Tesla Launches Model Y Performance in China for $55,000

Model Y Performance launches in China at RMB 369,000 (~$55,000 USD) with a 635-horsepower dual-motor setup

More than a year after Tesla launched the refreshed Model Y Performance internationally, the top trim is now available on the Chinese order configurator at tesla.cn, with production underway at Gigafactory Shanghai.

On X, @tslaming reported that production cars are already arriving at delivery hubs and showrooms nationwide. New orders currently show delivery estimates of 2–6 weeks, with the first customer handoffs expected in less than two weeks.

Priced at RMB 369,000 (roughly $55,000 USD), the crossover accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. The CLTC-estimated range is 659 km.

Serious power and regional exclusives

The China-built variant uses Tesla’s new TL2 rear motor rated at 291 kW, paired with a 176 kW front motor for a combined output of 467 kW (about 635 horsepower).

Inside, there is a 16-inch center display, matching the setup in the Model Y Performance Tesla launched in the U.S. last fall. Equipment includes sport seats with thigh extension, adaptive suspension, high-performance brakes, and 6.1 inches of ground clearance (versus 6.6 inches on the regular Model Y). Bidirectional power transfer is supported, and Tesla sells a vehicle-to-load (V2L) Powershare adapter for the Model Y Performance and Model Y L that can power external electronics and camping gear.

Six exterior colors are available, highlighted by Glacier Blue. This finish remains exclusive to vehicles built at Gigafactory Shanghai for the Asia-Pacific region, and this is the first time it has been offered on a Performance model. Interior choices include All Black or Zen Grey.

Zen Grey debuted on the three-row, six-seat Model Y L when it launched in China last year, replacing the traditional Black and White interior option. The Zen Grey interior spread to additional Model Y trims in China earlier this spring and has since reached Europe as well. In the U.S., Zen Grey remains available on one vehicle: the Model Y L.

Completing the Chinese lineup

The return of the Performance trim completes the local Model Y range. When the “Juniper” refresh arrived in early 2025, Tesla temporarily removed the top-tier variant in China, first prioritizing Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive versions, followed by the Long Range RWD and the stretched, three-row Model Y L.

Now, Gigafactory Shanghai and Gigafactory Texas appear to be trading responsibilities. Shanghai has exported the Model Y L, which Tesla has been producing at Giga Texas for weeks with first deliveries set to go out sometime this month, and in return Shanghai finalized its Model Y lineup by introducing the Performance trim.

Local production in Shanghai may also affect export flows. Markets such as Australia and New Zealand that previously imported Performance units from Gigafactory Berlin could begin receiving vehicles from China. With customer deliveries starting in two weeks, the quickest Model Y is back in Shanghai’s catalog.