Tesla Model Y Performance confirmed for Australia
Elon Musk’s Tesla is launching a new model in Australia and it promises to be one of the controversial EV giant’s most head-turning cars yet.
Tesla has officially confirmed the Model Y Performance SUV will arrive in Australia, with first deliveries coming in late 2025.
The flagship variant will sit at the top of the Model Y line-up, priced at around $96,000 drive-away. This places it significantly above the Long Range AWD Model Y ($74,620 drive-away) and the entry-level rear-wheel drive Model Y ($64,120 drive-away).
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It’s also around $10,000 more than the Model 3 Performance version.
Importantly, it remains under the luxury car tax threshold, meaning buyers still qualify for the government’s fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles on novated leases.
The Performance model uses a dual-motor powertrain delivering 343kW, which is capable of achieving a 0–100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds (down from 3.7 seconds) – that’s more than a second faster than the standa4rd Long Range version. and a top speed of 250km/h.
While it’s the quickest Model Y, the Performance doesn’t top the range charts.
Tesla claims it will deliver 580km (WLTP) on a single charge, which is less than the Long Range All-Wheel model (600km WLTP) but higher than the Rear-wheel drive version (466km WLTP).
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In addition to the increase in speed and efficiency, Tesla has also provided the Model Y Performance with several upgrades.
The exterior features redesigned front and rear fascias, 21-inch forged wheels with aero covers, red brake calibers, and a carbon-fibre spoiler, while gloss black trim adds a sleek touch.
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Inside, the cabin is elevated with sports seats offering extra support, carbon-fibre inserts, and aluminium pedals that deliver a sportier and more refined feel.
Notably, a new 16-inch touchscreen replaces the standard 15.4-inch unit, featuring thinner bezels and a sharper resolution.
The new Model Y Performance inherits the Model 3’s adaptive suspension, which adjusts automatically based on road conditions and driving style. To this, there are also customisable drive modes that influence suspension, stiblity, traction and vehicle dynamics.
Vehicles for Australia and New Zealand will be produced at Tesla’s Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory.
Telsa’s updated Model Y the Juniper has dramatically revived the company’s fortunes since it was released in Australia at the end of the last financial year.
According to the latest Aussie cars sales data, sales of the Model Y were up 75 per cent in August compared to the year prior.
The Model Y was the fifth best selling car in Australia last month – and best selling EV – behind the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Toyota RAV4 and MG ZS
Originally published as Tesla Model Y Performance confirmed for Australia
