Tesla launches China-only Model Y Performance — 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, priced below Xiaomi's YU7 GT
Tesla launched a high-performance all-wheel-drive Model Y Performance in China at 369,000 yuan (~$54,450) — undercutting Xiaomi's YU7 GT — as it fights a third straight month of year-over-year sales declines for its best-selling SUV there.
Tesla announced via Weibo on September 11 that it is officially launching the Model Y Performance, a high-performance all-wheel-drive version of the refreshed Model Y, in China. The car is priced at 369,000 yuan (roughly $54,450), with delivery estimated at 2 to 6 weeks according to Tesla's Chinese website.
The Model Y Performance packs a 78.4 kWh battery using cells from LG Energy Solution's China unit, paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup rated at 176 kW front and 291 kW rear, delivering a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and a CLTC range of 659 km. Styling changes include aerodynamic front and rear fascias, a carbon-fiber spoiler, 21-inch 'Arachnid 2.0' wheels, and red brake calipers. The specs had already surfaced in July through a filing with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The launch comes as Model Y sales in China have fallen year-over-year for three consecutive months. Tesla priced the new variant below rival Xiaomi's YU7 GT, a move that reads as a direct response to local competitors on both performance and price.
For shareholders, the key is that Tesla is trying to reignite sales with an undercut price rather than a premium one. Coming right after Barron's flagged that China's competitive assault is spreading beyond EVs, whether this launch actually moves the needle on deliveries and margin will be a key thing to watch next quarter.
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