The refreshed Tesla Model Y Performance in an image from Tesla’s Chinese website. Credit: Tesla
- The Model Y Performance starts at 369,000 yuan ($54,450) in China, with a 3.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint and a CLTC range of 659 km.
- Deliveries are expected in 2-6 weeks, with the launch coming after 3 consecutive months of year-on-year declines in Model Y sales in China.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has launched a high-performance all-wheel-drive version of the refreshed Model Y in China, expanding its lineup as sales of a key model come under pressure.
Tesla announced the launch on Weibo on Friday, September 11. Its Chinese website lists a starting price of 369,000 yuan ($54,450) and an estimated delivery wait of 2-6 weeks.
The Model Y Performance can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, reaches a top speed of 250 km/h and offers a CLTC range of 659 kilometers.
The new version becomes the fifth Model Y variant in China and the most expensive in the lineup, costing 30,000 yuan more than the 6-seat Model Y L.
Tesla Model Y variants in China
The other 3 variants are the Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive, starting at 263,500 yuan, 288,500 yuan and 313,500 yuan, respectively.
The Performance variant has a 5-seat layout, with distinctive exterior styling, sport seats and chassis features that set it apart from other versions.
It features aerodynamic front and rear fascias, a carbon-fiber spoiler, standard 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 wheels and red brake calipers.
The cabin has carbon-fiber trim and ventilated front sport seats with power-adjustable thigh supports. The rear seats offer heating and power folding.
Driving features include continuously variable dampers, adaptive suspension, stability assistance and multiple performance driving modes.
The performance variant supports fast charging of up to 250 kilowatts, providing a range of about 250 kilometers in 15 minutes.
By comparison, many Chinese EV models can already provide a range of 500 kilometers after just 10 minutes of charging, while BYD’s flash charging is even faster.
The Shanghai-built variant appeared in a vehicle filing catalog issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in July. A purchase tax relief catalog released in August provided further details on its battery and range.
Earlier filings showed a 78.4-kWh battery pack with cells supplied by LG Energy Solution’s Chinese subsidiary. The front and rear motors are rated at 176 kW and 291 kW, respectively.
The launch comes as the Model Y’s sales decline in China deepens. The SUV (sport utility vehicle) still accounts for more than 70% of Tesla’s deliveries in the country this year.
Model Y deliveries in China totaled 29,260 vehicles in August, down 25.76% year-on-year, according to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data compiled by CnEVPost.
Tesla Model Y Monthly Sales in China 2024-2026
Month
2024
2025
2026
January
29,912
25,694
16,845
February
22,537
8,006
25,286
March
47,917
48,189
39,827
April
26,356
19,984
22,990
May
39,985
24,770
28,911
June
41,110
44,848
38,654
July
36,299
30,766
25,158
August
45,330
39,413
29,260
September
48,202
51,173
October
36,204
19,488
November
44,576
47,132
December
61,881
65,874
Tesla Model Y monthly sales in China
2024
2025
2026
That marked the third consecutive month of year-on-year declines, with the drop widening from 13.81% in June and 18.23% in July.
In the first 8 months of the year, Model Y deliveries in China totaled 226,931 vehicles, down 6.10% year-on-year. Tesla’s total deliveries in the country fell 12.44% to 316,251 over the same period.
Tesla is also offering inventory discounts to boost deliveries ahead of the end of the third quarter. The company announced on September 7 that Chinese customers who purchase and take delivery of eligible Model Y inventory vehicles by September 30 can receive a 10,000 yuan reduction in their final payment.
Model Y deliveries in China totaled 29,260, down 25.76% year-on-year, with the decline deepening for a third consecutive month.
($1 = 6.7766 yuan)
