Tesla Model Y Performance Filed in China with 78.4 kWh Battery, 635 PS

Tesla’s new Model Y Performance has completed its regulatory filing in China, revealing its full electric powertrain specifications after appearing in the latest purchase-tax exemption list from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The filing confirms a 78.4 kWh battery pack, 659 km of CLTC range, and a 2,027 kg curb weight.

Although this new performance version has been on sale overseas for nearly a year (the overseas version features an 81 kWh battery and about 517 hp), for Tesla, which hasn’t launched a new model in China for years, it remains the most attention-grabbing new vehicle in the pipeline.

Combining the two filings, the powertrain figures are impressive. The front and rear motors deliver peak outputs of 176 kW and 291 kW respectively, bringing combined output to 635 hp. Top speed is 250 km/h, with the 0-100 km/h sprint expected to take around 3.2 seconds — well above the current U.S.-spec Model Y Performance.

The new model measures 4,796 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,611 mm in height, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. Curb weight stands at 2,027 kg.

Exterior changes remain limited. The overall Model Y shape is largely unchanged, while the new Performance version adds air channels on both sides of the front bumper, redesigned sport wheels, red brake calipers and a smaller rear spoiler.

Looking at the car against China’s current EV market, Tesla is arriving slightly late to the performance race. The intent, however, is clear.

Over the past few years, Chinese electric vehicles priced around RMB 200K-300K have raised the bar on power, chassis tuning and smart-driving features. Tesla’s early performance advantage, once built around acceleration, has largely narrowed.

Sales reflect the pressure. Tesla sold 27,249 vehicles in China in July, down 51% month on month. Model Y alone accounted for 25,158 units, leaving Tesla heavily dependent on a single model.

Without a new vehicle platform entering the market in the near term, bringing a 600 hp-plus Performance version to China gives Tesla a direct way to restore attention around Model Y and raise its performance ceiling.

With the purchase-tax exemption now confirmed, the new Model Y Performance is expected to launch in China in the third quarter.

The model arrives nearly a year after its overseas debut. In a Chinese performance EV market crowded with increasingly powerful domestic models, its ability to regain momentum will largely depend on final pricing.