► Tesla Model 3 Performance reviewed
► More power and big chassis upgrades
► Is it worth upgrading over the cheaper Long Range?
The Tesla Model 3 really has shifted the electric car market needle, shaking up the industry with its blend of accessible pricing, blistering acceleration and minimalist tech. Yet while the car itself has earned plenty of praise, it’s impossible to ignore that Tesla as a company has been through a turbulent few years. Much of that turbulence has revolved around its controversial CEO.
From social media spats to shifting brand perceptions, it’s been a wild ride, sometimes leaving buyers wondering whether they’re investing in a sensible bit of electric mobility or signing up for the soap opera of Silicon Valley. But one should never let corporate theatrics get in the way of impartially reviewing a car’s pros and cons.
And in the case of the Tesla Model 3, its many positives still shine through. With the recent ‘Highland’ facelift, the line-up finally gained a true halo model in the shape of the Performance. It’s still minimalist and tech-heavy inside, but the promise is more pace and greater dynamic polish than ever before.
Should you buy a Tesla Model 3 Performance? It’s properly fast and more refined than before, but the price premium over the brilliant Long Range version is hard to ignore, as are some ongoing gripes with cabin quality and brake feel.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: Explosive acceleration, improved interior quality, decent range for the pace
Cons: Still looks plain inside, brake pedal feel needs work, expensive versus Long Range
What’s new?
Tesla’s 2023 Highland facelift swept across the Model 3 range, and the Performance benefits from sharper styling and a noticeably better interior finish. But while the regular Standard and Long Range cars have been on sale for some time, the top-spec Performance took a little while to saunter in and join the party.
While the exterior tweaks are subtle, the Performance finally telegraphs its go-faster status a bit more clearly than the original, with a chiselled front bumper, attractive 20-inch wheels and sports seats.
Underneath, it gets adaptive dampers for the first time, staggered tyre widths reminiscent of an M3, and software tweaks including Track Mode to let drivers dial in everything from throttle response to how much the rear end likes to rotate.
What are the specs?
Tesla quotes a slightly baffling range of outputs for the dual-motor Performance. Officially, it’s rated at 460bhp in Europe, but the same hardware is listed at 510bhp in the US. Either way, the numbers translate to relentless shove: 0-62mph takes just 3.1 seconds. That’s not quite in Model S Plaid territory, but it’s still the kind of acceleration that can leave sports cars looking foolish.
There’s a 78kWh battery onboard, delivering a WLTP driving range of 328 miles, which is solid given the performance on tap. And despite tipping the scales at 1851kg, the Model 3 Performance feels agile and eager, at least in a straight line.
Like other Teslas, the Performance sticks with minimalist cabin architecture and a single central screen for almost every function. There’s a revised nose, improved sound insulation and better cabin materials compared to the pre-facelift car, making it a much more pleasant place to spend time.
How does it drive?
Performance, as you’d expect, is the Tesla’s party piece. Even in the less aggressive Chill mode it’s rapid, but switch to Insane mode and the Model 3 fires forward with brutal, neck-snapping force. That’s nothing new for Tesla, but what’s meant to be new is how the Performance handles the twisty stuff.
The adaptive dampers do help settle the car over bumpy roads, and body control is noticeably tighter in Sport mode, while the staggered tyre widths improve front-end bite. Yet there’s still a sense of nervousness when you push the car hard on tight B-roads, and the steering, though quick, lacks genuine feel and progression.
Braking remains a sore point. There’s plenty of stopping power, but the pedal feel is inconsistent and oddly springy, sapping confidence when driving quickly.
What about the interior?
Plain is still the word. From the driver’s seat, there’s little visual drama to distinguish the Performance from its cheaper siblings. The chunky steering wheel feels agreeable in your hands, but the removal of traditional stalks for indicator buttons on the wheel, and the daft on-screen transmission shifter, remains awkward and unintuitive.
You do eventually adjust, but it’s hard not to wish Tesla would reinstate physical controls for some core functions.
The driving position is excellent, and the sports seats offer strong support, even if they could look a touch more special. The fixed headrests, however, can push some drivers into an uncomfortable posture, although they’re perfectly placed for the inevitable head-snapping thrust under acceleration. Cabin space remains generous, with good legroom and a decent boot, but it’s not quite as plush or special-feeling as some newer premium EV rivals.
Before you buy
The Model 3 Performance sits above the Standard and Long Range trims, commanding a £10,000 premium over the latter. That’s a significant chunk given how good the Long Range already is, offering similar range and strong real-world pace.
Rivals have multiplied since the Model 3 Performance first launched. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N delivers a similar performance brief with a more characterful interior and sharper dynamics, though with a shorter range. BMW’s i4 M50 offers traditional premium feel and handling sophistication, though it’s heavier and arguably less efficient. Kia’s EV6 GT is another contender, bringing strong pace and impressive kit, albeit with a similar compromise on interior quality in places.
Newer arrivals like the Polestar 4 Dual‑Motor and Audi’s Q6 E‑Tron performance/SQ6 also stake strong claims, offering EV styling flair and more premium cabins. Prices for the Model 3 Performance start around £59,990, depending on options. While the Tesla still scores highly for speed and charging infrastructure, you should consider whether the extra cash over the Long Range version truly brings enough added thrills and polish to justify the outlay. We think it does.
Verdict
For some buyers, Tesla’s shifting brand perception can cloud the picture, leaving them wary of how closely the company’s identity is tied to one man’s antics. But it’s crucial to separate the the man and the hardware. However noisy things get at Tesla HQ, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a company still building some of the most best EVs on sale.
Tesla’s Model 3 Performance remains an impressive machine, delivering staggering pace and lower running costs than any rival petrol or hybrid super saloon. The Highland facelift has undoubtedly improved the interior and ironed out some rough edges, but a few flaws persist. The cabin is still rather plain, brake feel is disappointing, and there’s a nervousness at the limit that rivals like the Ioniq 5 N, BMW i4 M50 and newer entries like the Polestar 4 and Audi Q6 E‑Tron better manage.
Yet as an electric sports saloon that can shame traditional performance cars away from the lights and handle daily driving without fuss, it’s still a deeply appealing proposition. It’s rapid, refined and benefits from Tesla’s excellent charging infrastructure. Just be sure you can stomach the image, and then test drive the Long Range first.