Faster 2027 Model Y Performance refresh sends more power to the front wheels

Tesla appears to be quietly prepping a beefed-up version of its 2026 Model Y refresh, based on a new filing with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The filing, spotted in the newest batch of vehicle approvals, lists a Model Y variant whose horsepower output corresponds to the Performance trim of the so-called Juniper facelift that Tesla launched more than a year ago. It is not clear if Tesla will be rolling this upgraded 2027 Model Y Performance version globally as well, but it usually handles its portfolio in China as a testbed for pricing schemes and product strategy, so there's hope. 

The homologation document lists a body length of 4,796 mm, width of 1,920 mm, and height of 1,611 mm, riding on the familiar 2,890 mm wheelbase. That height figure is notably lower than the roughly 1,624 mm quoted for the base and premium trims of the 2026 Model Y, hinting at a sportier, more muscular stance of the type that befits the Model Y Performance badge. Curb weight comes in at 2,027 kg, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 2,529 kg across five seats.

2027 Model Y Performance power and acceleration

Powertrain numbers point firmly toward the top-tier configuration, too: a dual-motor setup pairing a 176 kW front unit with a 291 kW rear motor. For comparison, the current Model Y Performance pairs a front motor of 158 kW of power with a rear motor that produces 303 kW of power. Not only will the eventual 2027 Model Y Performance refresh be more powerful, but it will also sport different power distribution with more emphasis on the front motor for a real-world output closer to 600 hp than to 500 hp, depending on the battery discharge strength specifics.

Tesla's filing pegs top speed at 250 km/h, which is the same as the outgoing Performance model, so what Tesla may have improved here is the current 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. According to the filing, the car retains a premium nickel-based lithium-ion battery, with cells sourced from the LG factory in Nanjing and pack assembly handled by Tesla itself at Giga Shanghai.

Unfortunately, those MIIT permit filings are deliberately rudimentary and rarely reveal cabin details, so interior tweaks remain unconfirmed for now. The filing lists two placeholder photos of the upcoming 2027 Model Y Performance refresh and says that Tesla will offer an ETC toll transponder as an option with the facelift. There is no word on the 2027 Model Y Performance refresh pricing or a launch date just yet.

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