Australian order books have opened for the range-topping 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance ahead of first customer deliveries scheduled for December.

The flagship version of Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle (EV) has been priced at $89,400 before on-road costs, sliding below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387 and substantially undercutting rivals including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.

Sourced from Germany, the upgraded Tesla Model Y Performance model will join the entry-level Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive priced at $58,900 before on-roads, and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) priced at $68,900 before on-roads, both of which are made in China for Australia. 

The Performance version of the mid-size electric SUV brings the same 343kW electric powertrain as the Model 3 Performance sedan (priced at $80,900 before on-roads), and is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds – only 0.2 seconds slower than its sedan sibling – on its way to a 250km/h top speed. 

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With a 79kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, the Model Y Performance has a 580km (WLTP) range – only 20km short of the Long Range version and a 52km improvement over the Model 3 Performance.

Tesla says a 15-minute DC fast-charge brings up to 243km of range, after opening the southern hemisphere’s largest fast-charging station in New South Wales earlier this year.

The Performance also brings unique front and rear bumpers, which Tesla says reduce drag and lift, as well as larger 21-inch ‘Arachnid’ forged alloy wheels, red brake calipers, gloss black detailing, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and lower rear bumper diffuser. 

Under the skin, the Performance chassis brings new adaptive damping with three selectable modes – Standard, Sport and Track – to take advantage of revised springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, which are designed to improve responsiveness and handling.