Overview
Since Performance has been available on the Model S and Model X as well, it isn’t a surprise that Model 3 will follow suit. The recently released Tesla Model 3 Performance appears to be an excellent value. It is based on the recently updated Model 3, which is among Tesla’s best-looking vehicles to yet.
A welcome departure from Tesla’s previous performance offerings, the new Model 3 Performance has a very distinct appearance from the ordinary Model 3. It starts with the Model 3 Long Range and its larger battery, but the Performance model costs $54,630 more, has a shorter maximum range (up from 341 miles), and has a lot more power. Everything that’s new is right here.
What’s New in Tesla Model 3 Performance
For 2024, the Model 3 has gotten a much-needed aesthetic makeover, bringing with it a sharper front end, a quieter interior, and new standard features. The Model 3 now looks more modern and sophisticated than it did previously, even though the style tweaks are minor yet have a significant effect. Tesla claims to have added additional acoustic glass and employed more sound-deadening materials in addition to updating the interior with higher-quality materials to help block out road noise.
There has been a redesign of the steering wheel, removal of the transmission shifter and blinker stalks from the steering column, and new perforated fabric on the seats that allows airflow for front-seat passengers. Now, rear seat passengers can stream Netflix or change the temperature using their own 8.0-inch monitor. Similar improvements are made to the Model 3 Performance, which now has 510 horsepower (up from 455), an adaptive suspension system, a dedicated Track driving mode, sport seats, enhanced brakes, and staggered wheel and tire alignment. Its estimated driving range is 296 miles.
New Performance Chassis and Adaptive Damping
The new Model 3 Performance incorporates the most recent advancements in comfort and Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) as well as custom chassis components that increase performance and stiffness while lowering mass. These components include multi-sectioned stabilizer bars, adaptive dampers with hollow damper piston rods, ultra-high strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension top mounts.
The new Adaptive Damping system, a first for the Model 3 and exclusive to the new Model 3 Performance, optimizes ride and handling while also enhancing ride comfort by reacting in real time to inputs from the driver and the road. Similar to the drivetrain, Tesla’s proprietary software regulates the adaptive suspension, making it a completely integrated chassis subsystem. This enables substantial future OTA software update flexibility for the product.
EV Motor Power and Performance
Performance 4DU, the newest generation of performance drive units, increases torque, power, and efficiency. The Performance 4DU can produce up to +22% continuous power, +32% peak power, and +16% peak torque delivery in comparison to the Model 3 Performance drive unit.
Performance 4DU, the newest generation of performance drive units, increases torque, power, and efficiency. The Performance 4DU can produce up to +22% continuous power, +32% peak power, and +16% peak torque delivery in comparison to the Model 3 Performance drive unit.
Larger brake discs, stronger callipers, and high-performance brake pads are added to the Model 3 Performance to improve deceleration, suggesting that Tesla takes braking just as seriously as it does acceleration. The 20-inch forged wheels that those new brakes are mounted behind should assist lower unsprung mass.
Additionally, there’s a new track mode that allows you to tailor the handling balance, stability control, regenerative braking, and suspension to fit your preferences when on the track. Along with a G-meter on the track mode settings, it also looks like there are some new gauges that keep an eye on the motor and brake temperatures.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The new Sport seats inside the Model 3 Performance have improved bolstering and a deeper, more comfortable seating position. Comparing the new seating geometry and construction to the RWD or LR AWD trims, customers don’t lose any functionality or comfort because it offers more lateral support during cornering and dynamic driving while still being accessible and comfortable for daily driving. It also has 12-way power plus heating and ventilation.
The new Model 3 RWD and LR AWD trims’ enhanced NVH and interior comfort, which include 360˚ Acoustic Glass, greater body baffles and sealing, and end-to-end NVH treatment for increased noise isolation, also boost Model 3 Performance.
Overall, this may be the most comprehensive performance package offered by Tesla to yet.
