportiness is further enhanced by the carbon-fibre ducktail spoiler and scarlet-colored brake calipers.
Moving inside, the Tesla Model Y Performance now has the highest-resolution display ever installed on a Tesla thanks to a slightly larger 16-inch centre touchscreen that was previously only found in the China-exclusive Model Y L. To further elevate safety, the redesigned front sports seats have bigger side bolsters, heating, and cooling features.
The Model Y Performance is currently only available in a few regions, but it will make its way to the rest of Europe, Asia, and the Americas in the near future. For comparison, the new Tesla Model Y Performance costs around GBP10,000 more than the UK’s Long Range AWD, which retails for GBP51,999.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
We are not surprised that the new Y Performance is as quick as a hot M4. After all, the Tesla can get the power down faster, even though the Y is much heavier than the BMW. But as an oldie who is analog at heart, I tend to lean towards the car whose exhaust note I can hear and whose vibration I can feel as I’m throttling up to 60mph in 3.5 seconds.
