Tesla has submitted a new Model Y variant for regulatory approval in China, signaling the possible launch of a high-performance version of its best-selling electric sport utility vehicle in the country’s largest EV market.
The new model appeared in the latest vehicle filing published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The public consultation period runs from July 11 to July 17, after which approved models typically become eligible for commercial launch within the following months.
Filing Suggests Performance-Oriented Model
According to the filing, the new Model Y will be manufactured at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai and has a listed top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, significantly higher than the 201 km/h maximum speed of the four Model Y variants currently available in China.
The vehicle is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The front electric motor is rated at 176 kilowatts, while the rear motor delivers 291 kilowatts, indicating a higher-performance powertrain than existing versions.
Regulatory documents also show the vehicle uses a ternary lithium-ion battery pack with battery cells supplied by LG Energy Solution’s manufacturing subsidiary in China.
The model measures 4,796 millimeters in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,611 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. It has a curb weight of 2,027 kilograms.
The filing also lists 21-inch wheels fitted with wider performance-oriented tires, measuring 255/35R21 at the front and 275/35R21 at the rear, further suggesting the model is intended as a performance-focused variant.
Could Become the Flagship Model Y in China
Tesla currently offers four versions of the Model Y in the Chinese market, including the rear-wheel-drive entry model, Long Range rear-wheel-drive version, Long Range all-wheel-drive version and the six-seat Model Y L.
The rear-wheel-drive Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan, while the Model Y L is priced from 339,000 yuan.
If the newly filed vehicle is introduced as the anticipated Model Y Performance, it would likely become the highest-priced and most powerful version in Tesla’s China lineup.
The regulatory filing comes as Tesla seeks to strengthen its product portfolio in China, where competition in the battery-electric vehicle market has intensified. Expanding the Model Y range could help the automaker attract additional buyers in the premium electric SUV segment following softer delivery performance in recent months.
