New Tesla Model Y Performance Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

No introduction needed for the Model Y – it’s one of the UK’s most popular and biggest selling cars, after all. But as the rest of the automotive world finally wakes up to Tesla’s lead in all things EV its products are suddenly having to work a little harder to maintain their position. The wider Model Y range has already had significant updates to those ends – it’s now joined by a new Performance version doing all of the above. Just faster.
• Well, we’re still waiting on that Roadster, Elon! In the meantime the Model Y Performance and its Model 3 equivalent are the fastest and glitziest Teslas you can buy in the UK • Like the Model 3 Performance the Model Y has 460 horsepower, which is a lot for a family SUV but in this age of 600 horsepower-plus rivals lacks the wow-factor it once had, at least on paper • 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds is still way faster than anyone needs, though – if these things matter to you the Model 3 Performance is a little quicker at 3.1 seconds and also a bit faster flat out • Adaptive suspension can range between comfort and more sporty handling depending on your mood • New 21-inch wheels, red brakes, Performance badging, black trim parts and a rear spoiler among the styling updates • Carbon fibre trim and ‘Performance’ seats feature inside • Bottom line price for the UK is £61,990, with orders now open and deliveries in the autumn

The new Model Y Performance adopts the visual updates of strip lights and suchlike introduced on the regular models, along with some specific garnish to make it stand out and show people you went for the top one. These include new 21-inch wheels, black trim details, a carbon rear spoiler and – of course – Performance badging. Inside you get new Performance seats up front with additional padding, carbon fibre trimming to build on the already significant improvements in quality introduced for the latest Model Y, and more besides. Other than that it’s business as usual, with all the space and family practicality owners already know and love.

As per the improved regular Model Y, which is no bad thing. Saying that, the touch-screen at the heart of the car is a fraction bigger and higher-resolution than that in non-Performance versions, with Tesla promising sharper than ever graphics. The Performance seats are also unique to this model, and shaped to hold you in place in the turns should you feel motivated to go full send along a twisty road. The cushion under your legs is also adjustable and extendable for more support when you’re just chilling and want a more comfortable seating position. Under the skin the already improved suspension now has two modes you can select according to mood, these being the self-explanatory Comfort and Sport with the latter tightening everything up for a more focused driving experience. You can also opt for a more relaxed grip on the leash controlling the driver aids, though these will still step in “if limits are exceeded” to hopefully spare you social media notoriety if your driving ambitions exceed your abilities.

Tesla is traditionally cagey about sharing battery stats, so direct comparisons with rivals are sometimes tricky. But the latest motors and battery powering new Model Y Performance are more efficient and powerful than before while the resculpted bumpers make it more aerodynamic. All of which should help range, which is now a claimed best-case 360 miles and actually a fraction more than the regular AWD Long Range version.

You can order a new Model Y Performance now for delivery in the autumn, the bottom-line price £61,990. That’s cheaper than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N many consider the benchmark for performance EVs, though the Tesla is some way behind on outright power and features.

The Model Y Performance completes the set and all models in the UK Tesla range are now up to date. What’s next? We’ll have to wait and see!

There are lots of fast EVs coming, and the Model Y Performance may have a job on its hands keeping up with the likes of the more powerful Smart #5 Brabus and others like it. Brand loyalty should help its case, though.