Tesla Model Y Performance alternatives: which cars offer this much bang for buck? 

This is the new Tesla Model Y Performance – a 460hp version of the world’s most popular electric SUV. It’ll do 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is quicker than a BMW M5, and there are a handful of suspension upgrades to make it more fun to drive.

Prices start from £61,990, £10,000 more than the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model. But what are the other options if you’re looking for a ballistically fast SUV for less than £65,000? Here are seven of the best options.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

The seven best Tesla Model Y Performance alternatives

1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
2. MG 4 XPower
3. Kia EV6 GT
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
5. Tesla Model 3 Performance
6. Volvo EX30
7. Used Polestar 3 Performance

1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the most fun you can have in an electric car, and it’ll be a tough one for the Model Y to beat. Not only is it fast, with 650hp on tap and 0-60ph taking just 3.4 seconds, but it also has some clever tech on board to make it more engaging than other EVs.

That would be the simulated gear shifts, which mimic a petrol engine and add a layer of involvement which is otherwise missing in an electric car. The Ioniq 5 N is quite expensive though, with prices starting from £65,000, but you can save an average of nearly £8,000 through Carwow.

2. MG4 XPower

If you’re after similar performance for a fraction of the price, the MG4 XPower is really hard to ignore. It costs almost £25,000 less than the Model Y Performance, and you can save a further £6,800 on one through Carwow at the time of writing.

The XPower has 435hp, and it can do 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds. Mat Watson also proved that this practical electric hatchback is faster than a Nissan GT-R in a drag race, but it’s also not all that fun through the corners.

3. Kia EV6 GT

The Kia EV6 GT shares a lot of tech with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, including that car’s clever simulated gear shifts. They’re not quite as fun in the Kia though, mostly because it makes a weird, spaceship-like noise rather than an engine sound like you get in the Hyundai.

That doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a seriously fast car. With 641hp going to all four wheels, the EV6 GT goes from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. Prices start from a snip under £60,000, and you can get one through Carwow for less than £55,000 at the time of writing.

4. Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

Applying the Mustang name to an electric SUV may seem like sacrilege to you diehard muscle car fans, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s actually a really good sporty SUV. It’s great fun to drive on a twisty road, however the firm suspension can make it a pain to live with day-to-day.

At least the interior is a lovely place to spend time, but it should be at this price. We’re stretching above our £65,000 budget for this one, because the Mustang Mach-E GT starts from almost £75,000. Carwow discounts bring this down to £68,000 at the time of writing.

5. Tesla Model 3 Performance

If you don’t need as much interior space as the Model Y offers, why not check out the Tesla Model 3 Performance? It uses the same 460hp dual motor setup as the Model Y, but because it’s lighter it’s even faster to 60mph.

It’ll complete the sprint in just 2.9 seconds, and it’s almost as fun as a BMW M3 down a twisty road. The button-free cabin may not be to everyone’s taste, but at least the touchscreen is really easy to use.

6. Volvo EX30

You might not immediately associate this comfy, small and stylish SUV with bonkers performance, but the Twin Motor version is really quick. It has 428hp, and 0-60mph takes just 3.6 seconds.

News Editor Jamie Edkins has been living with one for a few months, and the fiddly touchscreen is something which really gets on his nerves. But at least it’s a comfy cruiser, and you can have one through Carwow for less than £41,000.

7. Used Polestar 3 Performance

If you have a quick look at used cars on Carwow, you can find the lovely Polestar 3 Performance for less than a new Tesla Model Y Performance. We found a 2025 example with just over 5,000 miles on the clock for £57,000, a saving of more than £20,000 over a new one.

It’s great to drive, with a suspension setup that manages to be both comfortable over bumps and sporty though the bends, and the interior feels properly posh. It may not have the biggest boot in this class, but the rear seats are cavernous.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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