Skip advert
Advertisement

Tesla Model 3 Performance prices and specs revealed

Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims BMW M3-beating speed and handling for sportiest variant of the Model 3

Tesla Model 3 - front

Tesla has confirmed further details about the new Model 3 Performance variant. Tweets from both Elon Musk and Tesla themselves elaborate on the fastest version of the firm’s compact exec, and it looks set to offer BMW M3-baiting performance.

Musk says that the Model 3 Performance will be “15% quicker & with better handling” than BMW’s super saloon, claiming a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and a 155mph top speed. In perhaps the boldest claim of all, the new Model 3 will “beat anything in its class on the track”.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best electric cars on sale 2018

The official power output to achieve those figures hasn’t yet been released, but the Model 3 will use a dual motor setup - one powering each axle and running individually from each other, so if one breaks then the car is still driveable.

Battery output is still to be confirmed, but the performance model will have a claimed range of 310 miles. It’ll be possible to gain around 170 miles of range in 30 minutes through one of Tesla’s Superchargers, but unlike Model S owners, Model 3 drivers will have to pay for the privilege.

While the rest of the Model 3 range rides on 19-inch wheels, the Performance model gets larger 20-inch items. They house upgraded brakes, and are suspended by sports springs that drop the ride height by 10mm. Little else changes cosmetically, but a carbon fibre lip spoiler is said to improve rear downforce - though there are no official figures on how much it adds.

Inside, the Model 3 Performance features a single 15-inch touchscreen featuring live traffic updates and over-the-air updates. All five seats are heated and trimmed in black and white leather, while a panoramic glass roof is also standard.

Production of right hand drive Model 3s is due to begin in 2019. Prices for the Performance - excluding the semi-autonomous ‘Autopilot’ system - will start from around $78,000. That’s roughly £59,500, though the pricing of other UK Teslas match up to their American counterparts on the numbers as opposed to the currency, so expect to pay closer to £80,000. Despite Musk’s claims that those figures are ‘about the same’ as the M3, that’s roughly $12,000 and almost £20,000 more than the BMW.

Read our review of the 2018 Tesla Model 3

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Tesla Model 3 review
Tesla Model 3 - front tracking

Tesla Model 3 review

Despite many talented EV rivals, the technology-packed Tesla Model 3 remains one of the very best electric cars around
In-depth reviews
7 Jul 2025
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3
Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3

Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2025: Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is the 2025 Auto Express Mid-size Company Car of the Year with the BMW i4 and Mercedes C 300 e commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead
Tesla Model 3 alternatives - header image

Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead

Bored of seeing Tesla Model 3s everywhere? Here are the best new and used electric executive car alternatives
Best cars & vans
28 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: this Tesla Model 3 won’t break the bank at £271 a month
Tesla Model 3 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: this Tesla Model 3 won’t break the bank at £271 a month

Tesla’s Model 3 is a global best-seller – but it doesn’t cost the earth to bag one. It’s our Deal of the Day for 23 May
News
23 May 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025