The Tesla Model 3 Performance at a glance*
- Performance variant returns
- Now 380 kW/510 HP and 741 Nm
- New adaptive chassis
- Improved hardware and software
- Available to order now
- Basic price from 56,990 euros
*(Combined power consumption (WLTP): 16.7 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; CO2 class: A)²
More development work for better driving dynamics
Tesla has dug deep into the technology box to create a much more mature product from the new Model 3 Performance, six years after the first Sport variant was presented. The performance variant is not just more powerful, but also differs significantly in terms of hardware and software from the previous 3 Series models from the Americans.
The all-wheel drive performance variant relies on the power of two electric motors, with the rear electric motor being a completely new development. The bottom line is that the Tesla Model 3 Performance delivers 380 kW/510 hp and has a maximum system torque of up to 741 Nm. The performance is correspondingly impressive: from zero to 100 km/h takes 3.1 seconds (M3 Competition xDrive*: 3.5 s) and the top speed is stated to be up to 262 km/h. The newly developed adaptive chassis, which is 15 millimeters lower, as well as the revised track mode of the V3 generation should do their part to ensure that the performance variant is not only fast in a straight line.
*(BMW M3 Competition M xDrive, combined fuel consumption (WLTP): 10.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 230-229 g/km; CO2 class: G)²
Read now: Tesla Model 3 Highland driving report
A little more grace in the interior
The adaptive dampers are a first in the Model 3. They enable a wide spread between comfort and sport and are intended to preserve the everyday suitability of the Tesla sedan. The vehicle is decelerated using a high-performance brake hidden behind 20-inch aero rims. How serious the Tesla engineers were can also be seen in the choice of tires: Pirelli P Zero 4 are used as standard. The outer skin of the sportiest Model 3 has also been adapted. Tesla promises 5% less drag, 36% less lift and 55% better balance between front and rear axles compared to the previous Model 3 Performance.
Inside, an attempt is made to counteract the rather sober character of the Model 3 with clearly contoured and air-conditioned sports seats and carbon fiber inserts. Speaking of carbon: Tesla installed a carbon spoiler on the trunk lid of the car, and there is a special diffuser on the lower part of the rear.
Market launch of Model 3 Performance and reduced prices for the normal Model 3 and Model S
The manufacturer states that deliveries of the Tesla Model 3 Performance will begin in May. The basic price in Germany is 56,990 euros. This makes the electric car significantly cheaper than the premium electric competition from Germany, but in terms of performance it doesn't have to hide from combustion engines that are twice as expensive, such as a BMW M3 Competition xDrive.
At the end, of course, another note should not be missing: Tesla is reducing the prices of the normal Model 3 variants. The entry into the Tesla world continues to be marked by the rear-wheel drive Model 3, the price of which has fallen by 2,000 euros to around 41,000 euros. There is also an identical discount for the all-wheel drive version, which now starts at 50,000 euros. For the large Model S sedan, the configurator now shows 93,000 euros as the base price, which also corresponds to a discount of 2,000 euros. (Text: tv, mh/sp-x | Images: manufacturer)