Since its appearance, the Tesla Model 3 Performance has been the most enjoyable to drive in the model portfolio. Yes, the Tesla Model S Plaid is still faster, but then it’s also a big and heavy car.
The Model 3 is no beast on the road, but its length of around 4.7 meters makes it versatile. The weight of the updated Model 3 Performance is not mentioned in Tesla’s press release, but if a regular Model 3 Long Range AWD is used as a basis, the new car should not be much more than 1,850 kilograms.
In comparison, a BMW i4 M50 weighs a whopping 2,215 kilograms, while a Polestar 2 with four-wheel drive is 2,113 kilograms according to the Road Traffic Information Council.
New chassis
The Model 3 received a facelift last year, and the Performance variant naturally follows in this sport.
The special thing now is that Tesla for the first time includes adaptive shock absorbers, something only the X and S have been able to boast.
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It is safe to hope that this provides both increased sportiness and more comfort.
The Model 3 Performance also gets increased body rigidity, upgraded springs, bushings and stabilizer bars.
Tesla still includes a separate Track Mode where the dampers can be set, but the company also writes that the drivetrain itself is “Performance-optimised”.
In any case, it bodes well that Tesla finally offers an adaptive chassis, which today’s Model Y could definitely benefit from, since this is perceived by many as a rather stiff car.
The new Tesla Model 3 Performance has, among other things, changed front and rear bumpers, so that it stands out more from the regular Model 3 variants. That’s a good move. Photo: Tesla
Strong performances
According to Tesla, a new generation of electric motors will provide more than 460 horsepower and 0 to 100 is stated to be in 3.1 seconds. It is 0.2 seconds faster than on the old Model 3 Performance, but it is worth noting that Tesla uses a so-called rolling start, where the car is already in motion when the time is measured.
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There is little reason to doubt that the new Model 3 Performance will be a fast car anyway.
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Forged 20-inch rims are standard and the rear tires have been made wider for better grip. In addition, the car is delivered with new brake pads that can withstand higher temperatures.
More exciting design
A slightly disappointing element of the old Model 3 Performance was that on the outside it appeared almost identical to a normal Model 3. Tesla has now realized that they have to change that, because the new car has changed front and rear bumpers with a more aggressive appearance.
A new rear diffuser is also in place, along with a carbon fiber spoiler.
On the inside, the car is available with new carbon fiber decor that Tesla has not previously delivered, but far more interesting is that the car gets new sports seats with increased lateral support.
One of the changes to the new Model 3 Performance is the sports seats. These are new and available as standard equipment. Photo: Tesla
Higher price
A regular Tesla Model 3 with rear-wheel drive costs from NOK 387,600 including taxes. If you add close to NOK 90,000 more, you get a Model 3 with four-wheel drive and a range of 629 kilometres.
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In terms of range, the Model 3 Performance places itself between these, because it also has four-wheel drive and a large battery, but tyres, rims and design grips eat up a bit of range. The performance model will cover 528 kilometers and costs from NOK 589,765 including taxes.
According to Tesla’s website, delivery starts in May.
This article was previously published in Finansavisen Motor.
