Overview
The 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance is exactly what its name suggests — a Model Y turned up to eleven. It’s the top-spec version of Tesla’s bestselling electric SUV, designed for those who want speed, space, and silence — but can’t resist a touch of madness.
At around £62,000, it costs roughly £10,000 more than the Long Range AWD and £17,000 over the base RWD variant. But with that extra outlay, you get supercar-like acceleration, new styling details, upgraded suspension, and an even sharper driving experience.
Design and Exterior
Visually, the 2025 Model Y Performance stands out immediately. Based on the updated Model Y, it sports a refreshed look with new Matrix LED headlights, a revised front bumper with air curtains, and a sleeker black lower grille.
A connected front light bar gives it a futuristic appearance — though, in truth, we may have reached “peak light bar” in automotive design. Still, Tesla’s take looks cleaner and more cohesive than most.
At the side, the 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 alloy wheels (wrapped in 255/35 R21 front and 275/35 R21 rear tyres) fill the arches perfectly, while red brake calipers hint at its performance pedigree. Blacked-out trim elements — including the mirrors, handles, and window surrounds — give it a stealthy, purposeful stance.
At the rear, a carbon-fibre lip spoiler, a bolder diffuser, and the new LED taillight bar emphasize width and aggression. It’s a handsome car from most angles, especially in Performance trim, which subtly screams capability without looking overdesigned.
Charging happens via a 270 kW DC fast charger, good for 10–80% in about 25 minutes.
Interior and Build Quality
Step inside and the Model Y Performance immediately feels more upmarket than before. The new performance seats are a highlight — featuring larger side bolsters and an extendable motorized thigh support, they hold you firmly when cornering while remaining comfortable on long drives.
The dashboard has been upgraded with carbon-fibre-effect trim, while the overall layout remains minimalist and driver-centric. Physical buttons are almost entirely gone — everything from drive mode selection to wiper control runs through the central touchscreen.
Infotainment and Tech
The updated 16-inch central display replaces the old 15.4-inch unit, now with 80% more pixels for crisper graphics and quicker response times. As expected from Tesla, it’s smooth, intuitive, and blazingly fast.
The system integrates everything — navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and climate control. Even the drive selector is virtual: swipe forward for Drive, back for Reverse, or tap for Park. It’s unconventional, but works surprisingly well once you get used to it.
Cabin storage is generous, with large bins and two wireless chargers. However, there’s only one front USB port (plus two at the rear), which feels stingy in a car that costs this much.
The panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, and rear-seat space remains excellent, offering great legroom, generous headroom, and a massive boot — backed by underfloor storage and a sizable front trunk (frunk).
Performance and Acceleration
Tesla says the Model Y Performance can do 0–62 mph in 3.3 seconds, and that figure doesn’t feel exaggerated. With dual motors and the latest 4DU drive unit, it delivers instant torque and relentless thrust.
Engage “Insane Mode,” bury the throttle, and the Y launches forward with the ferocity of a supercar. The acceleration is so violent it can genuinely make passengers queasy — or make you laugh out loud at how absurdly quick a family SUV can be.
In real-world driving, even the slightest prod of the accelerator produces neck-snapping results. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to overshoot speed limits without realizing it.
Thankfully, Tesla includes Chill Mode for saner everyday driving, which smooths throttle response and makes the car far easier to control in traffic.
Ride, Handling, and Comfort
The 2025 Performance model brings a long-awaited improvement in ride quality and refinement. It borrows the adaptive suspension system from the new Model 3 Performance, combining adjustable damping with updated springs, anti-roll bars, and chassis geometry.
The result is a car that feels notably more composed than before. Where the previous Model Y was criticised for being harsh, this version manages to stay planted without punishing its occupants.
Despite the large 21-inch wheels, the ride is surprisingly compliant, especially in “Standard” mode. Road noise is still present, but wind insulation and acoustic glass reduce cabin intrusion significantly.
When it comes to handling, the Model Y Performance performs better than its size and height suggest. Its low centre of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) ensures balanced weight distribution and superb body control.
At roughly 2,000 kg, it’s no featherweight, but Tesla’s chassis tuning and immediate torque vectoring make it agile and predictable through bends. Grip levels are high, steering response is precise, and body roll is well-contained.
Braking and Efficiency
Braking performance has improved, with stronger pedal feel and better modulation than older Teslas. The brakes cope well with repeated stops, though they’re still tuned more for everyday driving than track use.
Energy efficiency remains strong — Tesla claims up to 360 miles (580 km) of range, just 12 miles less than the Long Range AWD. In real-world driving, expect around 300 miles (480 km), which is still excellent for a 3.3-second SUV.
Charging via Tesla’s Supercharger network remains one of the brand’s biggest advantages, ensuring consistent charge speeds and minimal downtime.
Verdict
The 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance is an unapologetically fast and futuristic SUV that blurs the line between family practicality and supercar performance.
It’s brutally quick, surprisingly composed, and more refined than ever before. While it’s still light on physical controls and heavy on screen reliance, Tesla’s software execution remains unmatched in usability.
Pros ✅
- Supercar-level acceleration (0–62 mph in 3.3 sec)
- Adaptive suspension greatly improves comfort
- 360-mile claimed range and 250 kW fast charging
- Upgraded 16-inch display and improved build quality
- Huge practicality (rear space + front trunk)
Cons ❌
- Minimal physical controls
- Some road noise persists
- Only one USB-A port up front
Final Word:
The 2025 Model Y Performance is Tesla’s most complete SUV yet — fast, efficient, and more livable than ever. It doesn’t just deliver raw speed; it delivers composure, character, and day-to-day usability that few rivals can match.
If you want an EV that thrills every time you hit the throttle but still carries the family and luggage, the Model Y Performance is in a league of its own.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.