If you’ve been waiting for a Model Y that feels like a true performance machine, Tesla just delivered. The new Model Y Performance was revealed in Europe, and it’s packing the kind of upgrades that make the already popular crossover feel like a whole new beast.
The headline grabber is speed. Tesla says the Performance trim will hit 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and top out at 155 mph. For context, that’s 1.3 seconds quicker to 62 mph than the Euro-spec Long Range AWD and 30 mph faster at the top end. That kind of bump makes a noticeable difference for anyone who wants an SUV that can push into sports car territory.
It isn’t just about the numbers, though. Tesla gave this version real hardware improvements. One of the biggest is the adaptive suspension system.
“The new Model Y Performance is fitted with an adaptive suspension system that continuously changes the response depending on the road conditions and the driving style.”
Drivers also get multiple driving modes, something missing on the other Model Y trims. Combine that with a new high-voltage battery pack offering up to 360 miles of WLTP range, and the package balances both power and practicality. InsideEVs notes that this new pack uses higher-capacity cells, which helps the Performance stay close to the Long Range AWD’s efficiency even with its extra speed.
Visually, the Performance makes its intentions clear. It wears a more aggressive body kit with a rear spoiler, rides on massive 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 wheels, and sits slightly lower than the Long Range AWD for a sharper stance. Inside, Tesla upgraded the details that matter: a 16-inch UHD center screen, carbon fiber accents, cooled and heated sports seats with thigh extensions, and a premium 16-speaker sound system. This refresh feels less like a trim tweak and more like a full performance package designed to elevate the Model Y’s identity.
Pricing in Europe starts at about $72,000 (€61,990), which is roughly $10,500 more than the Long Range AWD. Deliveries begin next month. There’s no U.S. launch date yet, but given Tesla’s global strategy, enthusiasts stateside are watching closely to see when this version makes the jump.
For now, the Model Y Performance stands as one of Tesla’s strongest plays for drivers who want crossover practicality without giving up the thrill of raw speed.
Source: InsideEvs