The Tesla Model Y Performance finally goes on sale in the North American market

A little over a month after its launch in Europe, the most radical version of Tesla’s most popular electric SUV is finally on sale in the United States. The launch has coincidentally coincided with the final hours of the 7,500-dollar federal tax credit that the government offers for the purchase of an electric vehicle, which will surely have encouraged a good number of Americans to place an order as quickly as possible.

With a base price of $57,490 in the United States, opting for the Performance version of the Model Y means paying $8,500 more than the previously top-of-the-range version, Long Range All Wheel Drive, which costs $48,990. This price increase brings a noticeably superior performance and a much more premium level of equipment.

The Model Y Performance features two electric motors, which increase the power output to 338 kW with 660 Nm of torque. This allows it to reach 60 miles per hour -96.5 km/h- in just 3.3 seconds, compared with the 4.6 seconds required by the Long Range All Wheel Drive version. Likewise, its top speed is also higher, limited to 155 miles per hour, compared with the 125 miles per hour of the version immediately below it.

As for range, Tesla promises 306 miles -492 km- under the EPA test cycle, 21 miles less than the lower version due to its greater power. This is a fairly small difference, which makes this high-performance version of the Model Y a good option for anyone who enjoys long-distance travel.

There is no doubt that this is the top of the range

As we have already seen with the European model, the Model Y Performance incorporates some details that give it a sportier and more premium look. Among them are more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a small carbon-fibre rear spoiler and a specific logo on the tailgate. Likewise, inside Tesla has improved the experience of getting into the vehicle , including heated and ventilated seats that offer greater lateral support, along with some carbon-fibre trim.

Among the technical improvements of this Performance version of the Model Y, we must mention its new suspension with adaptive dampers, which optimise handling, ensuring agile and precise driving on mountain roads with many bends. This superior performance nevertheless maintains a balance between sportiness and practicality, which will surely make it far more attractive to a greater number of potential buyers.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverTesla Model Y4 versions · from 39,990 €