Video | all-new Tesla Model 3 Performance

Amid wider stories of lower than expected sales, job losses and other woes Tesla needed some good news, and this new Model 3 Performance looks like exactly that. Coming off the back of wider updates for the regular Model 3 range the new Performance ups the game of the already impressive previous model, put more ground between it and the others in the range and offer a serious fightback against rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, BYD Seal, BMW i4 and others.
And while the press release announcing the new model has only just landed Rory has already been driving the car out in America for the full video review you can watch here.

A quick taster, first, though! With power now at 460 ‘system horsepower’ the new Model 3 Performance has some serious muscle, the headline grabbing 2.9 seconds 0-60mph time requiring the caveat that most rivals quote acceleration times from 0-62mph instead, this being the conversion from the European industry standard of 0-100km/h. So, the number looks a little more impressive, Tesla also minded to deduct what it calls ‘rollout’ from acceleration stats as well. Whatever, it’s still very impressive, as you’ll see from Rory’s reaction in the video.
There’s a lot more to the new Model 3 Performance than ludicrous acceleration, though. Tesla has worked on everything, from the (now red) brakes to the suspension and control systems for battery cooling and more. This is wrapped up in the Track Mode V3 and a new interface for the Vehicle Dynamics Controller through which you can configure various aspects of the car to your tastes.

For the first time there are also significant visual differences between the Performance and other Model 3s, including ‘staggered’ wheels, a different front end with very obvious aerodynamic cut-outs and a prominent carbon fibre lip spoiler at the back. Improved sports seats also hold you in place at the cornering speeds the Model 3 Performance encourages, in another welcome upgrade.
Lots to take in, and for the full in-depth review sit back and enjoy the video. And once you’ve done that make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!