Tesla reveals Model 3 Performance, price for NZ confirmed

Thursday, 25 April 2024

Tesla’s new Model 3 Performance looks different from the standard Long Range Model 3 for the first time.

After giving its popular Model 3 electric sedan a new lick of paint and some new technology last year, Tesla has unveiled its new Model 3 flagship — the Model 3 Performance. Inevitably, it packs improved performance (as per the name). And, it also comes with a new, lower price.

Local pricing for the model has been set at $84,990 not including on-road costs. That’s more than $10,000 down from what the previous Model 3 Performance was priced at locally, $95,900 — a figure that in turn was reduced by $5,000 last April.

Note not only the rear diffuser, but also the rectangular Plaid logo exclusive to the Performance.

Unlike the outgoing Model 3 Performance, the new model actually makes attempts to look different from a standard garden variety Model 3.

Where the last model could only be spotted via its different wheels and Performance badging, the new Performance comes with a more aggressive and sculpted pair of front and rear bumpers. The latter gets a diffuser, and the former a front splitter.

There’s cosmetic change inside, too. For the first time, the Performance will now come with a set of hip-hugging bucket seats. These have been an odd omission from previous generations of the model, particularly given that it is intended to be considered as a rival for cars like the BMW M3.

Elon's latest electric car touches down in New Zealand with new looks, more tech, and the weirdest indicators in the world.

With regard to the actual performance of the new lead Model 3, Tesla boasts that it is capable of completing the 0–100kph sprint in 3.1 seconds, two tenths quicker than its predecessor. Its top speed is set at 262kph.

Its dual-motor powertrain now creates 373kW of power and 741Nm of torque. This comes via Tesla’s fourth-generation drive unit, which the brand claims has a 32% lift in peak power, 22% lift in continuous power, and 16% lift in peak torque.

The brand has yet to detail the exact size of the Performance’s battery, but it says a range of 528km is possible on the WLTP cycle.

Tesla is keen to underline that the new Performance is more than just a straight line demon, that it has made tangible steps to make it a proper driver’s car. Its Tesla Vehicle Dynamics Controller now comes with adaptive damping, which aims to improve the model’s ride quality at slow speeds whilst simultaneously enhancing its feel at high speeds.

This addition is complemented by a stiffer chassis, combined with new stabilisers, brushings, and springs. Uprated brakes and staggered 20-inch wheels wrapped in stickier rubber have also been thrown into the mix.

Colour us curious, Tesla.

Voting for the Stuff Top Cars People’s Choice Award is now open! Choose your favourite from 2024’s best cars below. To read more about Top Cars, click here.