Tesla builds a faster Model Y

Drivers who enjoy having their innards rearranged when they step on an accelerator pedal will be thrilled to learn that the Australian debut of Tesla’s new Model Y Performance variant has been confirmed for late Q4.

The new model will feature an $89,400 price tag and supercar like 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.5 seconds.

The recommended retail price represents a hefty $20,000 premium over the current Long-Range All-Wheel Drive variant ($68,900) with Tesla stating its new high-performance SUV builds on the improvements introduced with the Model Y ‘Juniper’ lineup introduced mid-year by adding extensive reengineering changes, plus interior and exterior styling upgrades.

Despite the price hike, the new Model Y Performance is still priced below the luxury car tax threshold to access the Federal Government’s fringe-benefits tax exemption for EVs when taking out a novated lease.

The headline news is of course the upgraded dual-motor electric powertrain, which boasts outputs of 343kW (Tesla doesn’t provide torque figures), representing a seemingly modest 12kW boost over the current dual-motor all-wheel drive variant.

However, a range of targeted efficiency improvements allow the Model Y Performance to make much better use of its power, shaving 1.3 seconds of its 0-100 km/h time to stop the clocks at 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h versus 201km/h for its stablemate.

To give that some perspective, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT with its 485kW/850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 costs $372,000 and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a slightly quicker 3.3 seconds, although the Porsche does have a superior top speed of 295km/h.

The extra pace of the Model Y Performance doesn’t come at the expense of driving range either, with the vehicle range of 580km (WLTP) almost 30km more than the dual-motor all-wheel drive version.

An upgraded battery pack and performance drive unit are at the heart of the performance upgrades, with the battery delivering higher energy density without adding weight, and the performance drive unit delivering the seemingly opposing qualities of more power and torque, without sacrificing energy efficiency.

The new Model Y Performance also promises sharper dynamics, courtesy of upgraded chassis hardware including new springs, stabiliser bars, and bushings resulting in a chassis that Tesla describes as feeling more intuitive and responsive.

A new adaptive suspension system, designed in-house by Tesla, adjusts in real-time to driver and road inputs, expanding the vehicle’s performance envelope and capability.

Customisable drive modes accessible through the enlarged and higher-resolution 16-inch central touchscreen influence the adaptive damping system’s three modes – Standard, Sport, Track – as well as the Model Y’s stability assist, traction, and vehicle dynamics controls.

The interior of the new Performance variant features standard Model Y fare like a panoramic glass roof, acoustic glass throughout the cabin, an 8.0-inch rear touchscreen, power-reclining second-row seats, Autopilot, and over-the-air software updates.

On top of this the Model Y Performance adds carbon-fibre trim on the fascia and doors, aluminium pedals, and sports front seats with enhanced lateral support and powered thigh cushion extenders.

Outside, the Model Y Performance is distinguished from its stablemates by a redesigned front bumper with modified air intakes and side openings for a sportier appearance, plus a redesigned rear bumper and diffuser, and a prominent carbon-fibre spoiler.

Other notable distinguishing features include glossy black finishes on the front and rear fascia and mirror caps, unique 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 staggered forged alloy wheels clad with Pirelli performance tyres, integrated aero wheel covers, and performance red-painted brake calipers.

For anyone who hasn’t picked up on these various cues that this is the hi-po Tesla, then there’s also a subtle ‘Performance’ badge on the liftgate plus a projected logo on the ground when the puddle lamps activate.

Deliveries of the new Model Y variant, which is built at the at the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany, are estimated to start in late Q4 2025.