Reviews
Tesla Model 3 Performance Review: More Power Than You Will Ever Use, and All the Better for It
We spend a week with the 510 hp Tesla Model 3 Performance to see whether the experience lives up to the numbers.
| 0–60 mph | 2.9s |
|---|---|
| Power | 510 hp |
| Top speed | 163 mph |
| Layout | AWD |
Every so often a car comes along that reminds you why driving can be a pleasure rather than a chore. The Tesla Model 3 Performance is one of those cars, and we spent a week trying to find its limits.
Performance
With 510 horsepower on tap, the Model 3 Performance dispatches the 0–60 mph sprint in 2.9s and presses on to a 163 mph top end. Yet the numbers matter less than how accessible the performance feels from behind the wheel.
On the road
Where many quick cars feel inert, the Model 3 Performance stays communicative. The AWD setup keeps the chassis honest, so you always know how much grip is left in reserve — confidence that pays dividends on a demanding road.
The best fast cars do not just go quickly — they make you want to go quickly again.
Living with it
Living with the Model 3 Performance reveals a practical streak. It is comfortable enough for a long haul, the interior feels worth the money, and visibility and ergonomics have clearly been considered rather than ignored.
The verdict
Judged on its own terms, the Tesla Model 3 Performance succeeds emphatically. It knows what it wants to be, achieves it with conviction, and leaves you plotting reasons to drive it again.
