I drove a Tesla Model Y Performance – it fixes the thing everyone hated

Tesla models follow a well-trodden path: there are standard, long-range, rear- or all-wheel drive models and then, finally, comes a performance version.

So, it wasn’t much of a surprise when the new Tesla Model YIts Cybertruck-inspired front end got the performance treatment, with the familiar pear-like shape, just a few months after the new car was launched.

However, what surprised me is that the new Model Y Performance blends excellent performance and a fair amount of agility (unusual in a big, heavy, battery-powered car) as well as a decent ride that actually feels comfortable on UK roads (unusual in a big, heavy, battery-powered car). Tesla,

However, it’s not all about the dynamics of the car. The interior upgrades are subtle yet take the car to a new level – including some of the most comfortable car seats I’ve ever sat in and a big, bright central screen.

The Model Y Performance feels like a brilliantly engineered car, with the drivetrain and technology working seamlessly. But it’s the duality of purpose that most impresses me – not many super-quick cars are so usable and so comfortable. As a range-topper, it’s expensive, but consider what you get for the money and the numbers really start to add up.

How we tested

I was allowed one day with the new Tesla Model Y Performance, so I took full advantage of it – it was late evening when I got it back. I started by driving it in central London, weaving in and out of city traffic and using self-parking in a tight car park. I then took it up to my home in Buckinghamshire, where I took the car on some of the most pleasant roads I regularly use. I also used it as an opportunity to find out what it’s like as a rear passenger, and got a deep dive into all the other features and tech.

Independent Rating: 10/10

Tesla Model Y Performance Specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

Instead of just improving the Model Y, Tesla has taken many of the things that made the Model 3’s performance so special and applied it to the Model Y.

It starts with Tesla’s latest battery technology, with cells that deliver greater energy density, but without adding weight. Then there’s also the Model 3 Performance’s super-efficient drive units, which promise greater acceleration without hurting efficiency.

Tesla doesn’t talk about battery numbers, but it’s likely a 79kWh battery, while Tesla will claim an efficiency of 3.8 miles/kWh. It’s also quite happy to boast a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph and a decent claimed maximum range of 360 miles.

I have a smooth dual carriageway that allows me to safely (and legally) put acceleration claims to the test, and Model Y performance feels every bit as fast as the numbers suggest. But it also feels more nimble than you might expect, although the physics of having a big, heavy battery on board doesn’t seem to matter.

The Model Y Performance also borrows much of the suspension technology from the Model 3 Performance, meaning the adaptive suspension (which has been revised for the taller Model Y), while new springs, stabilizer bars and bushings combine with the Model Y’s stiffer body than its predecessor to bring better body control. The 21-inch ‘Arachnid 2.0’ wheels have special tires for impressive grip, while the steering is precise, if not particularly tasty.

On some winding country lanes near my home, the car felt stable, safe, and incredibly fast. The deep front windscreen gives you a great view ahead and you can cover tarmac so quickly that you’ll forget you’re still driving a five-seat SUV. You have to remember this, otherwise the kids in the back may look a little green.

When a car feels so alert and agile the ride quality usually suffers, but that’s the thing with this Tesla – it actually handles quite well. It’s a world away from the arduous journey of the old Model Y; Still firm, but never uncomfortable.

I spent some of my time in the new Performance driving in and out of central London, where the roads are rubbish, yet the ride in this Model Y was something else entirely. It takes the edges off the worst undulations well, while also telling you a lot about the road surface without bothering you.

It has Standard and Sport driving modes, but I preferred Standard – Sport doesn’t offer as much in terms of agility or responsiveness. Similarly, I left the steering in Standard rather than Heavy, while I prefer to leave the stability assist systems in Standard rather than Reduced mode.

The changes outside are subtle but effective. As well as the larger wheels, it has a carbon rear spoiler, beefed up front apron and a diffuser at the rear – all of which provide aero benefits as well as a sporty look. A performance badge sits in the tailgate and is displayed in puddle lights, the brake calipers are finished in red and the mirror caps get the gloss black treatment.

Interior, practicality and boot space

There are two significant changes to the Model Y performance in addition to the subtle enhancements introduced earlier this year.

The first are the front seats, where Tesla has added performance seats. Even with my ‘ample’ frame, they’re really comfortable – I’d go so far as to say they’re some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in a car. There’s ample bolstering at the sides, while you can extend the seat base under your thighs for added support; The seats are also heated and cooled.

Next up is a touchscreen ranging from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, with thinner bezels around the edges and higher resolution. It looks good and the usability is excellent, even if you have to use the touchscreen for everything, including selecting park, reverse or drive (although it can automatically sense where you’ve parked).

There are Performance-specific carbon fiber inserts on the dash and doors, plus a thin strip of ambient lighting around the dash and on the front and rear doors – you can choose the color, have the lights pulse with the music of your choice. The air vents are hidden, and the windscreen extends from the panoramic sunroof down to the bonnet, giving a wide view to the front.

With a relatively shallow rear screen, the rear view is on par with other SUVs in this segment. Door mirrors provide ample visibility, and multiple cameras aid in maneuvering.

Interior space remains good, even if the boot is a little smaller than before, while the rear seats fold at the touch of a button.

The build quality at this price is as impressive as anything else – after all Tesla is building cars well, with the cars being built at the Tesla plant in Berlin, Germany.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

That new touchscreen not only looks great but works really well. Although it comes preloaded with Spotify and even Apple Music, it’s not as intuitive to use for messaging and phone calls as it would be if you had Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — which would make the Model Y close to perfect in my book.

I used the self-parking technology to get into a tight space in a London car park and it’s easier to use than most other systems and feels more natural – I felt like I trusted it more than the BMW iX I drive most these days.

The adaptive cruise control is easy to use, although I found it stuck a little to the left in a lane, meaning I had to move the steering to the right to let the motorcyclist pass, which completely disabled the system.

Rear passengers now have 8-inch screens for climate, seat heating, entertainment and independent Bluetooth headphone access, while the steering wheel includes quick-access controls and customizable buttons; Unlike the Model 3, the Model Y retains an indicator stalk that is operated with a nudge rather than a click.

Tesla’s in-house built and tuned 15-speaker audio system with subwoofer continues to impress, while Tesla says the latest Model Ys have improved connectivity through faster WiFi, cellular downloads, better phone performance and a clearer microphone for in-car calls – said to be 66 percent clearer.

Prices and operating costs

The new Model Y Performance doesn’t come cheap at £61,990. However, when you consider the level of performance, level of comfort and level of quality offered for that price, it becomes more acceptable, although it is difficult to call any car at that price as good value.

You get good efficiency thanks to the advanced battery and drivetrain technology used by Tesla. The 360-mile claim didn’t feel too far throughout my day (and evening) of driving on mixed roads and at mixed speeds.

Tesla Model Y performance rival

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge?

For example, at a Tesla Supercharger, the Model Y Performance will reach 151 miles in 15 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

Simply put, yes – even at £61,990. This is the best car ever made by Tesla.

Does Tesla replace batteries for free?

In the UK, Tesla says this includes a 4-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile supplemental restraint system warranty, and an 8-year battery and drive unit warranty (with 70 percent capacity retention, covering 100,000 or 150,000 miles depending on the model).

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Verdict: Tesla Model Y performance

The Tesla Model Y Performance is the best car Tesla has ever made. It feels most complete with a blend of smile-inducing performance, confidence-inspiring grip and handling and astonishing levels of comfort and luxury. It’s an extremely fast car on UK roads, yet docile enough when you just want to do the things SUVs are most likely to do. This is an amazing car.