Tesla Model Y Performance review: With speed to the top

With the Tesla Model Y Performance, there is an SUV that is smaller than the Model X, but is therefore also much cheaper. Nevertheless, it offers many features that make it very attractive, especially for families. TechnikNews tested it.

From the Tesla Model Y there are currently exactly three versions: the "cheapest" version with rear-wheel drive, the model with the maximum range, with an all-wheel drive dual motor and the performance version, also with an all-wheel drive dual motor. We tested the latter model with us. All impressions, snapshots and more are available in this detailed review.

Design: A unique selling point

Exactly, Tesla has managed to introduce a design to their cars that can be identified as "Tesla" from afar.

From our point of view, this is of course a big plus in the area of ​​our own design language. Of course, the design of a car is always very subjective. But we found it really successful. It looks fantastic, especially in the black metallic finish. And we didn't find it particularly "big" and SUV-like at all. There are other cars that live out the SUV lifestyle more than the Model Y.

Interior: Very simple & good qualities

Many should already know that the interior of Tesla is very simple. Nevertheless, we find this approach very interesting and think the interior is really good.

It may not please everyone. We have e.g. For example, in addition to the large 15 inch (approx. 38 cm) infotainment screen, a head-up display is sadly missing. On the other hand, we welcome the two inductive QI charging pads placed below the display all the more. Incidentally, two mobile phones neither fell out nor slipped, even with high acceleration spurts. That's really very good. Other manufacturers tend to hide the QI charging cradle from the driver because it could be distracting if you always have your cell phone in your field of vision. But Tesla has a good comm hereprofound missing.

The doors are lined with leatherette and velvet. Feels a little like Alcantara. Definitely good for the interior quality. Furthermore, various wood-plastic elements are added to the design in the interior. As a result, the entire interior creates a kind of "living room" feeling. Which we very much welcomed.

Incidentally, the doors are opened electrically with a button. We have already seen this technology from a number of other manufacturers. Back then, Tesla was probably one of the first to use this technology with the Model 3.

Infotainment: The heart of every Tesla

That's right: At the beginning we already mentioned that Tesla does some things differently than traditional manufacturers. In the case of infotainment, they clearly follow the tracks of various Android manufacturers in order to enable smooth and good everyday use. Thanks to an AMD Ryzen Prozessors, Tesla succeeds in offering the fastest and most fluid infotainment in the entire car market. At most, Android Automotive comes close to the good operation and the fluidity of the "Tesla OS".

There are also various apps, such as Spotify or Tidal. Recently even Apple Music. Tesla does not offer a kind of “app store”. The apps are already pre-installed and so far can “only” be made invisible. Spotify worked excellently in our test. The cameras for reversing have a very good resolution. The side cameras hardly get dirty or wet. However, the reversing camera had to be cleaned very often when it rained and was therefore of little use. In summer or in dry weather, of course, none Prostated problems.

Navigation is via Tesla's own navigation system, which uses the maps and traffic information from Google Maps as a source. If you have subscribed to the "Premium Connectivity", you will also get the satellite maps in addition to a Spotify Premium Auto subscription.

Entertainment guaranteed while charging

Of course, there are also games for the loading time. From Stardew Valley to Fallout Shelter, there's a lot on board. The new Model S and X models from Tesla can now even access the popular gaming platform "Steam" and are therefore also suitable for playing Cyberpunk 2077 (among other things). The relatively short time at the charging station passes extremely quickly.

YouTube, Netflix and some other streaming services are of course also included as "cinema" apps. As soon as you start YouTube or Netflix (in parking mode, of course), the light dims and the headlights go out. Here you can see the connection and attention to detail that Tesla delivers. I'm sure some people like that.

Easter Eggs more and more

Of course, Tesla is also world-renowned for all of their hidden, or not-so-hidden, fun Easter Eggs. such as B. the fireplace, which generates warm air and, if necessary, also starts the “Love Playlist” on Spotify. Or also the affectionately called "exhaust gas scandal" which allows the artificial whoopee cushion to be placed on any seat inside (or outside). There are countless other Easter Eggs and there will definitely be more to come in the future. For example, the “verified fart” was added with the last one. A prankster who thinks of CEO Musk's Twitter story.

Updates are at the heart of Tesla infotainment

Yes, updates are very special at Tesla, especially compared to other automakers. Tesla can update every single component in the car "over the air" or technically via "OTA". This is mainly possible because there are hardly any control modules in the car. Most things are controlled centrally via a computer. Hence the term: "A Tesla is a computer on wheels". That's true and is, let's say in 99 Procent of the cases, also really well solved. We didn't have any, at least during testing Protrouble with the car.

Driving impression: Performant and manoeuvrable, despite the size

As a performance model, the Model Y naturally comes with red brake pads and huge 21-inch “Überturbine” rims. Which, by the way, are slightly outside of the big wheels. It should be said at this point that this is not ideal for curbs and car washes. But they look very stylish, I have to give them that.

Picture: TechnikNews

Let's get to the driving impression, which is mostly positive. Everyone sees things differently, of course, but from our point of view, the Performance is really a real "machine", which simply whizzes away without revealing a weakness, even when you step on the power pedal for a short time. If you want to glide there, the Long Range or Maximum Range Model Y or simply the "Chill" mode is perhaps more recommended in everyday life. This significantly reduces the power consumption at the pedal.

The Model Y Performance is great fun to drive. The chassis has a "sporty" design and is of course set up a little harder. Nevertheless, I would say that it is more comfortable on daily routes than the chassis from Polestar 2. We can safely say that the Model Y Performance is going to be a hell of a lot of fun to drive.

Incidentally, the whole thing is made possible with two motors on each axis. Hence the dual motor designation on the tailgate. In new currency, the Model Y Performance has 393 kW of pure electrical power. Expressed in horsepower, that would be 534 horsepower. It's definitely not underpowered. Tesla has always been known for speed and performance. So these high numbers are not surprising. With 660 nm of maximum torque, the Model Y Performance provides immediate power with every step on the pedal. Top speed is 250 km/h, which is more than sufficient. Realistically, you never drive that fast anyway.

Endurance Champion through Supercharging

Thanks to Tesla's worldwide supercharging network, long distances are absolutely impossible Problem more. With the Model Y Performance, you can charge from 250 to 15 in about 25 to 20 minutes with a maximum charging capacity of 80 kW Procent. The navigation automatically includes superchargers on the route. You can see the prices, the occupancy and whether they are still available. Incidentally, the battery is also brought up to temperature during active navigation.

With a Supercharger it is really very easy to charge. You plug in the cable and it charges. Finished. No map, no app. Just simple charging. The electricity price is then debited from the deposited bank account or the credit card in the Tesla Account. However, for the past few months, supercharger prices have been higher than before. The price increase can be seen in all possible situations in life. During our test, Tesla covered all electricity costs, but that didn't affect our opinion.

Image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

Goodbye restrictions? Hello customization!

If two Tesla are standing next to each other on a supercharger, the charging capacity is halved. Therefore, the navigation system gives you tips that you should leave a space free if possible. Incidentally, the maximum 250 kW charging power was maintained for a surprisingly long time. Even at 75 Procent we still had about 140 kW of charging power.

The battery has a size of 82,0 kWh, of which 75,0 kWh can be used. That's enough in the city, in summer for a range of around 550 to 600 km. On the Autobahn you have to approach a supercharger after 350 to 400 km at the latest. Maybe a little later in the summer. These are all great values. And if you're really honest: Very few drive 500 km+ without taking a break.

Assistance systems at a good level 2 level

The assistance systems at Tesla, known as “autopilot”, have now been completely switched to camera recognition. This brings with it a few points of criticism. There may be disruptions in foggy weather. In our test, however, everything worked as expected. The Lane Assist as well as the ACC functioned extremely reliably as part of the system. Only the automatic wiping of the windshield wipers was really not good, something still needs to be done here. Even in dry weather, he wiped the pane and even "smeared" it. This made visibility worse.

Nevertheless, the Tesla has everything on board to be able to “theoretically” drive autonomously. The autopilot beta is already running in the USA. In the videos you can see how well the system could work. However, there are simply no suitable laws in Europe to allow it. Otherwise Tesla would probably already be at level 3 or even 4 in terms of autonomy.

An optional extra is stopping at stop signs and red lights. We will soon be able to test this in another Tesla. Our vehicle was not equipped with it.

The only thing that's really annoying is the sign recognition not working. This is another point of criticism that Tesla urgently needs to improve.

Sound system by Tesla

According to insider information, former employees of B&O and other well-known loudspeaker manufacturers have been involved in the in-house "premium" sound system. You can tell that clearly. The sound is clear and the bass is very dry. Without letting anything sound tinny. Chapeau Tesla! Rock music to pop sounded perfect.

You can confidently do without “brand names” here. Tesla really delivered. The system has 13 loudspeakers and can also produce surround sound. Of course, a Tidal subscription is a good idea here. Dolby Atmos music tracks could even be added in the future. The premium sound system always pays off.

Conclusion: A really very good electric car, hats off to Tesla!

Teslas are very useful for long distances. Due to the very well developed Supercharger network and the fast charging performance, these are really top suitable. The speed and acceleration is quite good. You definitely have to experience it for yourself. It felt like he was even faster than that BMW i4 M50. But that maybe depends on the acceptance of the pedal. Nevertheless, Tesla offers many advantages that perform very well compared to other manufacturers. If you like the latest technology, then the Tesla is the perfect choice. The software is its greatest strength. But the driving characteristics are really not bad either.

In the future, we may also be able to test Tesla's fastest road-legal production vehicle. We're definitely very excited to see what Tesla's "premium" class looks like. Are you currently looking for an SUV with a lot of power and a lot of storage space, as well as a nice interior and a very good sound system as well as infotainment? Then Tesla is definitely the right place for you.

Our Model Y Performance was a vehicle from the Berlin Gigafactory. We did not find any major quality defects. Everything fit and the gap dimensions (as they were often criticized) were really fine. Tesla has blossomed from a start-up into a global corporation for smart and safe electric vehicles. That is clear after our detailed test.

What do you think of Tesla? If you were looking for a vehicle, would you go for one?

Thanks to Tesla Germany for providing a test vehicle! Our opinion was not influenced by this.

Recommendations for you

• Smart #1 Brabus review: Unremarkably sporty
• Volvo EX30 in the first impression: Compact Swedish Stromer
• BMW iX xDrive50 review: Stylish without the M package?
• Toyota bZ4X review: Finally fully electric, but also good?