When Tesla refreshed the Model 3 earlier this year, the popular Performance variant appeared lost in the mail. That changed today, when the Model 3 Performance popped up on Tesla's website wearing a $54,630 price tag and some very impressive specs.
This new Model 3 Performance has 55 extra horses, 16% more torque, runs to 60 mph in a staggering 2.9 seconds, and offers more refinements over the outgoing model. It also has more visual indications that you've spent a little extra for the spicy one.
Power has always been Tesla's party trick, but this 3 gets a little more thoughtful. The chassis is stiffened and rides on new adaptive dampers all the way around. Wheels and tires are now staggered and lighter as well. Updated Track Mode software is also included, though details are thin on what that means.
On the outside of the car, this Model 3 Performance finally puts some distance between itself and the rest of the Model 3 lineup. The car adopts the new front and rear fascias, though has its own streamlined take on them. The front gets a subtle splitter, and the back a unique diffuser.
The other big differentiator here are the seats. These Performance-exclusive buckets are deeper than the outgoing model, with more bolstering to hold you in place around the bends and new ventilation to keep you cool when the running gets hot. For some extra pizazz, there's a Ludicrous-inspired insignia on the seats as well.
The range takes a bit of a hit, down to 296 miles from the outgoing model's 315.
This Model 3 Performance starts at $54,630, a price that qualifies for the full $7,500 Clean Vehicle Tax Credit meaning you can have one of these for $47,130. That's a lot of car for this money, especially when compared to Performance rival Hyundai Ioniq 5 N priced just over $66k. To make things even weirder, this Performance variant is currently CHEAPER than the Long Range Model 3 due to the Long Range not qualifying for the tax credit.
The new Model 3 Performance is available to order now, and deliveries are expected between May and June.
