For those seeking serious performance in an electric SUV without straying into six-figure pricing, the Tesla Model Y Performance makes a strong case. In Europe, orders open next month, while Australian buyers are expected to see deliveries before the end of the year.

In the UK, the Performance variant is listed at £61,990 (about A$121,000). That’s only a modest premium over the updated Model Y’s Launch Edition. It’s expected to be priced around $82,000 before on-road costs in Australia.

While value is central to Tesla’s pitch, the Performance earns its badge with substantial upgrades in both hardware and software.

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Tesla has reworked the electric motors to deliver 343 kW combined output. Beyond the headline figure, these motors are designed to withstand repeated high-speed driving thanks to improved thermal management. Performance is striking: 0–100 km/h comes up in just 3.3 seconds, only a whisker behind the smaller Model 3 Performance. Top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Tesla’s drive modes also allow drivers to bias torque to the rear axle for a livelier, more engaging feel. The company is tight-lipped on exact battery capacity but confirms that the cells have been upgraded for greater efficiency and resilience.

Despite its power and 21-inch wheels, the Model Y Performance promises around 580 km of range (WLTP). That’s only slightly lower than the Dual Motor Long Range version, thanks to the upgraded battery’s wider thermal operating window that helps maintain efficiency under different conditions.

One criticism of the outgoing Model Y Performance was its raw, sometimes unsettled ride. Tesla has addressed this with a series of chassis revisions. Adaptive suspension, reconfigured geometry and a slightly lower ride height all contribute to improved steering response and stability. Grip comes courtesy of new 21-inch alloys wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The changes mean the Model Y should now feel less like a straight-line sprinter and more like a genuinely sporty SUV.

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Externally, subtle but effective styling cues set the Performance apart. Redesigned bumpers add aggression, while a carbon-fibre rear wing enhances both looks and aerodynamics. Inside, Tesla has updated the 16-inch central display with thinner bezels and fitted more supportive front seats. Performance badging, inspired by the Model S Plaid, adds a finishing touch.

Europe gets it first Tesla Model Y Performance next month, while Australia’s launch later this year will test how much demand remains for a high-performance electric SUV in a shifting market.

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