New Tesla Model Y Performance: high-powered SUV spied at the Nurburgring

The facelifted Tesla Model Y range is set to expand with the introduction of the new Model Y Performance. This flagship version will sit above the existing Long Range All-Wheel Drive car, and promises a serious boost in power and speed – just like the Model 3 Performance does.

The new Model Y’s been on sale for a couple of months now, but we’ve just spotted the Performance assessing its handling on the familiar Nurburgring circuit – a hotbed for manufacturer testing.

New Tesla Model Y Performance: what’s changed?

These spy shots show a camouflaged Model Y, though it’s very possible that any features you can discern through the camo will change for the production model. Most of them seem to align with the Model 3 Performance, however.

The most obvious change is on the boot lid, where you get an elongated boot spoiler a lot like the one on the older Model Y Performance. This should help to press the rear wheels into the road when driving fast.

There are no changes at the front, though, where the Model 3 Performance gets a whole new front bumper with different aerodynamics. This may change on the Model Y Performance before production.

The wheels have also undergone an upgrade, and appear to be the same ‘Arachnid’ rims you get on a Model S Plaid – the flagship of Tesla’s whole range. It’s likely that the rear tyres are also slightly wider than those at the front.

Speaking of tyres, the prototype here is running on Pirelli P Zero E rubber – described by the manufacturer as ‘the Ultra High-Performance Eco-Safety champion’. These are designed for maximum grip, but the ‘E’ signifies that they’re designed for low rolling resistance to maximise range on a charge.

Behind the wheels, large red brake calipers are visible. It’s likely these are covers to make the real calipers look better – the same as have been installed on Performance and Plaid Tesla models for a few years.

The prototype model also sits lower than the standard car. Under the skin, expect to see adaptive dampers like those in the Model 3 Performance with Standard, Sport and Track modes, as well as sharper steering. Inside, changes will be minimal – Tesla doesn’t like to give its Performance models too much of a sporty makeover, so expect some slightly more supportive seats and perhaps some different graphics for the infotainment.

In terms of power, you can expect the new Model Y Performance to mirror its Model 3 counterpart. That would mean a power output of 460hp, though 0-60mph will inevitably be slightly slower than the Model 3’s 2.9 seconds due to the additional weight and bulk of that SUV body.

New Tesla Model Y Performance: how much is it and when can I buy one?

The Tesla Model 3 Performance costs exactly £10,000 more than the Long Range, All-Wheel Drive model. Applying that logic to the Model Y lineup would mean the new Tesla Model Y Performance comes in at £61,990.

That’s a few thousand pounds cheaper than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and cheaper still than the Ford Mustang Mach-e GT, making it a relative bargain in performance terms.

There’s no official release date as of yet, but we’d expect to see production versions debut in late 2025.