A Tesla Model Y Performance prototype was spotted testing in California ahead of its launch in the US, which is expected soon.
Tesla launched the refreshed Model Y, often referred to as ‘Juniper’, in January 2025.
However, as it often does with design refreshes, Tesla didn’t launch the performance version of the best-selling electric SUV with the broader refresh.
The automaker stopped taking orders for Model Y Performance, but we have been expecting the variant to make a comeback under the Juniper design by the end of the year.
While cycling near Tesla’s Palo Alto engineering headquarters, an Electrek reader spotted a Tesla Model Y prototype in camouflage, which we quickly identified as a Model Y Performance with the Juniper design refresh:
What makes us think this is a Model Y Performance? The wheels look like Plaid 20″ wheels, which are generally reserved for performance versions.
If we zoom in, we can also see that the Model Y appears to feature bigger red brake calipers – another feature that Tesla only offers on performance versions of its vehicles.
Before the refresh, the Model Y Performance achieved an EPA-estimated range of 277–285 miles (446-459 km), depending on the wheel configuration.
Top comment by FC
This isn't going to help Tesla turn around their massive declines in every market. Tesla needs ALL NEW models, not mild nip and tucks of 6-15 year old models that people are tired of. BMW is launching their all new Gen2 iX3 that rides on an entirely new 800V architecture, and its related i3 sedan. Tesla has nothing cooked up and ready to go that will be able to compete in any regard. The iX3 promises over 400mi of range using all new BMW designed 4695 or 46120 cells, up to 4 motors in the eventhal iX3 M model, much higher levels of refinement and build quality, and these models look completely new and fresh. The updated Y still looks like a bloated Model 3 and a porpoise mated. It's still using the same motors and battery packs as before. Interior is largely the same, only now you have to fiddle with tiny force touch buttons to do simple things like wipe the windshield or flash the high beam headlights. No new camera system, no radar for BSM or cross traffic detection, no driver display, no parking sensors, no nothing. Wow... It has a rear display. That's great for the 3 times a year the average Model Y owner uses the rear seats. People want faster charging speeds, longer real world range (not just even more inflated claimed specs).
It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The new Model Y Performance with the Juniper refresh is expected to slightly improve on those metrics while also bringing some of the other changes introduced in the design refresh, such as a light bar, ambient interior lighting, a rear screen, and more.
Tesla previously sold the Model Y Performance for a base price of $51,500 in the US.
The new version of the vehicle is expected to launch in the coming months.
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