Words NZ Autocar | Images Autocar UK
Published 1 September 2025
The big news from Tesla last week was the rollout of its self-driving technology. But hot on the heels of that is the reveal of the Model Y Performance.
The facelifted twin-motor Model Y is even faster than before, with a 0-100 sprint claim of 3.3sec. It has a sports suspension set-up too. So it’s quicker to the open road speed limit than a Porsche 911 GT3, an M5 and an RS 6. And considerably less expensive as well.
Available to order in the UK ahead of deliveries starting in October, the top Model Y underwent a substantial design overhaul to mark it out from the standard car.
Sharing tech with the Model 3 Performance variant, it uses a pair of Performance 4DU motors, outputting 343kW. Its top speed is a stated 250km/h. The former top Model Y, the Long Range AWD, made do with 280kW. That’s still sufficient for a sprint time of 4.8sec. The Tesla Model 3 Performance, by the by, can apparently hit 100 from a standstill in 3.1sec.
Tesla also said that the Performance model comes with a new type of ‘high-density’ battery cell. That means it can almost match the other two variants on range, despite the significant power hike. Figure on a maximum of 576km. Battery pack capacity is not yet to hand.
Other changes include adopting the adaptive dampers from the Model 3 Performance, retuned for the extra weight of the Model Y. There’s also new suspension with staggered wheels and tyres.
Pick the Performance model by its more aerodynamically efficient front bumper, a diffuser in the rear bumper, a carbon fibre wing, sporty 21-inch alloys and red brake calipers.
In the cabin, the Performance model features a larger 16-inch touchscreen with enhanced resolution. The front sports seats are heated and ventilated, and come with added side bolstering for obvious reasons.
The Model Y Performance is built at Tesla’s Brandenburg factory near Berlin. It will launch initially in Europe and the Middle East before rolling out in far-flung markets.
Other new Model Ys include an entry-level example and a long-wheelbase, six-seat version, though this is initially rolling out in China.
