This isn’t the model that will stop Tesla’s sales decline, but at least it will leave a few smiles. Tesla has unveiled the new Model Y Performance, following the updated generation revealed last year.
Externally, the differences are now more noticeable, with aggressive front and rear bumpers, a massive carbon rear spoiler, and sporty interior seats, alongside a 16-inch central multimedia screen.
As usual, Tesla does not officially announce the power output, which is reported in Europe to be 460 hp, while the American version will typically be more powerful. The drivetrain is dual-motor. Performance? 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, four-tenths slower than the lighter Model 3 Performance and two-tenths faster than the previous Performance version.
Despite the improved performance, Tesla claims an impressive range of 576 km, with a battery featuring enhanced thermal durability.
Adaptive suspension is responsible for handling, with the option to transfer more power to the rear axle for sportier behavior. To allow better grip and handling, the Performance model sits 1.2 cm lower than the standard Y. There are also lightweight 21-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires.
Tesla Israel has not yet announced the price or arrival date of the Performance model in the country. In Europe, its price will be about 15% higher than the dual-motor Long Range, which costs 290,000 ILS locally, meaning around 330–340,000 ILS if the model is launched in Israel in 2025, before the next electric vehicle tax increase.
In any case, the price is lower than that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, currently considered the best electric sporty crossover. The hot Korean accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, reaches a top speed of 260 km/h, and has an official range of 448 km.
However, its import to Israel was halted this year. According to the importer, Carmobile, the manufacturer did not allocate the model for our market. Imports may resume in 2026. The last price the model was sold for in Israel was NIS 444,000, significantly higher than the expected price of the Model Y Performance, and may have been one of the reasons for stopping imports.
Unlike in the past, the Model Y Performance is expected to arrive in Israel from the Shanghai factory in China, rather than from the Berlin factory in Germany, as has been done with other versions of the model. The change has drawn criticism from customers; however, when Model 3 deliveries to Israel previously shifted from the California factory to the Shanghai factory, the quality of the cars improved.