Tesla has done a commendable job upsetting the automotive apple cart. Its refreshing perspective on the daily driving experience has produced some understandably popular wheels and a cult-like following to match. Its sharpest offering yet – aesthetically, through the steering wheel, and with respect to price – has to be this Tesla Model 3 Performance.
There’s a stack to love about this insanely fast electric sedan, but there are also a few things not to like. For buyers who don’t immediately subscribe to the Tesla hype, it’s those few things that may result in would be buyers eyeing up Tesla’s competitors.
So what’s the story behind the Tesla Model 3 Performance?
The Performance is the pinnacle sedan offering from the tech company on wheels. Financially speaking, it’s also the company’s most compelling performance offering. At $80,900 plus on-roads, it’s hard to argue with the Model 3 Performance when it comes to bang for buck.
Who’s the buyer?
Tesla has been slashing its prices as of late, to flood the market and maintain momentum, so if you’ve ever considered a performance EV, and subscribe to the Tesla hype, this could be your time to strike. The Performance is for the Tesla-phile with deep pockets and a fetish for going fast, and despite its affordability compared to previous Performance models, and the market more broadly, it still commands a healthy $26,000 more than the Model 3’s entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant.
Tell us about your first impressions.
Build quality, both inside and out, has improved even since my time last year behind the wheel of the Model Y Performance. The overall package is aesthetically more aggressive and the cabin is a quieter and more enjoyable place to be. However, there’s no gear shifter anymore, nor are there indicators. The former is a sliding prompt on the master infotainment screen and the latter is a duo of buttons on the steering wheel. But get this, both the left and right indicator buttons are on the same side. All of this takes some getting used to, but after a day or so it quickly becomes second nature.
Give us the top lines on efficiency and performance.
The dual motor, four-wheel-drive setup sends 343 kilowatts of juice and 740Nm of torque to the Model 3’s Pirelli P-Zero tyres quicker than any supercar on the market. This instantaneous slingshot will have the car doing the dash to 100km/h in just over 3 seconds. Featuring adaptive dampers for the first time and a stiffer chassis, the Model 3 Performance’s handling felt sharper than previous Tesla experiences of mine when dialled up accordingly. Conversely, when doing a few laps around town the ride was much smoother and softer showcasing the versatility of the new adaptive damping system. Tesla claims 527 kilometres of range, but you should always take any range indication with a grain of salt. At 92% charge when hopping into my Model 3 Performance the range showed about 420 kilometres.
Tech & connectivity — what’s the word?
If you’re familiar with Tesla, you’ll know that while the cabin is a ‘less is more’ approach, the tech is very solid. The entire connected experience from Tesla is seamlessly integrated across the car and smartphone app. A 15.4-inch central display is your only source of information in the front of the cabin, and in the rear, there’s a new 8-inch central touch screen for the rear passengers. With Google Maps built into their navigation system and a reliable Bluetooth connection every time you get into the car, I hardly missed Apple CarPlay at all.
And for the boring safety stuff?
I’m not going to dive into airbags and the like here. What I do think is worth mentioning is that I find it baffling that there’s no head-up display in the Model 3 Performance, especially considering the lack of screens in the driver’s direct line of sight. You have to glance down at the top right-hand side of the screen for any indication of your speed. Similarly, while eight exterior cameras can be activated while parking or even during your drive, you won’t find any traditional radar.
The most memorable — or heartbreaking — thing about your drive?
To be honest, Tesla’s blisteringly fast dash off the line is a party trick that doesn’t tickle me anymore. The most memorable aspect of my time with the car has to be the lack of indicators and gears on the steering column. You do adapt to this new user experience relatively quickly, but it stays with you for a while and I constantly defaulted to talking about it when people asked for my immediate thoughts.
One thing you should know before a test drive.
This is my favourite Tesla yet. And I’ve never been 100% on board the Tesla hype train. If performance means something to you, this Model 3’s namesake does not underdeliver. Despite its minimalist quirks, I would implore those who are in the market for a fast EV, but have previously resisted the Tesla pull, to give these wheels a whirl.
