Tesla has finally brought the high-performance version of the refreshed Model Y to China, giving its best-selling electric SUV a much sportier flagship variant.
The new Tesla Model Y Performance is priced at RMB 369,000, which is roughly Rs. 44 lakh before taxes and other market-specific costs.
The China-spec model gets a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Regulatory filings had already revealed that the new variant uses a 176 kW front motor and a 291 kW rear motor, giving it a combined peak output of 467 kW, or around 635 hp.
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Tesla Model Y Performance Price in China
Tesla has priced the new Model Y Performance at RMB 369,000 in China. This makes it significantly more expensive than the regular Model Y range, but the Performance variant sits at the top of the lineup with substantially stronger performance hardware.
The new model also comes with a 78.4 kWh battery pack supplied by LG Energy Solution’s Chinese operation. Despite its performance-focused setup, the China-spec Model Y Performance is rated for up to 659 km of CLTC range.
| Specification | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|
| Price in China | RMB 369,000 |
| Powertrain | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Combined Motor Output | 467 kW / ~635 hp |
| Battery | 78.4 kWh |
| Claimed Range | Up to 659 km CLTC |
| 0-100 km/h | Around 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h |
| Production | Gigafactory Shanghai |
Tesla Model Y Performance: 635 HP Dual-Motor AWD Setup
The biggest highlight of the new Tesla Model Y Performance is its upgraded electric powertrain. Chinese regulatory documents list a 176 kW front motor and a much more powerful 291 kW rear motor.
Together, the motors are rated at 467 kW, equivalent to approximately 635 hp. The SUV also gets all-wheel drive, making this considerably more performance-oriented than the regular Model Y variants currently sold in China.
The 250 km/h top speed is another major upgrade. The regular China-spec Model Y variants have a lower 201 km/h top-speed rating, while the new Performance version is designed to sit clearly above them in terms of outright performance.
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659 Km Range Despite Performance Focus
Performance EVs generally sacrifice some range for stronger acceleration and higher-output motors, but Tesla has managed to retain a claimed 659 km CLTC range with the new Model Y Performance.
The SUV uses a 78.4 kWh battery, the same basic battery capacity reported for some of Tesla’s longest-range China-market models. However, the Performance version’s larger wheels, dual-motor setup and performance calibration result in a lower range figure than the 821 km-rated Model Y Long Range RWD.
For a performance-focused electric SUV, the combination of nearly 660 km claimed range and a sub-4-second acceleration target makes the new variant particularly interesting in China’s highly competitive EV market.
21-Inch Wheels and Performance Hardware
The China-spec Model Y Performance also gets 21-inch wheels, which were already visible in the regulatory filings before the launch. The model is expected to feature the Performance-specific chassis and suspension setup that Tesla offers on its high-performance Model Y in other markets.
Tesla’s China owner’s manual also confirms that Performance models have dedicated ride-and-handling suspension settings, including Standard and Sport modes.
This means the new variant isn’t simply a more powerful Model Y. Tesla has also tuned the chassis and suspension to better handle the additional performance.
Why This Launch Matters for Tesla in China
The timing of the new Model Y Performance is important. Tesla continues to face intense competition in China from domestic EV manufacturers, while its local sales have remained under pressure.
Tesla recently introduced incentives of up to RMB 10,000 on eligible Model Y inventory vehicles through September 30, highlighting the importance of maintaining demand in the Chinese market.
Adding a high-performance flagship could help Tesla attract buyers who are looking beyond conventional range and efficiency and want stronger acceleration and sportier driving dynamics.
Built at Gigafactory Shanghai
Another important point is that the China-market Tesla Model Y Performance is being produced locally at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai.
This allows Tesla to avoid importing the vehicle into China and gives the company access to its established local supply chain. Earlier MIIT filings specifically identified Shanghai as the production location for the new variant.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The new Tesla Model Y Performance gives the refreshed Model Y a serious performance upgrade in China. With around 635 hp, dual-motor AWD, a claimed 659 km CLTC range and a 250 km/h top speed, it combines performance and everyday usability better than the typical high-performance EV.
The bigger question is whether Tesla will bring this exact China-spec version to other markets. For now, its launch in China strengthens the Model Y lineup at a time when Tesla needs more compelling products to fight increasingly aggressive local EV rivals.
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