A 100% sporty version of the Model Y, the Tesla electric SUV has clear ambitions: dynamic, efficient. So what is it worth on a daily basis? Here is our review of the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Imagine, an electric SUV aimed at both everyday utility and dynamism at will. Designed both for family outings and for short solo fun outings. In any case, this is what the aptly named Model Y Performance, straight out of Berlin, offers. First Tesla model produced in Europe, within the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, it even allows itself some specificities. Design, comfort, performance, autonomy… Let’s go for a few days at the wheel of the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Video to come!
We mightn’t resist the urge to share the written version of this essay with you as soon as possible, but know that it will be supplemented by a video in a few days, a little patience!
The Tesla Model Y Performance side look: familiar SUV
Regular reader of Automobile Propre, you have already discovered the Model Y through our test a few months ago. We are back today with the “sporty” version of the family SUV, fresh out of Berlin. Let’s start with what does not change: the style. Our Model Y Performance retains its “SUV-ized” Model 3 design, with a curvaceous look and look. Halfway between compact and large SUV, it is 4.75 m long and 1.97 m wide. Generous dimensions all the same, attenuated by the Plain Black livery of our test model. The proportions are all the more flattering as our Performance version is slightly lowered and fitted with 21-inch rims. A detail that makes the SUV more flattering than its Long Autonomy counterpart, only available in 19 or 20 inches.
Pack Performance : over sporty !
Like the Model 3 Performance, the Tesla Model Y Performance is adorned with some sporting assets. From aesthetics to performance, the standard equipment includes:
- 21-inch Überturbine rims
- Carbon fiber spoiler
- Aluminum crankset
- Lowered suspension
- Performance Brakes
- Top speed of 250 km/h (compared to 217 km/h)
- 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds ( once morest 5 seconds)
Other small features, only present on the model Made in Berlin for now, are there. Note for example the presence of a rigid rear shelf, as well as hooks in the trunk. Rear passengers also benefit from Tesla Glass double glazing. Both front and rear, the seats have evolved and offer improved lateral support with more enveloping edges. Finally, the serial number begins with XP7 for Berlin, in addition to 5YJ (Fremont) and LRW (Shanghai).
Life on board: high-tech ergonomics
On board, the Tesla Model Y Performance puts everything on its large 15-inch touch pad. It is she who acts as a dashboard and multimedia interface, not to mention all the controls and parameters of the vehicle. No instrumentation or counters behind the steering wheel, everything is done from the large tactile slate. If the followers of the physical controls (your servant is one of them) will regret certain physical controls such as for the air conditioning, it is clear that the whole contributes to a particularly refined atmosphere in the passenger compartment. Two buttons with wheels on the steering wheel, two joysticks, and the tablet are enough to control everything. Our black interior shines with its sobriety, both elegant and a bit futuristic. Special mention to the AMD Ryzen processor behind the screen, whose most geeks will appreciate the fluidity it provides under the fingers.
Mobile app: full control and Sentinel mode
Let’s talk a bit regarding the Tesla mobile application, which deserves a few moments. Once installed and associated with the vehicle, the app gives us full control of our Tesla Model Y Performance. It is possible to lock and unlock the car, or to ventilate it by slightly lowering the four windows. Same thing for opening and closing the rear trunk, and the front trunk (opening only). Programming of the ventilation, start-up, and setting of the speed limit are also offered. Special mention to the Sentinel mode, allowing you to monitor the surroundings of the vehicle and use the megaphone in real time. Very effective, the application was quite responsive throughout our use. Note, however, that a bad connection to the network may cause some slowdowns and latencies.
Comfort and roominess: high capacity
The Tesla Model Y Performance welcomes us in even more comfortable seats, thanks to their optimized lateral support. Driver and passengers are all well seated. Only the middle rear passenger will feel a bit on a less comfortable “hump”, as is often the case. The electric SUV is no exception, but remains very far from being the worst student in this area. Fortunately, the flat floor and headroom offer first-rate roominess for the whole family. The legroom, which is very important, also eliminates discomfort in the knees. The loading volume amounts to 117 l for the front trunk and 854 l in the rear. In total, no less than 2,158 l are available when the rear seats are folded down! Almost flat, the floor obtained would almost make the Tesla Model Y Performance a perfect small utility when needed.
Electrical performance: functional or sporty?
Why not both following all? Under the hood (well, not really), the Tesla Model Y Performance is powered by Dual Motor all-wheel drive. This combines a power of 377 kW (510 hp) for 660 Nm of torque. In practice, these values result in very straightforward acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. All the more impressive performance given the approximately 1,995 kg of the electric SUV. Concretely, if the stopped starts make us a little “feel” the weight of the vehicle, this feeling disappears from 50 km/h. With the acceleration set to Sporty, reactivity and reminders are there in all circumstances.
In real conditions, overruns and insertions pose no concern. Again, the feeling is impressive when you know that you are on board an SUV. The maximum speed of 250 km/h is also reached without too much effort (on a closed road of course). After the “kick” specific to electric operation, the Model Y Performance evolves smoothly and silently. A very appreciable comfort as well in family on a daily basis, as during the pleasure walks of the weekend. In normal times, we will favor the Standard mode, more than enough for every day.
Behavior and handling: controlled sportiness
Performance coupled with behavior and comfort in line with the sporting attributes of the beast! Unlike the Grande Autonomie model, we are looking for sportiness and dynamism here. A character embodied by the lowered suspension and the 21-inch rims of our Performance. Speaking of rims, Tesla regulars are almost unanimous: you’re not really part of the club until you’ve rubbed one. It is with regret that your tester joins this not so exclusive club. A small courtesy gap in a street with irregular sidewalks will have been enough to make the very first rim of my career. Sorry Tesla! The Überturbine, it’s classy but vulnerable, overflowing a little less from the tires, it would be Überperfect. Inevitably firmer, our Y nevertheless remains surprisingly comfortable when attacking, without ever jumping even when rolling empty.
The connection to the ground is ensured by Pirelli P Zero PNCS 255 mm wide. Tires as efficient as they are silent, which lock the SUV to the bitumen. In full acceleration and even in support in the turns, the roll is almost non-existent. Only the steering adjustment will really change the feeling behind the wheel, depending on the mode chosen. Finally, the only point that betrays the size of the SUV is high-speed braking. The Performance brakes are extremely effective but generate predictable swaying when braking hard at more than 200 km/h (necessarily). A problem that does not arise in daily driving, fortunately. Overall, the sporty character of the Tesla Model Y Performance is therefore indeed present, and well controlled.
Autonomy and charging: exemplary efficiency
Finally, let’s talk regarding autonomy. The Tesla Model Y Performance is powered by a useful 77 kWh battery (82 gross kWh). What announce a range of up to 514 km, for an average consumption of 17.3 kWh / 100 km. For once, our Tesla is very close to the values announced by the WLTP protocol. Apart from the phases from 0 to 100 km/h and other peak speeds (we reassure you, no more were done than necessary for our measurements, wasting battery not being the goal, not to mention the rubber and brakes!), and scrupulously respecting the speed limits on our mixed courses, here are our results.
- 16 kWh/100 km in Standard acceleration
- Approximately 508 km in Standard acceleration
- 17 kWh / 100 km in Sport acceleration
- About 479 km in Sporty acceleration
- 20 kWh/100 km in sporty driving + overtaking
Same observation as during our test of the Model Y: difficult to be more efficient in the electric SUV segment! On the charging side, the Tesla Model Y Performance readily accepts Superchargers up to 250 kW. Enough to recover nearly 241 km in just 15 minutes. On a long course, it is simply a short break, and off you go. With 100 stations and 1,000 charging points in France, and at an average price of €0.46/kWh in France currently, charging is both fast and economical. If needed, an 11 kW on-board charger for home charging.
Tesla Model Y Performance: from €66,990
The Tesla Model Y Performance is sold from €66,990 (excluding bonuses). In Plain Black (+€1,190), our test model is displayed at €68,180. As always with Tesla, very few additional options are offered, as the standard equipment is complete. From the huge full panoramic roof to the reclining rear seats, there’s not much to add. Only the black and white interior (+€1,190), improved Autopilot (+€3,800), and fully autonomous driving (+€7,500) are available. Finally, a towing hook allowing to tow up to 1,600 kg is also available. Clearly, it is difficult to be more efficient and more effective in the segment of family sports SUVs. And at “only” €4,000 more than the Grande Autonomie model, for deliveries from August 2022 depending on the configuration, the Tesla Model Y Performance is promised a great success when ordering.
