2023 Tesla Model Y Performance Australian deliveries begin

UPDATE: Model Y Performance driven

We've now had our hands on the rapid Tesla Model Y Performance, and it's as satisfying as you'd hope – but, it isn't without flaw. We've also put the Model Y Performance up against the Kia EV6, because... well, it was just the right thing to do. Get both stories at the links below.

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March 6: Deliveries of the 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance have commenced in Australia.

The Performance grade’s arrival trails behind the standard range Model Y, which hit roads seven months ago.

Tesla doesn’t claim power figures, but the AWD Model Y Performance promises a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds, a 514km WLTP driving range, and a 250km/h top speed.

According to Tesla's website, if you put an order in now a new car will be delivered in March-April this year.

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Model Y RWD pictured

Pricing starts from $97,100 before on-road costs and Luxury Car Tax. Expect to be driving away from around $105,000 – roughly the same price as Kia's EV6 GT.

For that you get a very similar interior to the rear-drive Model Y, meaning a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, and your choice of white or black upholstery.

There are a few subtle differences from a regular Model Y, including standard 21-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and metal pedals inside. Tesla offers three ways to customise the Model Y Performance: paint colour, enhanced Autopilot ($5500), and Full Self-Driving ($10,100).

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It’s also believed that the Model Y will feature new ‘comfort’ suspension tuning from the start of 2023, according to shipping tracker Vedaprime. We’ll have a full Model Y Performance road test to confirm that in the coming weeks.

Our original story, below, continues unchanged

The story to here

August 14, 2022: First Model Y deliveries begin in Australia

The first examples of the 2023 Tesla Model Y electric SUV have been delivered to customers in Australia – more than three years after the model made its global debut, and two months after local pricing was announced.

It is believed a ship loaded with hundreds of Model Y SUVs and Model 3 sedans arrived on Australian shores in late July, with customer deliveries commencing late last week.

The vast majority of examples on the ground are the entry-level RWD variant, with the flagship Performance expected to arrive over the coming months.

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Image: Tesla Model Y vehicles arriving in Australia, courtesy Tesla Model 3 & Y Australia

Most of those who have taken delivery, or are soon to drive away in a new Model Y, placed their order in the minutes and hours after Tesla announced local pricing and features for the mid-size SUV on June 10.

The exact number of Model Y units soon to be delivered is unknown; however, photos found on Tesla social media forums point to deliveries being in the hundreds, if not the thousands.

Tesla shipment tracker VedaPrime has been reporting on the latest ship arrivals en route from Shanghai, China, where the Model Y and Model 3 are produced, with a second vessel docking in Port Kembla in New South Wales on August 8.

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Image: Tesla Model Y vehicles arriving in Australia, courtesy Tesla Model 3 & Y Australia

The commencement of Model Y deliveries represents a step forward for Australia's growing electric vehicle segment, with strong demand leading to projected delivery times between February and May 2023 for newly-placed orders.

VFACTS new-car sales data reveals Tesla sold 4657 vehicles in the first half of 2022, mostly consisting of 4417 examples of the Model 3 delivered in the first quarter.

As such, we’d expect a major sales spike over the second half of 2022 as Model Y and Model 3 deliveries continue in larger numbers.

After the Model Y went on sale in Australia in mid-June, a surge in orders for the electric SUV caused Tesla to increase right-hand production.

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In a Twitter thread, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: “We’re working on accelerating RHD Model Y production. Didn’t expect demand to be so high!”.

A few days later, Tesla increased prices for the Model Y between $2800 and $3400 in Australia, while the standard home charging cable was deleted from new orders in July.

Those who purchased a Model Y before the mobile charging cable was removed will continue to receive the equipment.

"Usage statistics were super low, so seemed wasteful. On the (minor) plus side, we will be including more plug adapters with the mobile connector kit," Musk tweeted.

Related video: Model Y review

Musk sells more shares

Elon Musk’s recent dealings in relation to Twitter have led to controversy after he walked away from an AU$63.7 billion deal to purchase the social media company in July.

Musk recently sold 7.92 million shares of Tesla, reportedly worth approximately US$6.88 billion (AU$9.66 billion), after he admitted he could need the funds if he loses a legal battle with Twitter.

"In the (hopefully unlikely) event that Twitter forces this deal to close *and* some equity partners don't come through, it is important to avoid an emergency sale of Tesla stock," he said in a tweet on Tuesday.