Tesla has finally revealed the new Model 3 Performance after multiple leaks, to the delight of speed freaks. In this article, we bring you everything you need to know about the fastest Model 3 ever built!

Brief history of the Tesla Model 3

CEO Elon Musk first presented the Model 3 in 2006. However, it would not be until 2016 that the electric sedan was available for reservations, of which the company gathered more than 300,000 in the first week.

The Model 3 has cemented its place in the history of EVs as the truly first mass-market family battery-powered car. It was the best-selling electric car for three years in a row and the first EV to surpass one million units in global sales.

The old Model 3 Performance was faster than the other variants handling 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.2 seconds, with better handling capabilities.

Tesla refreshed the Model 3 on the interior and exterior, first in China last year, and in early 2024 in the US (known as the Highland update). However, Tesla did not immediately announce the Performance version of the Highland.

The new Tesla Model 3 Performance

There is no other way to put it; the new Model 3 Performance is the performance version of the Highland. As such, it has all the interior and exterior updates and features of the latest model refresh, including an infotainment screen for the rear-seat passengers, improved ambient lighting, etc.

However, there are features specific to this Performance version to help it deal with all that power.

The Model 3 Performance is capable of zooming to 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds, slicing off three seconds from the old Performance. 

Responsible for that incredible speed is a dual system of electric motors outputting 510 hp and 547 lb-ft of torque. These represent a 22 percent increase in continuous power and 16 percent more torque.

The regular Model 3 cannot handle all that power, so Tesla has beefed up the Performance’s body. It comes with electronic dampers (Tesla could improve these with future OTA updates) to absorb the shock when cornering and for better stability on the road generally.

Tesla also made the Performance’s chassis stiffer and reduced its rolling resistance for more nimbleness when the road gets twisty.

The new Performance variant has 5 percent less drag and 36 percent better lift reaction for improved aerodynamics. This contributes to a respectable range of 296 miles (EPA estimates). This is only 45 miles less than what the dual-motor Long Range model offers.

Inside, Performance owners and their passengers will rest their behinds in sports bucket seats. The only other unique cabin feature appears to be the carbon fibre trim replacement for wood on the dashboard.

Track Mode

Driving the new Performance model about town will hardly bring out the best in the car. For users who want to push their vehicle to the limit, Tesla has included a Track Mode. The driving mode allows the owners to “customize handling balance, stability control, and regenerative braking” to what they want.

The new adaptive damping system kicks in in Track Mode, while new bigger brake calipers help the car come to a halt when necessary despite all the power.

Pricing

All that power comes at a price. The new Tesla Model 3 Performance starts at $52,990 before incentives, according to Tesla’s online configurator. In comparison, the Rear-Wheel Drive version starts at $38,990 before incentives.

Buyers can reduce the cost of the Performance version by taking advantage of the EV Tax Credit.

Tesla Model 3 owners don’t have to splurge on the Performance model to have a classier dashboard. They can customize the dashboard in other Model 3 and Model Y variants with the Spectre Fibre Dashboard, which also includes an upgrade for the door. While other aftermarket accessories merely cover over the original parts, the Spectre Fibre Dashboard and Door Trim are actual replacements. They are precisely crafted for a perfect fit, permanent installation, and to blend in with your car’s interior.

All images courtesy of Tesla.