Is the Tesla Model Y Performance worth the extra cost? We test drove the sports SUV
The new Performance Model of Tesla's revised Model Y is quite snappy with 460 hp. But does it offer more than just the extra performance? Is it worth the extra charge of almost €10,000? Our colleague Tom Wiltshire from Great Britain took the sporty SUV for a test drive.
The new Tesla Model Y Performance is the most powerful variant of the Model Y, which was newly revised this year. The SUV is by far the most successful model of the American electric car manufacturer and the flagship version of the SUV is correspondingly important.
The big challenge Tesla had with the Model Y Performance is to build a car that is not only fast, but also fun to drive. With the previous model, the Americans did not have a good hand for this. For the new performance model, however, it can already be said that it is significantly better. Although the Model Y Performance is not a "traditional" sports car, the driving dynamics and handling are greatly improved.
Or as our British colleague Tom Wiltshire says: "It's a bit like an Apple Watch Ultra - it basically does the same job as the cheaper models and only subtly stands out - but it's still a cool and actual upgrade."
Tesla Model Y Performance: Upgrades and Differences
So what's new about the Performance model? First of all, there are subtle visual differences that work surprisingly well. Compared to a normal Model Y, the performance model has new front and rear bumpers and a more aggressive body shape. There's also a prominent diffuser at the rear, which not only looks chic, but actually improves aerodynamics at high speeds.
Another chic additional element on the Performance model is the carbon fiber spoiler at the rear and the 21-inch rims in Arachnid 2.0 design. They come with plastic covers as part of the standard equipment and give the sportier variant valuable additional kilometers of range, and on top of that, they also look chic.
In the interior of the new Tesla Model Y Performance, you get new sports seats with more adjustment options and a slightly larger touchscreen (16 inches). Other carbon fiber elements are also distributed throughout the interior to emphasize the sports design.
The most important update is, of course, the engine. The Model Y Performance manages 460 hp, almost 100 more than the Long Range Dual Motor all-wheel drive variant, which allows the Performance to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h. These performance figures are close to those of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is a strong performance given the 650 hp in the Korean competitor.
The range is also remarkable. The new battery achieves a range of 580 km (WLTP), which is only 6 km less than the normal all-wheel-drive variant. However, Tesla does not reveal how many kWh are in the battery.
Tesla Model Y Performance: Driving performance and dynamics
Now that we've taken a closer look at the technical details, it's time to get down to business. How does the Tesla Model Y Performance perform while driving? To get the obvious out of the way, the Model Y Performance is of course pretty darn fast. The Launch Control doesn't push you into the seats quite as much as in a Tesla Model S Plaid, but the acceleration definitely makes an impression. A simple press of the accelerator pedal is enough for the car to shoot forward with impressive ease.
Especially in terms of suspension, the new performance model is ahead of its predecessor. With the old Model Y Performance, it often felt like you were driving on wooden blocks instead of springs, but the new vehicle compensates for bumps much better. Although the suspension is still a bit harder and not buttery soft, you can use the Model Y Performance in everyday life without pain.
If the suspension isn't hard enough for you, you can help with the suspension in Sport mode, but even then, the Model Y Performance creates a dynamic driving experience without you being unable to sit after a ride.
Weitere Abstimmungen an Federung, Steuerung und generellen Fahrwerk sorgen dafür, dass sich das Auto besser lenken lässt und auch bei hohen Geschwindigkeiten mehr Spaß macht. Das hohe Gewicht des Model Y Performance verhindert jedoch, dass du tatsächlich das Gefühl hast auf der Straße zu kleben wie bei einem Ioniq 5 N. Während der Fahrt bist du immer noch ein Passagier und nicht gefühlt verwachsen mit der Karosserie. Es fehlen auch die Extras, die bei einem Ioniq 5 N für mehr Spaß sorgen wie etwa die simulierten Gangwechsel oder der Driftmodus. Das Model Y Performance wirkt dadurch seriöser, aber auch emotionsloser.
But if you're simply looking for a fast car that can handle the challenges of everyday life without any problems, then you can't go wrong with the Model Y Performance. Plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage as well as a spacious interior make the Model Y Performance a flexible everyday hero that can handle even long distances without problems and in comfort.
Our colleague also has praise for efficiency. Although he made good use of the Model Y Performance's performance during the test drive and also carried out acceleration tests, the range showed 482 km between charging stops, significantly more than comparable electric sports cars manage.
Tesla Model Y Performance: Should You Buy One?
The Model Y Performance is definitely not perfect. For a sporty car, the artificial leather on the steering wheel is much too slippery, Alcantara or similar material would definitely be appropriate. The well-insulated cab also ensures that the automatic climate control seems annoyingly loud. And this actually runs in continuous operation because of all the glass surfaces in the Model Y.
The user-friendliness is also simply not intended for high speeds. Everything runs via the central touchscreen and although it has fast response times and a high resolution, it is too large to reach the other end of the screen comfortably from the driver's seat. On the whole, of course, these are all small things, but our colleague on the test drive noticed them. Nevertheless, these complaints show how much Tesla has actually improved with the Model Y performance.
Secure Tesla Model Y from € 45,970
So, should you buy a Model Y Performance? Is the surcharge of just under €10,000 justified? Not really, especially if the rear-wheel drive variant with extended range is already enough for you. Then the difference is even € 12,000 and so the improved performance values and new design elements of the performance model are not worth so much money.
Nevertheless, the Model Y Performance is an amazingly well-rounded offer for a fast electric SUV and fans of the brand or even first-time buyers should be satisfied as long as they do not expect a sports car from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N category.
