Australian order books have opened for the range-topping 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance ahead of first customer deliveries scheduled for December.
The flagship version of Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle (EV) has been priced at $89,400 before on-road costs, sliding below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387 and substantially undercutting rivals including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
Sourced from Germany, the upgraded Tesla Model Y Performance model will join the entry-level Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive priced at $58,900 before on-roads, and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) priced at $68,900 before on-roads, both of which are made in China for Australia.
The Performance version of the mid-size electric SUV brings the same 343kW electric powertrain as the Model 3 Performance sedan (priced at $80,900 before on-roads), and is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds – only 0.2 seconds slower than its sedan sibling – on its way to a 250km/h top speed.
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With a 79kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, the Model Y Performance has a 580km (WLTP) range – only 20km short of the Long Range version and a 52km improvement over the Model 3 Performance.
Tesla says a 15-minute DC fast-charge brings up to 243km of range, after opening the southern hemisphere’s largest fast-charging station in New South Wales earlier this year.
The Performance also brings unique front and rear bumpers, which Tesla says reduce drag and lift, as well as larger 21-inch ‘Arachnid’ forged alloy wheels, red brake calipers, gloss black detailing, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and lower rear bumper diffuser.
Under the skin, the Performance chassis brings new adaptive damping with three selectable modes – Standard, Sport and Track – to take advantage of revised springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, which are designed to improve responsiveness and handling.
The adaptive suspension can be set to personal preference via customisable driving modes, which also tune the stability and traction control systems, and are selected using a higher-resolution 16.0-inch touchscreen, 0.6 inches up on the rest of the Model Y range.
Inside, the Performance flagship’s front seats are both heated and ventilated, and have powered thigh cushion extenders, while the dash and doors feature carbon-fibre inserts, with aluminum pedals down below.
The arrival of the halo version comes after the Model Y was updated earlier this year, as Tesla tries to stem slowing sales in key markets around the world including Australia, where its year-to-date sales are down around one-third compared to last year.
Despite slower sales, the Model Y remains Australia’s best-selling EV ahead of the BYD Sealion 7 and the Model 3.
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