Tesla Model 3 Performance

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance is a proper road weapon, blending daily usability with supercar-scaring pace. As the top-tier "Highland" refresh, it elevates the already popular EV sedan into a more focused driver's car. It’s positioned as the ultimate all-rounder for those craving bonkers acceleration and cutting-edge tech without sacrificing practicality. Key highlights include a new adaptive suspension and bespoke styling cues that set it apart from the standard models. With an estimated European price of around €56,990, it throws down a serious challenge to established German performance saloons.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Performance trim gets its own "Highland" makeover, and it’s a big one. The headline feature is the all-new adaptive damping system, offering a huge improvement in both ride comfort and handling dynamics. Aesthetically, it boasts a more aggressive front bumper, a rear diffuser, and a carbon fibre spoiler. Inside, you’ll find incredible new ventilated sports seats that offer far more support during spirited driving. Lighter 20-inch ‘Warp’ wheels reduce unsprung mass, and a new ‘Insane’ driving mode unleashes the car’s full, blistering potential.

Design & Exterior

The new Model 3 Performance looks meaner and more purposeful than ever. The sleek ‘Highland’ body is enhanced with an aggressive front splitter, a functional rear diffuser, and a subtle carbon fibre boot lid spoiler for improved high-speed stability. Unique 20-inch forged wheels not only look fantastic but are also lighter for better performance. The car’s stance is low and athletic, measuring 4720 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and just 1431 mm in height, giving it a seriously sporty silhouette that hints at the power lurking within.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the cabin gets a premium upgrade with fantastic new ventilated sports seats, offering brilliant support and comfort. The familiar minimalist layout remains, dominated by a crisp central 15.4-inch touchscreen that controls nearly everything. A new 8-inch rear screen keeps back-seat passengers entertained. While it still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native system is fast and intuitive. Practicality is excellent, with a generous 594-litre boot that expands when the seats are folded, plus a handy 88-litre frunk under the bonnet for extra storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the Model 3 Performance truly shines. With a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup putting out a massive 461 kW and 741 Nm of torque, it is ludicrously quick. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in a breathtaking 3.1 seconds. The new adaptive suspension is a game-changer, allowing you to firm things up for a track day or soften the ride for the daily commute. The combination of an induction motor at the front and a permanent magnet motor at the rear provides incredible traction and relentless power delivery.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powered by a 75 kWh usable battery pack, the Model 3 Performance delivers an impressive blend of speed and endurance. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of approximately 452 km, with an efficiency of around 6.03 km/kWh. At home, the 11 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery overnight. On the road, its 400V architecture and CCS Type 2 port allow it to pull a maximum of 250 kW from a DC fast charger, getting you from 10-80% charge in well under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla’s commitment to safety is evident, with the Model 3 platform earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, is included, making long journeys a breeze. The system uses cameras to provide a clear visualisation of surrounding traffic on the main display, which also doubles as your blind-spot monitor. For more advanced features, buyers can opt for Enhanced Autopilot or the Full Self-Driving Capability package, adding features like automatic lane changes and traffic light recognition.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, the Tesla Model 3 Performance comes with a Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covering the car for 4 years or 80,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. The crucial battery and drive unit are covered for a more substantial 8 years or 192,000 kilometres, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention over the warranty period. There are no required annual service intervals; maintenance is condition-based, meaning the car tells you when it needs attention, which helps keep running costs impressively low.