Elon, Can We Have This Please? Tesla Model Y Performance Revealed With 480bhp

Updated: Friday, August 29, 2025, 19:32 [IST]

American EV pioneer Tesla has revealed the new Model Y Performance, the most powerful version of its best-selling SUV. Developed at the Nürburgring, the Tesla Model Y Performance features more power, a new battery pack with higher efficiency, and a reworked chassis developed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The Model Y Performance features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 460 bhp. Tesla claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

The Model Y Performance features an upgraded high-density battery pack (size details still not out, yet) that gives the SUV a 580 km WLTP-certified range on a single charge. The most powerful Model Y's battery weighs the same as the standard unit but carries more energy. The battery pack supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the Model Y to recover around 240 km of range in just 15 minutes.

The Tesla Model Y Performance features quite a few other mechanical upgrades, including stiffer springs, stronger anti-roll bars, reinforced bushings, and a more rigid rear structure. Adaptive dampers borrowed from the Model 3 Performance and tuned at the Nürburgring complete the setup.

Exterior changes to the Model Y Performance include redesigned bumpers that improve aerodynamics and airflow stability. A carbon-fibre rear spoiler provides additional downforce, and there are red-painted brake callipers that sit behind new 21-inch Arachnid alloy wheels..

Inside, the Performance edition adds new sports seats with deeper bolsters for support during cornering. A 16-inch centre display dominates the cabin, offering 80 per cent more pixels than before for sharper visuals. Also seen are carbon-fibre trim inserts.

Interestingly, Tesla is not launching the most powerful version of the Model Y in its home market of the United States. Launch markets include Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Model Y Performance will be produced at Tesla's Gigafactory in Germany.

In India, Tesla currently sells only Standard and Long-Range RWD versions of the Model Y. There is currently no news if Tesla will bring the Model Y Performance to India.