Tesla has given the Model Y Performance a refresh, and while the recipe may sound familiar, more power, sharper suspension, and a few visual tweaks, the end result is more than just a software tune on the Long Range model. This updated Performance edition promises serious pace, greater refinement, and a more engaging drive. But does it deliver more than just outrageous acceleration? Let’s take a look.

Performance

Tesla has always been known for headline-grabbing acceleration, and the latest Model Y Performance continues that tradition. Power jumps to 460hp (up from 370hp in the Long Range AWD), giving the car a 0–100km/h time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. It’s genuinely startling, especially when you consider this is still a family-sized crossover.

Where this updated Performance model really improves, though, is in how it handles rougher surfaces. The previous generation was infamously stiff, often feeling more brittle than sporty. The new suspension setup is far more controlled and better damped. It remains firm, this is still the Performance variant, after all, but it now filters out bumps rather than sending them straight through the cabin. Switch it into Sport mode and it tightens up noticeably, but still stops short of being uncomfortable.

It’s not a full-on driver’s car in terms of steering feel or engagement, but it’s definitely more composed, more confident, and more enjoyable than before.

Range and Charging

Tesla quotes an official WLTP range of 580km, with average consumption of 26kWh/100km. As usual with Tesla, the exact usable battery capacity remains undisclosed, but the real-world efficiency is impressive for something this powerful.

Under normal Irish driving conditions, most owners should expect around 480–500km between charges, which surpasses a lot of similarly powerful performance EV rivals, and that’s before factoring in the advantage of Tesla’s Supercharger network, which remains one of the fastest and most reliable in Ireland.

It charges quickly, too. While the exact charging curve varies, the Performance model supports Tesla’s high-power DC chargers, making rapid top-ups on longer road trips simple and convenient.

Design and Interior

Tesla hasn’t gone wild with the styling updates, but the changes give the Model Y Performance a more purposeful stance. The redesigned front and rear bumpers add a touch more aggression, while a functional rear diffuser helps tidy up airflow at higher speeds. A subtle carbon-fibre spoiler sits on the boot lid, and the 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 wheels complete the performance look. Aero covers are included for those chasing every last kilometre of range.

Inside, the cabin keeps the minimalist aesthetic Tesla is known for, but with a few Performance-specific touches. New sports seats with an extendable thigh cushion offer better support, especially during faster driving. You also get carbon trim accents and Performance-branded lighting when you open the doors.

The central touchscreen grows slightly to 16 inches, with slimmer bezels and the familiar Tesla interface. It remains the hub for almost everything, navigation, climate control, music, and settings, and while some may still miss traditional buttons, the system is fast, fluid, and easy to get used to.

Space remains one of the Model Y’s biggest strengths. It’s a genuinely practical crossover with generous rear seating and a large boot, making the Performance model a uniquely usable family EV with sports car force.

Cost Considerations

As of 2025, the Tesla Model Y Performance starts from around €60,990 in Ireland. This places it above the Long Range model but still significantly below many high-performance electric SUVs. When you factor in its strong range, ride quality, access to the supercharger network, and upgraded performance…it represents solid value for a performance-focused EV in the Irish market.

Verdict

The updated Tesla Model Y Performance feels like a well-rounded evolution rather than a radical overhaul, and that’s a good thing. It’s faster, smoother, and more refined than its predecessor, and the suspension improvements alone make it far more enjoyable to live with day to day.