We have just spent a week driving the Tesla Model Y Long Range, followed immediately by the Model Y Performance, across a mix of Irish roads. From motorways and regional routes to the broken back roads most drivers know all too well, it quickly became clear that Tesla has refined an already strong package into something that now feels more complete and better suited to everyday life in Ireland. Both versions look sharp on the road and are impressively easy to live with. The Long Range stands out for its blend of comfort, efficiency and usable pace, while the Performance adds a welcome sense of urgency without ever feeling excessive or compromised. Performance has always been central to Tesla’s identity, but what stands out here is how seamlessly that performance is integrated into a family-focused SUV.
Tesla’s journey with fast electric cars began with the original Roadster of which, a couple remain in Ireland, and over time the brand has learned how to balance outright speed with comfort, practicality and efficiency. The Model Y reflects that maturity. Since its launch it has gone on to become the world’s best-selling car, and from the beginning it was offered in Performance form, delivering strong pace without sacrificing space or everyday usability. For 2025, Tesla introduced an updated Model Y Performance as part of a wider refresh that also benefits the Long Range model. Both versions receive improvements focused on efficiency, comfort, connectivity and safety, alongside subtle exterior tweaks and a revised interior. Standard equipment across the range now includes acoustic glass throughout the cabin, a panoramic glass roof, power-reclining rear seats, an eight-inch screen for rear passengers, Autopilot and regular over-the-air software updates.
The Performance model adopts a more purposeful stance while remaining true to Tesla’s clean design language. Revised front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser and a carbon fibre spoiler improve aerodynamic efficiency and give the car a more planted look. Reduced drag and lift translate into improved high-speed stability, something that is noticeable on faster Irish motorway sections. Beneath the surface, the latest Performance drive unit brings a meaningful increase in power and torque. Acceleration is strong and immediate, yet the car remains perfectly usable in day-to-day driving. Despite the added performance, efficiency has not suffered. The Long Range all-wheel drive version now offers up to 629 kilometres of WLTP range, an improvement that works well in real-world Irish conditions and makes longer journeys easier to plan.
With around 460 horsepower, the Performance model delivers rapid acceleration that feels controlled rather than aggressive. While headline sprint figures grab attention, what matters more on Irish roads is the effortless overtaking ability and strong mid-range response, both of which it delivers in abundance. Range remains respectable for a car of this performance level, underlining Tesla’s continued strength in efficiency. One of the most significant upgrades is the adaptive suspension system, shared with the Model 3 Performance. Developed in-house, it constantly adjusts to road conditions and driving style. On rougher surfaces it smooths out imperfections, while on better roads it firms up to deliver impressive body control. This adaptability made a real difference on a recent commute to the midlands where road quality quickly changes.
The new 21-inch Arachnid wheels and revised chassis hardware further enhance the driving experience. Steering feels sharper, the car is more settled through corners and overall refinement has improved. Despite its added performance focus, the Model Y Performance never feels out of place on the school run or crawling through traffic. Inside, Tesla has made subtle but worthwhile improvements. The front performance seats provide better support without sacrificing comfort, making longer journeys more relaxing. Heating and ventilation come as standard, and the driving position is easy to fine-tune thanks to adjustable thigh support. The new 16-inch central touchscreen is sharper and more responsive, with a noticeable improvement in clarity and usability over earlier versions.
After a week behind the wheel, both versions of the Model Y feel well suited to Irish life, and it is easy to understand why they continue to perform so strongly in SIMI registration figures. The Long Range remains the sensible all-rounder, offering excellent range and comfort, while the Performance shows that strong pace and everyday usability do not have to be mutually exclusive. This is not just a fast electric SUV, but a genuinely well-rounded package that feels increasingly shaped by real-world driving rather than showroom headlines!
