This is the moment many performance enthusiasts have been waiting for. After months and months of spy shots, Nürburgring testing, and intense speculation, Tesla has officially launched the new Model Y Performance in Europe and the Middle East.
This top-to-bottom overhaul of the new Model Y focuses on performance-dedicated hardware, alongside a more aggressive exterior design, and even introduces some interior updates when compared to the regular Model Y.
Tighten your seatbelts and get your tires torqued, we’re about to take a look at everything new with the new Model Y Performance.
Faster, Further, Better
At the heart of any of Tesla’s Performance models are the raw capabilities, and the new Model Y doesn’t disappoint. The 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) time has been cut down to a blistering 3.3 seconds, a noticeable improvement over the last generation Model Y’s time of 3.5 seconds. However, the top speed remains electronically limited to 155mph.
Perhaps the most impressive engineering feat is the range. Tesla typically has significant range drops in their performance models due to the increased energy consumption of the larger, dedicated performance motors and larger wheels and tires.
With this model, that’s not happening thanks to new high-density battery cells with increased charge capacity. The new Performance model will achieve an estimated EPA range of approximately 300 mi EPA (580km WLTP).
That’s a remarkable achievement, as it is only 1% lower than the Long Range variant, effectively eliminating the traditional range penalty for choosing the top-tier Performance variant.
Epic fun + adrenaline on tap
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) August 29, 2025
New Model Y Performance now available pic.twitter.com/1g3LPB1VNw
Exterior Changes
The new variant immediately distinguishes itself with a more aggressive and aerodynamic exterior. It features a new front and rear fascia, alongside a prominent carbon fiber spoiler, all designed to improve aerodynamics and signal its performance intent.
Additionally, a staggered wheel and tire fitment, featuring wider tires in the rear, improves traction and steering response on and off the track. There’s a new wheel design to go with it as well. The vehicle also sits slightly lower, with a ground clearance of 6.1 inches, just a tad lower than the regular Model Y, which sits at 6.6 inches.
New Model Y Performance vs Long Range variant design comparison. pic.twitter.com/QPCUrzvmvX
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 29, 2025
With the new air vents for the brakes and rear vents in the diffuser, along with the lower stance, the new Model Y Performance looks much more planted and aggressive than any previous Model Y.
Bigger, Higher Resolution Display
The upgrades continue inside, where the cabin has been updated to match a lot of the features that were included in the new Model Y L in China. There’s a new, larger, 16-inch QHD touchscreen, a step up from the 15.4-inch screen in other Model Ys. This screen also boasts a higher resolution of 2560×1440, a noticeable jump from the previous resolution of 1920×1200.
Performance Seats With Thigh Support
The most significant upgrade for driving enthusiasts, however, is the all-new first-row sport seats. These seats are a massive improvement over the standard Model Y seats, offering deep bolstering for support during high-G cornering. They feature the usual power recline and tilt, heating, and ventilation features, but also include the new powered thigh extension that was included in the Model Y L.
Thigh extensions have been a common request from customers wanting a more premium experience, as they help taller owners fit more comfortably into the seats.
The premium look and feel is completed with a new carbon fiber interior decor and the addition of footwell and door pocket ambient lighting, helping to tie everything together.
Updated Dynamics
To harness and manage all that increased power, Tesla has also re-engineered the vehicle’s driving dynamics. The new Model Y Performance features Adaptive Suspension alongside new Drive Modes, allowing the driver to tailor the car’s handling characteristics to their preference, from a comfortable daily driver to a stiff, track-ready machine.
This is complemented by a new high-performance brake system that offers improved pedal feel and significantly improved heat management for consistent stopping power on the track.
Model Y Performance at a Glance
Feature | Model Y Performance | Model Y Long Range |
|---|---|---|
0-60 mph | 3.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
Est. EPA Range | ~308 miles | 330 miles |
Top Speed | 155 mph | 135 mph |
Front Screen | 16" QHD | 15.4" FHD |
Seats | Sport Seats w/ Thigh Extension | Standard Seats |
Suspension | Adaptive Suspension | Standard Suspension |
Brakes | High-Performance | Standard |
Ground Clearance | 6.1 inches | 6.6 inches |
Weight | 4,482 lbs | 4,482 lbs |
Availability & Pricing
The new Model Y Performance is now available to order in Europe and the Middle East, with deliveries scheduled to begin as early as September in some regions. For those in the region, the vehicle is already on display in select European showrooms. A launch in North America and the Asian-Pacific markets is expected to follow in the coming days or weeks.
Pricing varies by country, but pricing for Germany is provided below in Euros, along with an estimate of what pricing could look like in the United States.
Model | Pricing (Euros) | Est Pricing (USD) |
|---|---|---|
RWD | €44,990 | Not Available |
LR RWD | €49,990 | $44,490 |
LR AWD | €52,990 | $48,490 |
Performance | €61,990 | $59,990 |
Gone are the days when Tesla’s Performance models simply included a spoiler, improved brakes, and binned motors. This Performance version of the new Model Y improves the Model Y in terms of performance, exterior styles and improved interior. The Model Y Performance is now a truly exceptional, top-tier performance model with unique hardware and its own distinct character.
