THE TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE OFFERS QUICK ACCELERATION ON A BUDGET
The Tesla Model 3 is a major player in the EV world. A midsize sedan with a sleek, futuristic look, this car helped shape the perception of electric vehicles by consumers in the United States and beyond, as well as helping propel Tesla towards the household name status the brand has today. Between 2018 and 2020, the Model 3 was the best-selling electric car in the world, later overtaken by another member of the Tesla family, the Model Y.
Today, we are focusing on the model that sits at the top of the Model 3 lineup: the Performance. The fastest and most powerful in the Model 3 range, this grade underwent a redesign last year, with its second incarnation being introduced for the 2024 model year.
One notable aspect of the Tesla Model 3 Performance is the one that gives the model its name. Providing a level of performance that enables the vehicle to hold its own against supercars, the Model 3 Performance offers a relatively affordable way to access hair-raising acceleration and track-ready handling, with a price tag just $10 away from the $55,000 mark. Even without EV tax credits, the Model 3 Performance is an absolute steal given how quickly it moves.
Let’s take a closer look at this model’s characteristics, its history, and a few of the supercars the vehicle can rival in some performance metrics.
The Model 3 Performance: An Overview
The Model 3 Performance is the fastest and most powerful member of the Tesla Model 3 lineup. Although Tesla doesn’t operate in the same way as most other automakers, as it doesn’t have traditional “generations” for its models, the current Model 3 Performance is distinct from its predecessor. It was launched for the 2024 model year, while its predecessor was produced between 2018 and the start of 2024.
The Model 3 Performance boasts the lowest 0-60 time in the Model 3 range, reaching the speed in just 2.9 seconds. 10 years ago, this figure was considered the exclusive premise of supercars, rather than a family sedan.
The model was in the works for a long time, with small nuggets of information reaching the public through leaks and teasers over the course of months. The Performance was initially rumored to be called the “Ludicrous”, before its final identity was introduced during the official release.
More Power, More Efficiency: The Model 3 Performance's Upgrades
The new incarnation of the Model 3 Performance introduced several mechanical upgrades, all of which contributed to making it the fastest version of the Model 3 ever built. Power comes from Tesla’s new-generation drive unit, Performance 4DU, which squeezes even more power and torque out of the two electric motors. According to Tesla, the Performance 4DU delivers 22% more continuous power, 32% more peak power, and 16% more peak power delivery compared to the previous drive unit.
The upgrades result in an addition of 60 hp to the car’s power output compared to the previous Model 3 Performance, and a 0-60 time that's 0.6 seconds quicker. The improvement in performance results in a slight decrease in range of 296 miles, compared to the previous model’s 310 miles. However, the company states that efficiency increases by 2%. The reduced range doesn’t, however, create much of a problem in terms of day-to-day ownership experience. Thanks to the Supercharger network, the Model 3 Performance can gain 142 miles of range from a 15-minute charging session.
The car’s AWD system has also been upgraded to accommodate the characteristics of the Performance 4DU drive unit. The upgrade resulted in improved weight transfer for better, more precise cornering. The car’s performance was also given a boost thanks to the all-new adaptive damping system, which is controlled by Tesla’s own software and offers real-time adjustments to ride and handling. Three driving modes are available: Standard, Sport, and Track. Track Mode V3 encompasses motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and the Vehicle Dynamic Controller, which provides the driver with a better, more predictable track driving experience.
Although the new Model 3 Performance is, at first glance, visually fairly similar to its predecessor and the rest of the Model 3 family. Over the years, there were some design updates, as well as mechanical revisions. The front and rear fascia were reworked. Also, the company added a more aggressive front splitter, rear spoiler, and diffuser. These elements don’t just create a sportier, more performance-oriented appearance, they also improve the vehicle’s downforce during spirited driving. Tesla claims it has achieved a 5% reduction in drag, a 36% reduction in lift, and a 55% improvement in front-to-rear balance compared to the previous Model 3 Performance.
Tech And Simplicity: The Interior
Like the rest of the Tesla lineup, the Model 3 has a minimalistic, clean-looking interior. The design is characterized by simple, sleek lines, dominated by a touchscreen with very few physical controls in sight. The few buttons on the steering wheel control features such as the steering column position, side mirrors, and turn signals. They are controlled by buttons rather than traditional stalks. However, Tesla has already begun to reverse that decision on the Chinese market.
The overall feel of the cabin is futuristic and spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out in the front seats. Rear seat passengers, however, are a little bit more cramped. If you don’t need to transport more than one passenger, but could use some extra cargo room, the rear seats can be folded down to create additional luggage space. Small-item storage is also plentiful, with cubbies and bins strategically placed throughout the car.
The Model 3 Performance’s interior features a couple of differences from the rest of the Model 3 lineup. These include carbon fiber accents for a sportier look, and sports seats with a better seating position and enhanced bolstering. These 12-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats are very similar to the ones found in the Model S Plaid, the performance-oriented member of the Model S family.
The Model 3 Performance Vs. Supercars
One of the Model 3 Performance’s most remarkable characteristics is its ability to compete with some supercars in terms of acceleration, despite being a sedan that can comfortably transport a family and handle everyday driving. Here are a few supercars that achieve a similar 0-60 time to the Model 3 Performance, coming in just under the 3.0-second mark. All of the cars below are one bad launch away from being humiliated by a $55,000 sedan.
McLaren 750S
The successor to the 720S, and the last McLaren model to be solely powered by an internal combustion engine, the McLaren 750S was introduced in 2023. It is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which produces 740 hp, sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 750S can get from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds.
Lamborghini Temerario:
Revealed in August last year, the Temerario is a hybrid addition to the Lamborghini family, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 paired with three electric motors.
The total output is 907 hp, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the McLaren 750S, the Lamborghini Temerario can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Hennessey Venom F5
First introduced for the 2021 model year, the Venom F5 is the followup to the Venom GT. It can reach 60 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds, just three-tenths of a second faster than the Model 3 Performance. Power comes from an engine nicknamed “Fury”, a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that sends 1,817 hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed semi-automatic transmission.
2025-10-10T12:09:53ZSources: Tesla, Lamborghini, Hennessey, McLaren