How much better is the new Tesla Model Y Performance all-electric midsize SUV

Tech Guide got behind the wheel of the new Tesla Model Y Performance model which has just gone on sale in Australia – and it lives up to its performance name.

The Tesla Model Y midsize all-electric SUV outwardly looks virtually the same apart from a couple of subtle changes and inside the car is also the same.

But as its name suggests – it’s the performance improvements that will get a driver’s attention.

When the Model Y was released last year, it was only available in RWD (rear wheel drive), so it had one motor on the back axle.

Tech Guide got behind the wheel back then as well and found it offered 455km range, 217km/h top speed and 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

In Australia, the Model Y RWD starts at $69,300.

But now Tesla Model Y is available in Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive which is this latest Performance model.

And if it’s performance you want – it’s performance you get with an increased range of 514km, a top speed of 250km/h and the ability to travel 0-100km/h in a zippy 3.7 seconds.

That’s what you’re paying for with the Tesla Model Y Performance which starts at $95,300 in Australia.

Included with Tesla Model Y performance is 21-inch Uberturbine Wheels and fancy red Performance brakes.

It’s a good idea for Tesla to include better brakes with a vehicle that can take only 3.7s to reach 100km/h from a standing start.

The car also has lowered suspension so it sits a little closer to the ground than the rear wheel drive model but now so low as to scrape speed bumps and steep driveways.

The Tesla Model Y Performance also has aluminium alloy pedals and a carbon fiber spoiler as well.

For those who like to know figures – the Tesla Model Y Performance has 393kw of power and 660Nm torque which is nearly twice what you get with the RWD drive model and that’s the main reason Performance costs $26,000 more.

In terms of driving performance, the Model Y Performance offers a sure-footed drive with improved suspension to iron out those bumps and speedhumps.

Of course it still has the same minimal design on the dashboard which is dominated by the large touchscreen that controls and adjusts everything in the car.

The Model Y also sits a bit higher off the road than the Model 3 and offers plenty of room for five adults to sit in comfort.

It also has a bit more headroom so taller drivers like me still have space between the top of our noggin and the all-glass roof.

There is also plenty of storage space – enough to fit in our golf clubs and our mini all-electric buggy.

And below the boot space is another area – typically where you find the spare tyre (there’s no spare in a Tesla) for added storage space.

And there’s also the front trunk which has enough space for your shopping or your carry-on luggage.

Being an EV you also need to charge the car.

Tesla offers an optional charger to purchase which can be installed by an electrician in your garage or driveway.

And there is the vast Tesla supercharger network that you can use to recharge in metro and country areas around Australia.

There are also more community Type 2 chargers in car parks, hotels and wineries that can work with the Tesla Model Y.