The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance is a high-performance, all-electric, all-wheel-drive sedan designed for exhilarating driving dynamics while maintaining the efficiency and practicality of the Model 3 lineup. Below is a detailed description based on the latest information available:
Performance and Powertrain
- Power Output: The Model 3 Performance features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a combined 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of torque (some sources report up to 534 hp and 660 Nm torque).
- Acceleration: It achieves 0-60 mph in 2.8-2.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in approximately 3.1-3.3 seconds), making it one of the quickest compact sedans in its class. The quarter-mile is completed in about 11.0 seconds at 125 mph.
- Top Speed: Reaches up to 163 mph (261 km/h), offering supercar-like performance.
- Drive Unit: Equipped with Tesla’s latest Performance 4DU drive unit, providing up to 22% more continuous power, 32% more peak power, and 16% more peak torque compared to the previous Model 3 Performance. The powertrain is rear-biased for enhanced traction during corner exits.
- Efficiency: Despite its performance focus, it achieves about 2% less energy consumption than its predecessor, with an EPA-rated efficiency of 91-113 MPGe depending on conditions
Range and Charging
- Estimated Range: Offers an EPA-estimated range of 296-303 miles (476-528 km WLTP) per charge, slightly less than the Long Range models due to its performance-oriented setup. In real-world 75-mph highway tests, it achieved 260 miles.
- Battery: Features a 78.1 kWh gross capacity battery (75 kWh usable) with Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt chemistry for balanced energy density and longevity.
- Charging Options:
- Supercharging: Supports Tesla’s Supercharger network with a peak DC fast-charging rate of 250 kW, adding up to 195 miles in 15 minutes at 65 mph (conditions vary).
- AC Charging: Onboard charger limited to 11.5 kW, adding approximately 41-64 km of range per hour.
- Compatible with home charging (120V/240V outlets) and public DC charging stations via adapters
Chassis and Handling
- Suspension: Equipped with an adaptive damping system that adjusts to driver inputs and road conditions in real time, improving both handling and ride comfort. It includes performance springs, dampers, bushings, and a multi-sectioned stabilizer bar for enhanced chassis stiffness.
- Brakes: Upgraded with larger rotors, calipers, and performance brake pads for improved stopping power. Stops from 70 mph in 163 feet and 100 mph in 338 feet.
- Wheels and Tires: Comes with 20-inch forged Warp wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect tires (235/35ZR-20 front, 275/30R-20 rear) in a staggered setup for better traction and cornering.
- Steering: Features progressive steering that adjusts the ratio based on speed for precise control.
- Track Mode V3: Offers customizable settings for handling balance, stability control, and regenerative braking, optimizing performance for track driving.
- Handling: The low center of gravity (due to the underfloor battery) and sport-tuned suspension provide crisp direction changes and a planted feel in corners, with a skidpad grip of 0.92 g. However, some reviews note it may not match traditional sports cars in high-speed handling.
Interior and Technology
- Interior Design: Minimalist with high-quality vegan leather upholstery, lightweight carbon fiber decor with a refined weave pattern exclusive to the Performance model, and wrap-around ambient lighting. The cabin is quieter than previous models due to improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) measures.
- Seating: Offers sport bucket seats with enhanced side bolsters for dynamic driving support, accommodating five passengers (two front, three rear with a 60:40 split bench).
- Infotainment: Features a 15.4-inch central touchscreen controlling nearly all functions (navigation, media, climate, etc.) and an 8-inch rear touchscreen for passenger climate and entertainment control. No head-up display is included.
- Audio System: Equipped with a Tesla Premium Sound system with 17 speakers, dual subwoofers, and dual amplifiers for immersive audio.
- Controls: Uses a circular steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons for functions like turn signals, replacing traditional stalks, which has drawn mixed feedback for usability, especially in tight maneuvers.
- Connectivity: Requires Standard Connectivity for features like maps and voice commands; some features need a paid subscription for cellular data.
Safety Features
- Standard Safety: Includes energy-absorbing side sills, a low-mounted battery for reduced rollover risk, and a metal body structure. Active safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning are standard.
- Autopilot: Supports Tesla’s Autopilot with navigation-based hands-free steering assist and traffic light/stop sign recognition (driver supervision required). Optional Full Self-Driving adds advanced features like auto lane changes.
- Safety Rating: Designed for a five-star safety rating, though some reports note ongoing investigations into phantom braking issues with Tesla Vision (camera-based system).
Range and Efficiency Trade-offs
- The Performance model sacrifices some range (296 miles vs. 363 miles for the Long Range RWD) for its enhanced power and sportier setup. Real-world range varies based on driving style, speed, weather, and terrain.
- In cold weather (-10°C), efficiency drops, while mild conditions (23°C) optimize range. Highway driving at 110 km/h consumes more energy..