√2023 Tesla Model Y Performance one step closer to Australia

Deliveries of the high-performance electric SUV are expected to begin soon in New Zealand, and Australia may be next on the list.

The first significant batch of 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance electric SUVs for Australia – beyond the one example of a demonstrator model already spotted on Melbourne roads – is expected to arrive in the coming months.

A New Zealand member of the Tesla Motors Club forum – as first reported by The Driven – with a Model Y Performance on order claims to have received a vehicle identification number (VIN) from Tesla, suggesting their car will soon be built.

New electric vehicles are often launched in New Zealand ahead of Australia because there are fewer regulations for new cars, which can speed-up the launch process.

While Australian deliveries of the Tesla Model Y Performance were originally expected to begin late last year, customers were advised arrivals had been delayed to between January and March 2023.

For those placing orders today, Tesla currently provides an estimated delivery time frame of between three and six months.

The battery-powered Model Y Performance offers acceleration almost on par with the V8-powered Lamborghini Urus, with the Tesla’s dual electric motors producing 393kW for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds.

MORE: 2022 Tesla Model Y price and specs: Electric SUV now on sale in Australia

But while the Lambo starts from $395,888, the Tesla Model Y Performance is priced from $94,900 before Luxury Car Tax and on-road costs – $1800 cheaper than when Tesla launched the SUV in June 2022.

The vehicle uses an 82.8kWh battery pack providing a claimed 514km driving range, based on Europe’s WLTP test cycle.

There is reportedly at least one Tesla Model Y Performance in Australia already – brought into the country in the second half of 2021 by the company for customer evaluation and media demonstrations.

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