Tesla Model 3 Performance

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance is the undisputed top-dog of the refreshed 'Highland' lineup, engineered for drivers who demand blistering speed without sacrificing daily usability. It’s a proper wolf in sheep's clothing, blending a minimalist aesthetic with supercar-scaring acceleration. As the ultimate expression of the Model 3, it packs in exclusive chassis upgrades and a significant power boost over its siblings. Starting from €59,470 in the European market, it positions itself as a serious performance bargain against traditional petrol-powered rivals from Germany.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Performance trim isn't just a software tune; it's a total hardware overhaul. The headline news is the all-new adaptive damping system, a first for the Model 3, which constantly adjusts to road conditions and driving style. This is paired with a revised chassis, stiffer springs, and new bushings to sharpen up the handling. It also gets a more potent rear motor, unique sports seats designed for aggressive driving, and exclusive front and rear bumpers that set it apart from the standard Long Range model.

Design & Exterior

Building on the sleek 'Highland' refresh, the Performance model gets an aggressive makeover. It features a unique, more pronounced front splitter, a vented rear diffuser, and a slick carbon fibre spoiler for improved high-speed stability. The car hunkers down on lightweight 20-inch 'Warp' wheels shod in sticky performance tyres. These styling tweaks give it a meaner stance that hints at its capabilities. The dimensions remain city-friendly at 4720 mm long, 1849 mm wide, and just 1431 mm high, making it a compact and aerodynamic weapon.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the minimalist 'Highland' cabin gets a sporty infusion. The standout features are the brilliant new bolstered sports seats, which offer fantastic support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for daily commutes. You also get unique carbon fibre trim across the dash. Tech is handled by the crisp central touchscreen, now with a smaller bezel, and a new rear screen for passengers. In terms of practicality, it’s a winner, offering a cavernous 594-litre boot that expands to 977 litres with the seats down, plus a useful 88-litre frunk.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the Model 3 Performance truly shines. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, combining an induction motor up front with a powerful permanent magnet motor at the rear, unleashes a staggering 461 kW and 741 Nm of torque. This translates to a mind-bending 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 262 km/h. The new adaptive suspension, combined with Track Mode V3, transforms the car from a compliant daily driver to a razor-sharp corner-carver at the press of a button.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Performance model is fitted with a 79 kWh usable battery pack, delivering impressive endurance for such a high-performance machine. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of 479 km, with an excellent efficiency of 6.06 km/kWh. When it’s time to plug in, its 400V architecture and CCS Type 2 port can handle DC fast charging speeds up to 250 kW, adding significant range in minutes. For home charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger ensures a full battery overnight.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla’s commitment to safety is undeniable, with the Model 3 earning a full 5-star rating from both Euro NCAP and NHTSA. Standard Autopilot provides excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for more relaxed motorway journeys. Buyers can opt for Enhanced Autopilot, which adds Auto Lane Change and Navigate on Autopilot, or the 'Full Self-Driving Capability' package. This unlocks more advanced features like traffic light and stop sign control, though it still requires full driver attention and supervision.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Peace of mind comes as standard with Tesla's robust warranty package. The vehicle is covered by a 4-year or 80,000 km basic limited warranty. Crucially for an EV, the more expensive battery and drive unit are protected for a full 8 years or 192,000 km, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention over that period. Maintenance is minimal thanks to the EV powertrain, with most service needs and software updates managed conveniently through the Tesla mobile app and over-the-air updates.