Tesla Model Y Performance Review (2026)

Read Caroline’s Tesla Model Y Performance review for everything you need to know about buying Tesla’s most powerful Model Y in Ireland.

Earlier in 2025, Tesla released the updated Model Y and now we meet the fastest variant yet – the Tesla Model Y Performance. Aside from sportier styling and interior finish, there are numerous technical upgrades that lift this into the realm of performance.

While the Model Y range starts from €42,990 in Ireland, the Performance sits at the top of the range with a list price of €61,990.

So is it worth it? I tested it to find out.

Tesla Model Y Performance Design

Tesla thoroughly modernised the Model Y with the 2025 update. It gets a bold new light bar at the front and a restyled rear with new full-width light bar. However, it retains the Y’s classic, sleek shape that has always made it an aerodynamic star.

The Performance lifts the Y into slicker, more dynamic territory with sporty 21” ‘Arachnid’ forged alloy wheels with integrated aero covers, red brake calipers and wrapped in sticky Pirelli tyres. There’s also restyled bumpers, and a diffuser effect in the rear one. A new carbon-fibre rear spoiler is fitted to enhance high-speed stability. Altogether, design tweaks contribute to 10% less drag than the previous model.

There’s also a special badge on the back and the puddle lights project the same logo onto the ground at night.

Like the rest of the range, there are a number of colours available. Stealth Grey is the standard colour.

Tesla Model Y Performance Interior

Inside, the Model Y Performance retains Tesla’s classic minimalist style, but with front sports seats that really lift the ambience and add new extendable thigh support. Like the rest of the updated Y range, there is tasteful ambient lighting that can change colour. The overall quality is very good, giving it an upmarket feel. The Performance also gets some carbon fibre trim in the door cards and dashboard for a subtle bit of sportiness.

There is no head-up display or driver display in front of you as per usual in Teslas, but the signature touchscreen is actually a little larger (16-inch) than in standard Ys, with thinner bezel and higher resolution. It features a myriad of menus and options to explore, but is one of the slickest touchscreen systems around.

Other standard features include a panoramic glass roof, heated steering wheel, as well as ventilated and heated front seats.

Tesla Model Y Performance Video Review

Watch Caroline test the Model Y Performance on Irish roads.

Practicality

There’s loads of space inside the Model Y for a five-seat electric SUV, and rear seat passengers also get their own 8-inch touchscreen to control media, games, climate control and other features. Other features include an armrest with cupholders, Isofix points and two USB-C ports.

The Performance retains the same massive boot as the standard Y, with generous underfloor storage. There’s a retractable, removable parcel shelf, and buttons to let the rear seats up and down (60:40).

Being a Tesla, there’s also a large storage compartment under the bonnet.

Driving the Model Y Performance

The Model Y Performance is the most powerful of the range with 460hp and 0-100kmh in just 3.3 seconds. The all wheel drive system ensures that power is put to the road expertly, with tonnes of grip to play with. It’s an incredibly fun and quick SUV to drive, and surely the most engaging electric SUV that can also carry five people and their things.

The Performance also gets boosted spec and technical upgrades like adaptive suspension that gives the driver the option to switch between a standard and firmer sport setting. The ride quality is excellent, even better than standard versions of the Y. There is still a degree of firmness to it but that’s what makes it exciting and enhances your connection with the road.

This car has a brilliant sense of poise and control, and corners with gusto. Acoustic glass keeps noise levels down inside. Range is quoted up to 580km (WLTP) and efficiency is good too, with my average resting at about 18kWh per 100 kilometres.

Charging

Fast charging is possible up to 250kW and there’s 11kW AC charging.

Tesla Model Y Performance Price

It sits at the top of the range with a list price of €61,990. The new rear wheel drive Model Y Standard starts from €42,990 for reference, the long range Premium from €49,990 and the long range Premium AWD from €52,990.

Verdict

The Tesla Model Y Performance takes everything that already makes the Model Y a bestseller, and brings more performance and precision that will delight driving enthusiasts and maybe even convert a few hardened petrolheads.

With supercar-rivalling acceleration, excellent grip and impressive composure through corners, it delivers thrills while also offering space for five people and their things. The fit and finish is excellent inside, and it looks good on the outside too.

At €61,990, it’s a significant step up in price from the rest of the Model Y range, and it won’t be the obvious choice for buyers purely focused on value. But for those who want performance without compromising on space, practicality or refinement, the Model Y Performance fully justifies its place at the top of the line-up. A brilliant driver’s car that also happens to be electric.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year