2023 Tesla Model Y Performance

Blisteringly quick acceleration is the order of the day in any Tesla, and even though the Model Y is more accessible than the Model X due to its lower price, much the same applies here. The dual electric motors are paired to a single-speed fixed-gear transmission and, although Tesla doesn't provide power outputs for the electrified powertrain, all you need to do is plant your right foot once to know that it doesn't matter. All three models absolutely fly off the mark, aided by all-wheel drive. Even the slightly heavier base model needs just five seconds to hit 6-0 mph, while the Long Range goes from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. The Performance does the same in just 3.5 seconds.

Rival luxury SUVs with gas-fed power include the BMW X3 M, which takes 3.9 seconds to hit 60 - it's more expensive than the Model Y, though. Lower-priced versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E are slower than the Model Y, although the Ford can be had in a high-performance derivative that will match the Model Y Performance to 60 mph. With the optional tow hitch, the Model Y has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

For now, the Model Y range is available only with all-wheel drive and dual electric motors. The front motor is an AC induction, liquid-cooled unit, while at the back, there is an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor. Digital control of torque spread to the front/rear wheels improves handling and traction, and a single-speed fixed-gear transmission is utilized.

The new base model features dual motors and AWD, but specs for this setup aren't available yet. The two top models are immensely powerful, with the Performance estimated to produce over 450 horsepower, endowing it with performance to challenge some truly exotic SUVs. Unlike in a gas-fed vehicle, the Model Y's power is instantly accessible, with quick getaways from traffic lights and even safer merging on highways. When you're in a hurry, or even if you just want to stun your passengers into silence, the wave of power is as addictive here as it is in the more powerful Teslas. Of course, the eeriness of going so fast with zero mechanical noise makes one feel that although those flying cars haven't yet arrived, this does feel like the game has moved on in a big way.

According to the EPA, the Model Y Performance has an MPGe rating of 115/106/111 city/highway/combined and a range of 303 miles. The Long Range has a range of 330 miles with 19-inch wheels and a rating of 127/117/122 MPGe. The new base model can go for up to 279 miles on a charge and achieves gas mileage-equivalent figures of 129/116/123 mph.

The battery charge time is good. Charging is best done using one of Tesla's Superchargers (there are currently 20,000 Superchargers globally), where a 15-minute charge can provide a range of 162 miles. Tesla's new V3 Superchargers provide a superior charging rate of 250 kW, an improvement over the V2 Superchargers' 150-kW maximum charging rate. While the mobile connector is standard, Tesla recommends installing the wall connector at home.

Using a regular 120-volt home plug, expect the Model Y to take close to two days for a full charge from zero to 100 percent, although charging from empty is a rare occurrence, so this is the worst-case scenario. Using a 240-volt outlet, a full charge will take under 10 hours, so this is a great option for getting a depleted battery back to a full charge overnight.