Tesla has registered a new Model Y variant in China, featuring the highest performance specifications yet for the lineup. The filing, disclosed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, points to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model with a top speed of 250 km/h—well above the current offerings.
New Model Y Variant Details
The latest batch of new-vehicle filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) includes a new Tesla Model Y variant produced at the Shanghai plant. The public disclosure period for this filing runs from July 11 to July 17, 2026. Vehicles completing this process typically reach the market within a few months.
According to the filing, the new Model Y stands out with a top speed of 250 km/h (~155 mph), significantly higher than the 201 km/h (~125 mph) top speed of the four Model Y versions currently available in China. The vehicle is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with the front motor rated at 176 kW and the rear at 291 kW.
Technical Specifications and Features
The new Model Y variant is equipped with a ternary lithium-ion battery pack, with battery cells supplied by LG Energy Solution’s Chinese subsidiary. The vehicle measures 4,796 mm (~189 inches) in length, 1,920 mm (~76 inches) in width, and 1,611 mm (~63 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm (~114 inches). Its curb weight is listed at 2,027 kg (~4,469 lbs).
Performance-oriented features include 21-inch wheels, with front tires sized 255/35R21 and rear tires 275/35R21, further highlighting its likely positioning as a flagship performance model.
Current Model Y Lineup and Market Context
Tesla currently offers four Model Y versions in China: the rear-wheel-drive base model, Long Range rear-wheel-drive, Long Range all-wheel-drive, and the 6-seat Model Y L. The rear-wheel-drive version starts at $38,749 (~AUD 55,837), while the Model Y L is priced at $49,851 (~AUD 71,836).
In June 2026, the Model Y delivered 38,654 units in China, accounting for 73.04% of Tesla’s local deliveries that month. For the first half of 2026, cumulative Model Y deliveries reached 172,513 units, a 0.60% increase year-on-year. By contrast, Model 3 deliveries in the same period fell 27.72% to 66,442 units.
Tesla’s Position in the Chinese Market
Despite the Model Y’s strong performance, Tesla’s overall deliveries in China declined 2.05% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, marking the fifth consecutive quarterly drop. China accounted for just 26.28% of Tesla’s global deliveries in Q2, the first time this figure has fallen below 30% since late 2020.
Competition in China’s new energy vehicle market remains intense. In June, Leapmotor reported wholesale sales of 93,376 units, while BYD led the market with 397,292 passenger NEVs sold. Nio Inc and Xpeng also achieved their highest monthly deliveries of the year so far.
Why this matters
The introduction of a new high-performance Model Y variant could help Tesla refresh its lineup and attract new buyers in a highly competitive Chinese EV market. With the Model Y already representing the majority of Tesla’s local sales, expanding the range may be a strategic move to address slowing overall deliveries and increased competition from domestic brands.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in China can expect a new flagship Model Y option with significantly enhanced performance, likely positioned above the current Model Y L in both price and specifications. Those interested in top-tier acceleration and speed may want to watch for the official launch following the MIIT disclosure period.
Key Specs
- Top Speed: 250 km/h (~155 mph)
- Front Motor Output: 176 kW
- Rear Motor Output: 291 kW
- Drive Type: Dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Battery Type: Ternary lithium-ion
- Battery Supplier: LG Energy Solution (China)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 4,796 mm x 1,920 mm x 1,611 mm (~189 x 76 x 63 inches)
- Curb Weight: 2,027 kg (~4,469 lbs)
Source
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, electrek.co, capitalone.com
