TESLA MODEL Y PERFORMANCE

MODELY NOW BRINGS THE PACE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE POISE?

- JEZ SPINKS

TESLA'S MODEL Y is claimed to be the US electric car brand's biggest-selling model globally, though the SUV still plays catch-up to its sedan twin, the Model 3, in Australia.

Whether it will close the gap rapidly with the arrival of the Y's fastest variant, the Performance, remains to be seen. With the middle-order Long Range missing, the Model Y line-up still doesn't fully mirror its sedan sibling.

The Tesla Model Y Performance is priced just under $99,000 when including the luxury car tax, while on-road costs take it to about $108,000 drive-away. That's a substantial, near$30k jump over the rear-drive, single-motor variant that costs from $69,300.

Additions are significant, though, beginning with a larger battery, estimated at 75kWh versus 57.5kWh for the base Y. This delivers a longer range, plus there's a second electric motor that brings all-wheel drive and sharper performance.

Estimated power and torque - via the typically reliable EV Database is 393kW and 660Nm, almost double the figures of the base Y. There are Performance brakes to help shed speed for this faster model, and there are 21-inch 'Uberturbine' wheels as standard where the RWD Model Y sits on 19s. Further addenda include aluminium pedals and a carbonfibre boot-lid spoiler.

Options include a black and white interior, a choice of paint colours (though still a relatively restrictive palette), and enhanced 'autopilot' or a self-driving package. We've yet to be convinced of the worthiness of the tech packages, especially as they're expensive and not all autonomous functions are available yet.

Inside, you know the score with Tesla by now: uncluttered, ultraminimalist.

A couple of aluminium pedals aside, there's nothing in the Performance's austere cabin to tell you you're in the most expensive version of the Model Y. This includes the same vinyl upholstery (which is relaxingly supple but gets sticky on hot days).