The Tesla Model Y Performance came close, but a Kia took the win. Kia said on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 that its 650-horsepower EV6 GT placed first overall in a comparison test of five high-performance electric cars by the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Seoul Economic Daily and Maeil Business (MK) reported. The EV6 GT scored 585 points, nine more than the Tesla Model Y Performance at 576.
Final scores
- Kia EV6 GT: 585
- Tesla Model Y Performance: 576
- Zeekr 7GT Privilege AWD: 569
- Polestar 4 Coupe Dual Motor: 531
- BYD Sealion 7 AWD Excellence: 508
The cars were scored in seven categories: body, safety, comfort, powertrain, driving dynamics, environmental performance and running costs, MK reported.
Where the Tesla lost ground
The Kia had the top score in safety (89), powertrain (105) and driving dynamics (96). On driving dynamics, the Model Y Performance placed second with 76, 20 points behind the Kia, according to both outlets. MK reported that the EV6 GT stopped from 100 km/h in 34.5 meters with cold brakes and 33.5 meters with hot brakes, the shortest in the test, and recorded the fastest speeds through the 18-meter slalom (67.6 km/h) and double lane change (132.9 km/h). Auto Motor und Sport said the Kia "won this comparison test on the strength of its outstanding driving performance" and singled out its simulated gear shifts and drift mode, the reports said.
The scores come from Kia's announcement as reported by Korean media. Category scores for the Tesla other than driving dynamics were not given in those reports.
The Model Y keeps selling well in Europe, though. See Tesla's September registrations in Europe.