How do you make the best electric car even better? Tesla’s Model Y Performance is the answer
With comfier seats, a sleeker design, and more powerful motor, the Tesla Model Y Performance makes my favourite electric car even better
After driving the refreshed Tesla Model Y earlier this year, I said it was the best electric car I’d ever been behind the wheel of – and I meant it. It was the most complete Tesla to date. But then the Model Y Performance showed up a few months ago, and improved my favourite electric car in almost every meaningful way.
Tesla hasn’t simply bolted on a spoiler and called it a day. Yes, it’ll now do 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, which is completely absurd for a family-friendly SUV, but there’s more to it than that.
You get a redesigned front and rear, a proper carbon fibre spoiler, and a new diffuser that actually does something. Drag is down 10%, and the front-to-rear lift balance has improved by 27%, which means better stability at speed. The 21-inch wheels look the part and come staggered for better grip. You even get red brake calipers, in case the upgrades weren’t quite subtle enough.
Inside, Tesla has finally embraced the concept of proper sport seats. Heated, ventilated, and bolstered like they mean it – with powered thigh extenders to keep your legs as pampered as your ego. They’re bucket seats, but less buckety than the ones in the Model 3 Performance – I found they dug into my sides. There’s also a new carbon fibre dash trim, and the centre screen now packs more pixels with smaller bezels.
Harder, better, faster, stronger
Then there’s the real showstopper: performance. This electric car borrows the upgraded drive unit from the Model 3 Performance, and it makes the previous Model Y Performance feel instantly outdated. With 460 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph, it’s pushing into supercar territory, yet still has room in the back for your family. You can still do a big shop and load it all into a boot that doesn’t care how fast you’ve been going.
Adaptive suspension, developed and tuned by Tesla themselves, makes a massive difference. On smooth tarmac, it’s as smooth as anything. On twistier backroads, it’s sharp and composed, yet stiff enough – like it knows how far it can push before you get nervous. It’s still quiet, still refined, and still the most fuss-free EV to charge thanks to Tesla’s ever-growing Supercharger network.
You also get all the perks from the refreshed non-Performance Model Y – the rear touchscreen, new light bars front and back, electric folding rear seats, a panoramic roof, and an interior full of light and leather.
The only area the Performance variant doesn’t improve on is range, though that’s to be expected. Tesla claims 360 miles WLTP – about 30 miles less than the longest range Model Y variant. Real-world numbers are a little lower in my experience, but there’s still plenty for a week of driving without worrying about plugging in every night.
So yes, this is the new Model Y… but better. It’s sharper, faster, and somehow still just as practical. Orders are open now via Tesla’s website for $59,000/£61990, with deliveries now rolling out. That’s $10000/£10000 more than the AWD model but comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E. In fact, it’s cheaper than the Kia EV6 GT and BMW i4 – both of which are also slower.
Connor Jewiss
