We are just a while away from Tesla’s update to the most popular electric crossover. The revised Model Y Performance, spotted on the Nürburgring in Germany, is shaping up to be the most interesting Model Y. This new flagship uses bold styling, sports parts, and a possible Model 3 Performance engine to give its family EV buyers excellent handling on the track.
Spotting a Tesla Model Y prototype testing near the Gigafactory Shanghai led to discussions and excitement among car experts and researchers. At that point, it was unclear whether the new features hinted at a big update for the existing Model Y or a completely new variant. With the Model Y Performance now shown in Europe, there is a strong possibility that the sighting in China was an early test sample designed for the same model.
Tesla Model Y Performance Spotted Testing at Nürburgring
The styling, modern hardware, and speed of the Nürburgring prototype are consistent with the Shanghai prototype, so it appears Tesla has had the high-performance SUV in development for a while.
Aggressive Look
If you notice anything unique, it’s the high trunk spoiler and an eye-catching wheel design, just like what’s on the Model S Plaid. Underneath their sticky Pirelli P Zero rubber, the wheels look like 21-inch units that may be wider at the back for better handling and grip.
Unlike the newly updated Model 3 Performance, this prototype keeps the standard Model Y front bumper. Even so, this design might not stay as the final production design. Industry experts say Tesla revises these small points up until the final stage of production.
Performance-Focused Tweaks
Perhaps the most important update is the low ride, which makes the Performance trim appear low and dynamic. It not only looks visually appealing but also has better stability and handling. Almost certainly, the Performance model from Tesla will include adaptive dampers that let drivers switch between various driving modes, similar to what Model 3 Performance users can select.
🔥🔥 The new Tesla Model Y Performance has been spotted at the Nürburgring:
✅ Rear spoiler (similar to the Model 3 Performance)
✅ New wheels, likely 21” (slightly different from those on the S/X Plaid)
✅ Pirelli P-Zero tires
✅ Red brake calipers
✅ No changes to the front or… https://t.co/uZQCpgc0pt pic.twitter.com/Kf7lX5ip60— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) May 21, 2025
The red calipers on the brakes make an appearance behind the wheels, suggesting that Tesla has finally given owners the requested improvements to the brakes, especially since previous models suffered from thermal fade.
The drivetrain design in the new Model Y Performance should closely resemble that of the new Model 3 Performance. So, both motors on all-wheel drive combine to supply about 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of torque. The crossover will use a 79 kWh battery for power and an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.2 seconds, quicker than the existing Performance model’s time of 3.5 seconds. Although there’s no news about a new battery pack, range is expected to be nearly as good as the Performance model’s 290 miles.
Scheduled Launch and Cost
There is no official date from Tesla, but those close to the company suggest it could launch late in 2025, maybe in Q4. The new model is expected to cost around $55,000, about $7,000 more than the Long Range AWD, at $48,990. Many gas-powered vehicles with similar capabilities would cost more, so drivers drawn to speed, functionality, and very little emissions might be interested in the EV.
Thanks to its improved setup, racing-style improvements, and strong performance engine, Tesla’s coming Model Y Performance could compete alongside the best SUVs in the business. Both driving experts and those who want a quicker daily commute may appreciate Tesla’s latest update when it becomes available.
