Tesla Model Y Performance

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance is the definitive all-rounder for thrill-seeking families. It masterfully blends the practicality of an SUV with the savage acceleration of a genuine supercar. Positioned at the top of the Model Y lineup, its key selling points are its blistering pace, standard all-wheel drive, and seamless access to the vast Supercharger network. This potent combination of everyday usability and staggering performance makes it a dominant force in the premium electric vehicle market, with a new price tag in Europe starting from around €61,990.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 model year is expected to usher in the highly anticipated "Juniper" refresh, bringing a host of slick upgrades. Visually, expect a sharper, more aggressive exterior inspired by the updated Model 3, complete with redesigned headlights and taillights. The cabin receives a significant premium boost with higher-quality materials, new customisable ambient lighting, and potentially a rear-seat entertainment screen. While the core performance remains immense, these enhancements in design, comfort, and tech-savvy features are aimed at refining the experience and keeping the Model Y well ahead of the competition.

Design & Exterior

The Model Y Performance boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design that is both stylish and efficient. This top-spec model asserts its dominance with exclusive 21-inch Überturbine wheels, a carbon fibre rear spoiler for high-speed stability, and performance brakes peeking through the alloys. It sits on lowered suspension, giving it a more aggressive, hunkered-down stance. With dimensions of 4796 mm in length, 1982 mm in width, and 1611 mm in height, it has a muscular and modern presence on the road that perfectly hints at the power lurking within.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and you're greeted by Tesla's signature minimalist cabin, dominated by a crisp 15-inch central touchscreen that controls everything. The 2025 update enhances the space with more premium materials and a refined finish. It’s a hugely practical five-seater, offering an enormous 854-litre boot, which expands to a van-like 2138 litres with the rear seats folded down. Plus, the incredibly useful 117-litre front trunk, or 'frunk', provides perfect extra storage for charging cables or shopping bags, making it one of the most versatile EVs available.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the Performance trim truly shines. It delivers a gut-punch of acceleration, launching from 0-100 km/h in a staggering 3.5 seconds. This is achieved via a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that unleashes a combined 461 kW and 741 Nm of instant, silent torque. The powertrain cleverly uses an induction motor at the front and a permanent magnet motor at the rear for optimal power and efficiency. The stiffer, lowered suspension provides sharp, responsive handling for an SUV, while powerful regenerative braking allows for effortless one-pedal driving around town.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powered by an 82 kWh usable battery pack, the Model Y Performance offers an excellent estimated real-world range of 480 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare. It maintains impressive efficiency for its power, achieving around 5.85 km/kWh. Charging is a breeze thanks to its 400V architecture and CCS Type 2 port. At a V3 Supercharger, it can accept up to 250 kW, replenishing the battery from 10-80% in under 30 minutes. For overnight top-ups at home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger does the job perfectly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount in the Model Y, backed by a top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Every Performance model comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot system, which bundles adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for more relaxed motorway driving. A full suite of active safety tech, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, is also included. For those wanting the latest tech, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are available as optional over-the-air software upgrades, unlocking more advanced automated driving features.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla provides a robust warranty package for peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 80,000 km. More importantly, the high-voltage battery and drive unit are protected for 8 years or 192,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% battery capacity retention during that period. A major ownership benefit is the absence of a fixed maintenance schedule. Servicing is done on an as-needed basis, significantly reducing long-term running costs and meaning fewer trips to the service centre compared to a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle.