TLDR
- Tesla launched the Model Y Performance in China at 369,000 yuan (~$54,450), with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds
- The new variant is the fifth and most expensive Model Y in China, priced 30,000 yuan above the Model Y L
- Model Y deliveries in China fell 25.8% year-over-year to 29,260 vehicles in August, the third straight month of declines
- Tesla’s total China deliveries dropped 12.4% to 316,251 in the first eight months of 2026
- Tesla is offering a 10,000 yuan discount on eligible Model Y inventory vehicles delivered by September 30
Tesla launched the Model Y Performance in China on Friday, September 11, announcing the new variant on Weibo. The starting price is 369,000 yuan, or roughly $54,450, with deliveries expected within two to six weeks.
$TSLA 🇨🇳
BREAKING : Tesla China has finally officially launched the "Model Y Performance"!The starting price is 369,000 yuan. pic.twitter.com/G6pTl48MKW
— Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) September 11, 2026
The Performance variant hits 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, tops out at 250 km/h, and offers a CLTC range of 659 kilometers. It becomes the fifth and priciest Model Y option in the country, sitting 30,000 yuan above the six-seat Model Y L.
The new model features aerodynamic front and rear fascias, a carbon-fiber spoiler, 21-inch Arachnid 2.0 wheels, and red brake calipers. Inside, there’s carbon-fiber trim and ventilated front sport seats with power-adjustable thigh supports.
It supports fast charging up to 250 kilowatts, delivering around 250 kilometers of range in 15 minutes. That lags behind several Chinese rivals, with some offering 500 kilometers in 10 minutes.
The launch is backed by an earlier MIIT vehicle filing from July. Battery details confirmed a 78.4-kWh pack with cells from LG Energy Solution’s Chinese unit, and front and rear motors rated at 176 kW and 291 kW.
Sales Pressure Mounts
The timing of the launch isn’t coincidental. Model Y sales in China have been sliding. August deliveries came in at 29,260 vehicles, down 25.8% year-over-year, marking the third straight month of declines. The drop has deepened each month, from 13.8% in June to 18.2% in July.
For the first eight months of 2026, Model Y deliveries totaled 226,931 units, down 6.1% year-over-year. Tesla’s overall China deliveries fell 12.4% to 316,251 over the same period.
The Model Y still accounts for more than 70% of Tesla’s total deliveries in China this year, making its performance critical to the company’s results in the region.
Discounts and Competition
To push deliveries before the quarter ends, Tesla announced on September 7 that Chinese buyers who purchase and take delivery of eligible Model Y inventory vehicles by September 30 will receive a 10,000 yuan reduction in their final payment.
BYD and other local manufacturers continue to expand their lineups, offering consumers more options at various price points. BYD’s flash charging also outpaces what the new Model Y Performance can offer.
On TipRanks, TSLA carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating, based on 11 Buys, 12 Holds, and 3 Sells. The average price target stands at $377.08, implying 3.7% upside from current levels. Year-to-date, TSLA is down 19.2%.
Stop guessing and start investing with confidence. KnockoutStocks gives you the AI insights, market intelligence, and stock research you need to spot opportunities, cut through the noise, and make smarter investment decisions — all in one powerful platform.
Sign up today and get 50% OFF full access to our premium stock picks.
Simply use coupon code SPECIAL50 at checkout to claim your exclusive discount.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
