Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, I want to dive into something that's been on my mind lately—the pricing of the upcoming Model Y Performance. I've got a bad feeling about where Tesla might land with the MSRP, and after discussing this with a friend, I decided to break it down for you all. Let's explore why I think the pricing might not be as favorable as we hope, and I'll also share my predictions on where it could land. Stick around, and let me know your thoughts!
To understand where the Model Y Performance might be priced, let’s first look at the Model 3 Performance. Currently, it’s priced at around $54,990—basically $55,000. Why so close to that figure? Because Tesla strategically set it right at the tax credit price cap for sedans, which is $55,000. They maximized the price while still ensuring buyers can take advantage of the federal tax credit. Smart move, right?
Now, let’s compare that to the legacy Model Y Performance. The last MSRP for the clearance Model Y Performance was $51,490. However, if we dig into the history books (or my handy-dandy price tracking chart), there was a time—during the crazier pricing fluctuations—when the Model Y Performance hit a staggering $69,990. Yes, almost $70,000! I don’t think we’ll see it climb back to that level, but it’s worth keeping in mind as we predict the new pricing.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Model Y, including the Performance variant, is classified as an SUV. Unlike sedans, the tax credit price cap for SUVs is much higher—up to $80,000. Now, I’m not saying Tesla will price the Model Y Performance at $79,990 (that would be insane), but this higher cap gives them a lot of room to play with.
Another clue lies in recent price adjustments for other Tesla models. Take the Model X, for instance. Over the past year and a half, its price has increased by about $12,000, now sitting at $89,990. While there could be other reasons for this hike, it might also indicate Tesla is creating a pricing gap between models like the Model X and the upcoming Model Y Performance.
Additionally, the Model Y Performance is likely to be the new shining star of the Model Y lineup. It’s in higher demand than the Model 3 Performance, and Tesla knows this. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if they priced it at a premium.
So, what’s my gut feeling? I predict the MSRP for the new Model Y Performance will fall somewhere between $59,990 (potentially a launch series price) and $69,990. If I had to pick a middle ground, I’d guess around $65,000—about $10,000 more than the Model 3 Performance. This feels plausible given the SUV classification, higher demand, and Tesla’s recent pricing trends.
However, there are factors that could push the price lower. For example, as pointed out by Neurolink, the new Model Y doesn’t seem to have significant exterior changes (like updated bumpers). If Tesla keeps the updates minimal, they might opt for a price closer to the launch series figure of $59,990. Only time will tell!
Rumors are swirling about the release timeline. Some say we could see the Model Y Performance as early as July, while others point to a later release in September or October. Whenever it drops, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the pricing and updates, and I’ll make sure to share my thoughts with you all.
I want to hear from you! What do you think the Model Y Performance will be priced at? What’s the maximum you’d be willing to pay for it? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’m curious to see if you share my concerns or if you’re more optimistic about the pricing.
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To sum it up, I’ve got a bad feeling that the upcoming Model Y Performance might come with a heftier price tag than we’d like—potentially landing around $65,000. While factors like minimal design changes could keep the price lower, Tesla’s pricing history and the SUV tax credit cap suggest otherwise. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see what happens in the coming months.
Thanks for reading, everyone! Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the pricing, and if you’re gearing up for a new Tesla, grab those 3W Liners with the promo code DENNIS35. Stay tuned for more Tesla updates, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.