Tesla has brought us a more serious kind of Model 3 Performance. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Model 3 is one of Tesla's most significant cars and here, we look at the top Performance version, which in this updated form gets smarter look, an upgraded interior and considerably sharper handling. If your mid-sized executive EV saloon needs to be seriously sporting, then it's a car you can't ignore.

Background

You might find it quite a new experience; trying a full-EV that can really handle. Other zero emission battery models - including larger Teslas - go very fast when you stamp down your right foot and manage not to lurch about too much through the bends because of the low-down centrally-mounted placement of their battery packs. But as for cornering finesse, well forget it. There's a reason why most volume EVs designed to date have been either compact hatches or SUVs, market segments full of buyers with little enthusiasm for throwing their cars about. Few of the brands involved have yet dared to make an EV sports saloon - but Tesla's been selling one since 2018, this car, the Model 3 Performance. Six years on, this design was updated to create the car we look at here. The US brand is largely run by 'visionaries' who seem to prefer a future in which their owners weren't imposed upon to actually drive their cars at all, as the company continues its relentless pursuit of autonomous driving technology. Yet Elon Musk and his team clearly like a challenge, especially one so clearly shirked by the established brands who can no longer ignore the threat this Californian auto maker poses. So heads were hunted, test tracks were pounded and budgets broken in order to create the kind of Model 3 that would make competitors - and their buyers - sit up and take notice. This 'Performance' variant is that car.

Driving Experience

Quite a lot's different with this updated Model 3 Performance, which now produces 453bhp. There's a more performance-tuned chassis, with increased stiffness for improved handling. Tesla has also added upgraded stabiliser bars, springs and bushings. For the first time in a Model 3, there's also adaptive damping. And the added carbon fibre spoiler is supposed to 'optimise lift balance and high speed stability'. This top AWD 'Performance' derivative shares the surprisingly sharp handling of more standard Model 3 variants. More positives are accrued by the impressively well modulated throttle - though it's still prone to lurch the car forward like a startled rabbit if used without due care. If you were to mash it into the bulkhead of this top 'Performance'-spec variant, you'd reach sixty mph in just 2.9s en route to 163mph. Think M3s and C63s - or just see this Tesla as Ferrari-fast. This 'Performance' derivative is further embellished by larger 20-inch wheels shod with bespoke tyres and Brembo competition-style brakes. Also significant is the inclusion of an improved latest generation version of the company's 'Track Mode' system, which allows the driver to customise stability levels, handling balance and regenerative braking. 'Track Mode' activates a kind of torque vectoring set-up that shuttles torque between front and rear axles to offer either more or less cornering rotation as needed. Plus there's a dramatic increase in regenerative braking to capture extra energy more efficiently, aiding a range figure rated at 328 miles. 'Track Mode' also works with what the brand calls a 'Vehicle Dynamics Controller' that eases back the normally quite intrusive traction and stability control systems so that they allow more slip - so much so in fact that pro-driver circuit corner drifting is even possible. This kind of driving can be rough on the car's cooling system, so 'Track Mode' recalibrates that to cool the car more aggressively and proactively.

Design and Build

You might notice the changes made to this car from other versions of the updated Model 3 - mainly the front and rear lights. But you'd have to know your Teslas to note the updates made over the earlier Model 3 Performance design. These are focused on new cooling ducts and a carbonfibre spoiler. Inside, for the first time in a Model 3, there's carbonfibre detailing and you now get sports seats with improved lateral support. Otherwise, it's much as in any other Model 3 - the updated one anyway, which goes without indicator and gearshift steering wheel stalks. Interior ambiance has taken a noticeable step towards 'premium-ness' (as it needed to), with upgraded materials (real aluminium, textiles and so on) and customisable ambient lighting wrapping around the full cabin. There's re-designed centre console with dual wireless 'phone chargers. The heated front seats are now ventilated and Tesla has installed a new studio-quality next-gen audio system, with 17 speakers. The super bright and responsive 15.4-inch centre-dash display is the same size as before, but offers a more usable screen area thanks to thinner bezel. It features customizable UI and gets better over time with OTA updates. As before, it's certainly very airy inside thanks to an uncovered sunroof at the front and a rear window that stretches up into the roof. That gives excellent rearward visibility too. In the back, there's an all-new 8-inch rear display with integrated climate control, ventilation, and entertainment. As before, there's 425-litres of luggage space, that figure including both boot capacity and the 117-litre under-bonnet 'froot'.

Market and Model

The top 'Performance' Model 3 derivative costs around £60,000 - which is a significant sum but represents a useful saving on the rival quite a few customers might be looking at, the top M50 version of BMW's i4. Other potential alternatives include the top dual motor version of the Polestar 2, the Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. All of these are tough rivals but in this Tesla, they face a formidable competitor. We mentioned a few of the specific 'Performance'-spec additions in our 'Design' section. In addition to those, you'll obviously get all the equipment features you'd find on an ordinary top-spec Model 3. These include enhancements like the new customisable ambient lighting system, the ventilated front seats, the two-phone wireless charging station and the smart 8-inch rear seat climate display screen. Media connectivity has been improved too, with dual-band Wi-Fi capability (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz). Then there's the new Tesla-designed premium audio system. It features 17 speakers, dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers. It includes native support for Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal. Additional and more capable microphones deliver improved call quality too. there are also two rear USB-C charging ports, each with up to 65W of power. You'll be able to seamlessly connect it all with Bluetooth to sync everything from your contacts to your music. The 15.4-inch centre screen takes software downloads from Tesla every few weeks (once you've approved the same via your ownership app) which means that, as with other Teslas, you'll get into your car one morning and find it can do something it couldn't do yesterday - which is rather cool. The navigation mapping is by Google maps, so traffic mapping is very interactive. All of this does mean though, that as soon as you want to change something, you have to delve around in menus and sub-menus to do it, which requires intimate familiarity with the way the monitor works. This isn't one of those cars you can just get in, drive and use to the full without a second thought.

Cost of Ownership

The 'Performance' variant manages a 328 mile WLTP-rated driving range reading from its 75kWh battery, a figure 62 miles less than the alternative 'Long Range' Dual Motor model. These figures are aided in this revised design by improved aerodynamics and range-optimised tyres. The car responds best to nightly recharges, but will happily sit for a couple of weeks at an airport while you holiday without losing significant charge, though over longer stationary periods, the cells will slowly lose their charge. All Dual Motor Model 3 variants charge at up to 250kW, which means a 10-80% charge takes 27 minutes. As before, a major selling point lies with the Tesla Supercharger network, which now features over 1,000 charging points spread across over 100 locations throughout the UK. Charging from home using a 7.4kW wallbox from empty to full takes 12 hours. Owning a Model 3 is of course very different from owning a conventionally powered executive saloon. There's no fuel bill and service is minimal. The annual service fee covers an annual inspection, replacement parts like brake pads and windscreen wipers, 24 hour roadside assistance, system monitoring, remote diagnostics, software updates and new features sent through the touchscreen. It's possible to charge the battery half way in about 30 minutes using Tesla's 'supercharger' but as with most elements of this car, it requires a change in your way of thinking. As with other EVs, you'll make big savings in terms of your tax, VED and maintenance liabilities.

Summary

If you want a mid-sized EV performance saloon that shouts its high-speed credentials from the roof tops, then this isn't it. But that subtlety might well be part of the appeal of this ultimate Model 3. Get this Tesla in this top Performance form and you've to take quite a hit in terms of EV driving range, but in return, you get substantial improvements in handling sharpness and the adaptive damping system that we've always wished a Model 3 could have. Those adaptive springs are the main improvement with this updated Model 3 Performance, but there are also others. The cabin looks a bit smarter with its carbon fibre additions and the grippy sports seats are a welcome upgrade. As before, you'd have to like the cool, pared-back image of this Model 3 to want one - and be forgiving of a few idiosyncrasies - but if none of that matters, then you'll find that what's on offer here is as significant as it's ambitious.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Privacy glass

Rear electric windows

Windscreen washer jets

Automatic headlights and wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

ESC - Electronic Stability Control + traction control

Regenerative braking system

Brake disc wipe technology

Automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance warning

Hydraulic brake fade compensation

Hydraulic brake boost compensation

Stopping modes (Creep, hold, roll)

Collision avoidance assist with multi collision braking and obstacle aware acceleration

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive suspension

Bespoke performance chassis

Communication

Smartphone connectivity

Dual wireless phone charger

Voice control for media, navigation, climate control, contacts, app and settings

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Lane keep assist

Traffic-aware cruise control

Autosteer

3 steering modes (Comfort, standard, sport)

Park assist with visual and audio feedback

Acceleration modes (Chill, standard)

Video recording

Lane assist with Emergency lane departure avoidance

Controlling speed assist with speed limit warning

Self park system

Tesla profile

Driver Convenience

Car wash mode

Powered rear trunk

Adjusting opening height of powered trunk

Interior emergency trunk release

Driver Information

Navigation system

Trip computer

e-Call (emergency call)

Software updates over WiFi

Brake wear indicator

Calendar and web conferencing

Automatic blind spot camera

Blind spot collision warning chime

15" Center touchscreen and 8" Second row display

Track mode v3

Cruise control light

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

DAB Digital radio

Media storage

Music, FM radio and media over bluetooth connection

Tesla mobile app

Music and video streaming, caraoke and internet browser

17 speakers, dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers

3 x USB-C ports with each up to 65W

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Panoramic roof

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Interior emergency release for frunk

Frunk cargo volume 88l

Frunk opening hood with no power

Exterior Lights

Parking lights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Rear fog lights

Automated High beam assist

LED 3rd brake light

Side marker lights

License plate lights

Turn signals

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Advanced climate controls (Touchscreen adj front vents, cabin overheat protection, preconditioning, dog and camp mode, rear vents, cabin air filters)

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Overhead console

12V power outlet

Coat hangers

Power adjustable steering wheel

Glovebox with pin

Horn and scroll button on steering wheel

Center console

Rear console

Interior Lights

Dome lights

Customizable ambient lighting

Safety

Driver airbag

Front passenger airbag

Seatbelt pretensioners

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Electric child locks

Pedestrian warning

3x3 point rear seat belts

Knee airbags

Seat belt reminder

Locking rear windows

Window left open notifications

Adjustable shoulder anchor height

Airbag status indicator

Airbag warning indicator

Front passenger occupant detection

Smart garage connectivity

Cabin camera determining driver inattentiveness and view cabin from tesla app

Seat mounted far side airbag

Seats

Easy entry system

Folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Isofix child seat anchor points

Single front passenger seat

Adjustable rear center seat head support

Sport seats

Heated and ventilated seats with individual controls integrated into HVAC

Power adjustable front seats with driver lumbar support and integrated head support

Heated rear seats with individual controls

Integrated rear head support

Security

Keyless entry and keyless start

Valet mode

Hands free key card

Auto drive away locking

Dashcam

Driver door unlock mode

Car left open notifications

Unlock on park

Tilt/Intrusion system

Pin to drive

Sentry mode

Phone key with ultra wideband capability

Interior locking and unlocking

Walk away door lock

Transmission

AWD Performance drive

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Scheduled charging

Energy app

Scheduled departure

Wheels - Alloy

20" Warp alloy wheel

Electric Vehicle Data

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 250

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 454

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 107

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 36

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 120

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 27

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 250

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 328

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 528

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Capacity in kWh: 79

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 120000

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Emissions - ICE

NOx: N

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

HC: N

CO: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

Engine and Drive Train

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Engine Code: N

CC: 1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

General

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: Performance

Coin Description: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 4

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 460

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Based On ID: N

Service Interval Mileage: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 48D

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Top Speed: 163

Engine Power - KW: 338

0 to 62 mph (secs): 2.9

Engine Power - BHP: 460

Engine Power - PS: No

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: N

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 275/30 R20

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Style: WARP

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 235/35 R20

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2875

Width (including mirrors): 2089

Height: 1431

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1933

Length: 4724

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1839

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 594

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 977

Driver Aids

Full self-driving capability

Enhanced autopilot

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Solid paint

Special metallic paint

Multi coat paint

Additional premium paint

Interior Features

Additional vegan uphlostery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Deep blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Black

Paint - Special

Premium - Ultra red

Premium - Stealth grey

Multi coat - Pearl white

Special metallic - Quicksilver

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Cloth

Vegan leather - Black and white/Black and white interior

Vegan leather - Black/Black interior