“Unnecessarily Fast, But Wonderful”: Tesla’s New Model Y Performance Wows Expert Testers

Swedish car journalist Alrik Söderlind isn’t one to hand out praise lightly, but after testing the new Tesla Model Y Performance, he’s convinced the vehicle is the best Tesla yet. The upgraded SUV now sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, matching a Lamborghini Urus while keeping the practicality of a family EV. Prices start at 719,990 kronor (≈$65,000) in Sweden.

A sharper, faster, and more refined Model Y

This latest Model Y Performance isn’t just a software tweak. Tesla has reworked the design with wider rims, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and sportier bumpers to improve both aerodynamics and stance, according to CarUp. The chassis now features adaptive suspension, letting drivers toggle between comfort and sport settings. Inside, new supportive seats and updated battery tech that delivers up to 580 km of WLTP range.

Söderlind described the acceleration as smooth, stable, and intuitive, noting how much more composed it feels compared to earlier versions. “Smooth, nice, feels efficient. Very fast response to the gas pedal. It’s this almost intuitive feeling when you drive these cars. Yes, this one feels very stable, nice, but also soft.

The journey that this one has made, now we are in performance that is ten times smoother and more comfortable than the first standard that came” he said on his YouTube channel, Alriks Bilar. While he found the sport suspension setting only marginally firmer, he praised the car’s effortless speed and daily comfort, calling it “unnecessarily fast” but a “pure joy to drive.”

Competition is heating up, but Tesla still leads

Despite the improvements, Söderlind noted that BMW and Mercedes are gearing up to challenge Tesla’s dominance with new electric crossovers — though they’ll have to be “really, really good” to compete.

The Volvo EX60 is also on the horizon, likely to appeal to company car buyers in Scandinavia. Still, with its mix of power, practicality, and price, the Model Y Performance may have set a new benchmark for electric family cars.

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