Images
With the launch of Tesla's Model Y mid-sized EV crossover in 2021 came also a top 'Performance'-spec version marked out by some very subtle styling cues to designate it as the ultimate small Tesla hatch. Power was up to 483bhp and the 62mph sprint took just 3.5s. This was an EV on a mission. Let's check it out as a used buy.
+ More
Detailed ratings
Compact Full Electric Cars
History
You'll have seen many Tesla Model Ys on the roads; it's the brand's best seller. But very few of them will have been the top flagship 'Performance' version, launched with the mainstream line-up in 2021, which has only a few exterior detail changes to mark it out from any normal Dual Motor 'Long Range' Model Y. It goes a fair bit faster though, so it'll be the variant of choice for anyone seeking Model Y motoring to the max.
By 2021, Tesla had gradually been improving its prowess when it comes to R&D development and the result was that cars from the brand from this era were able to ride and handle to a significantly higher standard - something this top Model Y aimed to showcase. Here, we look at the earlier 2021-2024 versions of this Performance variant, which sold until a far-reaching 'Project Juniper' update brought a revitalised Model Y Performance variant in min-2025.
+ More
What you get
A 'Performance'-spec Model 3 is perhaps primarily recognisable by its lowered suspension and larger 21-inch 'Uberturbine' wheels, through the spokes of which you glimpse the red calipers of the uprated 'Performance' braking system. At the back, a neat carbonfibre rear spoiler has been added. Otherwise, there are no visual differences between this variant and an ordinary Model Y.
Inside, the 'Performance'-spec upgrade is equally subtle, limited to a set of aluminium alloy pedals; otherwise, it's just as in an ordinary Model Y. Which means it's more minimalist than a Scandinavian loft. Well, in terms of button clutter anyway. There's nothing minimalist about this enormous 15-inch central touchscreen, on to which virtually all the comfort, infotainment and driving features you'll need have been located, including those you'd normally find in a conventional instrument cluster - here missing too. Beyond this, operating control provision has been kept to the absolute minimum. Don't bother looking for a gearstick, a starter button, a handbrake switch or physical ventilation controls; even the vents themselves are pretty hidden.
Tesla also thought about getting rid of steering wheel stalks (as it subsequently did on the updated Model 3 and its larger cars), but they were reluctantly retained here, the left one for indicators and the right for gear selection. Otherwise, you're limited to a couple of unmarked scroll wheels on the steering wheel spokes.
Getting in and out of the rear via the pillarless doors is easier than in a comparable Model 3 because of the taller body. Get inside at the back and the first thing you might notice is the completely flat floor - the usual transmission tunnel's not needed of course because there's no mechanical transmission. Even better, there's much more room than is usually provided for a centre-seated passenger to slide his or her shoes forward, beneath the jutting console with its twin vents. True, you'll rarely need the central pew to be occupied, but the space provided for it adds to the airy feel already created by the rear quarterlights and, primarily, by the huge standard panoramic glass roof.
Out back, there's a decently-sized 854-litre boot, extendable to 2,100-litres in size if you fold the rear seats. You also get 117-litres of extra space under the bonnet.
+ More
What to look for
All versions of the Model Y including this one are rated by most commentators as fairly average for reliability, but the 'Y' has a better record than larger Teslas do. The things to look for include misaligned panels and paint imperfections, a leaky rear hatch, seat latch problems, door handle alignment issues and climate control problems. That big centre screen can sometimes freeze and exhibit glitches in the navigation system or software bugs. We have come across lots of complaints about the autonomous elements of the car - the wipers, the lights and the Lane keeping system. And we've heard of customers that have had a sudden loss of power steering assistance. It's worth checking out the www.teslamotorsclub.com owners site for more owner feedback.
We've also heard of some charging difficulties - like incompatibility with some stations or slower-than-anticipated charging times. A few owners communicated malfunctions with the flush door handles which have occasionally been known to fail, making it difficult to open the doors. Possible causes of this include faulty sensors or a power outage. There have also been some concerns about the online connection which is essential for several Tesla functions, including navigation, remote app control and automatic software upgrades. These capabilities might sometimes be temporarily unavailable due to intermittent connectivity issues. You can lessen the impact of these issues by keeping your Internet connection steady and your car within range of cellular networks at all times.
What else? Well some Model Y users have complained of odd noises from the suspension like creaking and clunking, so check for these on your test drive. Broken or worn ball joints are to blame. There have been some reports of paint issues, including chipping and peeling, so inspect the bodywork closely. And a number of owners reported that the driving range wasn't as good as advertised, though as usual that's down to how the vehicle is driven, the weather and the usage of the climate system. The key things you need to remember in Model Y ownership are to get your car regularly serviced, keep software up to date, be careful when driving in extreme weather conditions and regularly use a certified Tesla repair shop for any problems.
Otherwise, it's just the usual things to look for: parking knocks and scrapes and any damage to the interior caused by kids. And of course insist on fully stamped-up service history.
+ More
Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2020 Model Y Performance Dual Motor - Ex Vat - see evaaccessories.co.uk) Rear brake pads sit in the £67 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £47 bracket; rear discs are in the £48 bracket. An air filter is around £17. An ABS sensor is around £32. Wipers sit in the £34-£41 bracket. A front upper control arm is around £328. A wing mirror rebuild kit is between £35 and £66.
+ More
On the road
It's the fashion amongst EVs these days for a little combustion-like linearity in the way they accelerate. But Tesla doesn't follow fashion and this car simply hurls itself away from rest, especially in this top 'Performance' form. That's because your right foot is commanding 483 braked horses, 49 more than in the standard Long Range version. As in that lesser variant, electric motors propel you from both front and rear axles, creating the car's 'Dual Motor' AWD system, producing 575Nm of torque and dispatching the 62mph sprint in just 3.5s (1.3s quicker than the standard version). Tesla's also disdained the current fashion for limiting top speed on EVs: this one will cruise on the autobahn at up to 155mph (20mph more than the standard variant).
The Model Y doesn't have a 'Sport' drive mode - and it clearly doesn't need one, the ordinary 'Standard' setting quite enough to bring up your breakfast (and attract the constabulary's attention) if you engage too frequently in repeated right foot flexes. Better if you can to chill - quite literally, because that's the name of the second more laid-back setting that'll better preserve that all-important drive range figure. It's officially quoted at 319 miles for this 'Performance' version - 12 miles less than the ordinary 'Long Range' derivative manages, but that's still very good by class standards.
Tesla reckons that from empty to full, an 11kW wallbox would replenish a Model Y's 75kWh battery in about seven and a half hours, but the 7.4kW wallbox more owners are likely to have needs 12 hours. The Model Y is compatible with the US brand's third generation public Superchargers, which are capable of 250kW charging. Hooked up to one of these, your Model Y will be able to recover 75 miles of range in five minutes, or up to 168 miles in fifteen minutes, with a peak charging rate equivalent to 1000 miles for every hour.
+ More
Overall
This early Model Y Performance isn't one of those hot hatch models that felt a completely different animal to its humbler showroom stablemates; maybe it ought to have been, but back in 2021, Tesla wasn't quite ready to build us a car quite like that quite yet. So don't think of it as a Model S Plaid is to a Model S. It's more a Model Y with a bit more of everything.
Well, everything except pavement stand-apart presence. No one will notice that you've bought anything other than a very well specified Model Y. Not until you leave them for dead at the traffic lights anyway. And if that's what you want, then in this car, Tesla offers quite a performance.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
