The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance has been revealed, bringing significant go-fast upgrades to the fastest version of the brand’s popular electric sedan.
UPDATE, 10:45am 24/04/24 – The Tesla Model 3 Performance is now on sale in Australia, priced from $80,900 before on-road costs. Deliveries will begin between July and September. Our original story below has been amended to reflect this.
Following months of leaks, the new Model 3 Performance was unveiled overnight, with key details finally locked in ahead of its third-quarter Australian launch.
Curiously, the ‘Highland’ update for the Tesla Model 3 Performance has received a power cut. Its dual electric motors now produce 343kW for models made in China, down 15kW on what its predecessor offered.
Despite this, it has an even faster 0-100km/h time, now standing at a claimed 3.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the car it replaces – but also a reduction in driving range, down to 528km from 547km on the WLTP cycle.
To compensate for the extra power, Tesla has finally upgraded the Model 3 Performance’s brakes, with larger calipers and rotors sitting behind staggered-width 20-inch ‘Warp’ wheels, shod in Pirelli P Zero tyres.
For the first time, the Model 3 Performance is now equipped with adaptive suspension by Koni, a feature previously reserved for the larger, faster and more expensive Model S Plaid.
As previously seen, Tesla has also given the Performance a new look compared to the base model, with a more aggressive front bumper and splitter, rear diffuser and lip spoiler.
There are badges outside and in with the ‘Ludicrous’ pattern from the 1987 film Spaceballs – the step below ‘Plaid’ speed in the movie. Tesla makes no mention of what it references, suggesting it’s nothing more than a subtle nod to the Model 3 Performance sitting below the Model S Plaid.
Inside the cabin has also benefited from a Performance-specific overhaul, with more supportive front sports seats, carbon fibre trim, as well as metal accelerator and brake pedal covers.
Drivers can select from four drive modes – Chill, Standard, Insane and Track – with the latter reserved for closed-course activities, now allowing those behind the wheel to adjust the torque split between the front and rear wheels.
The Tesla Model 3’s controversial steering wheel with integrated indicator buttons carries across, as do other features such as a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 8.0-inch rear touchscreen with climate, entertainment controls, 17-speaker sound system, and a panoramic glass roof.
Australian deliveries of the Tesla Model 3 Performance are due to begin between July and September 2024, with prices starting from $80,900 before on-road costs.
The Tesla Model 3 range received price cuts yesterday, bringing the standard RWD variant down to $58,900 before on-road costs and the Long Range down to $67,900 before on-road costs.
Tesla Model 3 Australian pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | $58,900 (-$3000) |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD | $67,900 (-$4000 vs March 2024) |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD | $80,900 (-$2500 vs pre-facelift) |
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MORE: 2024 Tesla Model 3 gets another price cut in Australia
