Wait, why isn’t the new Tesla Model 3 Performance not called the Plaid?
Despite the rumours swirling around, this isn’t the fabled Plaid edition. This is the Model 3 Performance, and that badge on the boot isn’t the Plaid logo.
To hit Plaid status in Tesla’s universe, you’d need three carbon-sleeve motors, which this one doesn’t have. What you do get, though, is the car Tesla’s engineers always envisioned the go-faster Model 3 should be.
does that mean the previous one wasn’t up to scratch?
In a word, yes.
Quietly, Tesla engineers admit the first-gen Model 3 Performance didn’t quite hit the mark. Built during the infamous “production hell” period, the focus was getting cars out the door, not fine-tuning them. And it showed in the fit and finish of those cars.
So, while it had plenty of power, the rest of the package was somewhat lacking.
so, what’s new with this one?
This is still a dual-motor setup, but this time a new rear motor ups total output to 618bhp and 730Nm of torque. That drops the century sprint time to a blistering 3.1 seconds and bumps the top speed to 261km/h.
Singapore-bound units get a 78kWh pack, and Tesla claims it can do up to 528km.
Tesla also tweaked the wheels. The new 20-inch forged aluminium ones come with snap-in aero fins and a staggered setup, meaning the Pirelli P Zeros at the rear are now wider than those at the front.
You also get semi-metallic brake pads as standard (previously part of the Track Pack) and, for the first time in a Model 3, adaptive dampers controlled by Tesla’s in-house software. These can also be improved with over-the-air (OTA) updates.
but you honestly don’t need those OTA tweaks.
The two available ride and handling settings are pretty spot on. ‘Standard’ is soft but not sloppy, while ‘Sport’ is firm without being bone-rattling.
And let’s face it, how many of us need more options? You’re either in the mood for a bit of fun on a good road or just trying to get somewhere in peace and quiet.
What’s more, you can really change the car’s character by toggling between the three throttle modes – ‘Standard,’ ‘Chill,’ and ‘Insane.’ It’s like having three different cars in one, from sedate cruiser to neck-snapping beast.
For safety reasons, we of course found a deserted stretch of road to test ‘Insane,’ and yep, it does what it says on the tin.
That wall of torque hits hard, and fast. It’s faster than before, but after experiencing a few high-powered EVs, you get used to that instant, relentless acceleration.
anything else to play with?
You’ve got the usual steering weight settings (Comfort, Standard and Sport) which just add more heft but don’t really increase feedback.
Strangely, I preferred driving fast in ‘Comfort’ and ‘Standard’. The lighter feel made the front end seem more agile, and the steering felt sharper. It’s a massive improvement over the previous model, which would bounce and lurch through corners. Now, it’s flatter, more controlled, and better at holding a line without drama.
Shame I don’t have access to a racetrack, because the new Track Mode looks like a blast. You can adjust stability control and even tweak the car’s handling balance from understeer to oversteer.
Why anyone would want more understeer, I’m not sure, but the option’s there. Oversteer, on the other hand, sounds like a whole lot of sideways fun waiting to happen.
what about battery life when you’re driving hard?
If you’re driving like you’ve just escaped the gates of Hades, you’ll burn through the battery faster than the single-motor versions.
But, the Model 3 Performance isn’t as anxiety-inducing as EV sceptics would have you believe. The central display keeps you well-informed about your range, and Tesla’s onboard navigation is smart enough to suggest where and when to stop for a quick recharge.
Speaking of which, Tesla’s Superchargers make refuelling your battery about as stress-free as it gets in the electric age.
come on, it looks great.
Elon might love to stir up headlines, but it seems the design team behind the latest Model 3, dubbed “Highland,” has taken a more refined approach.
Subtle, yet undeniably effective, the facelift sharpens the car’s overall aesthetic. Gone is the slightly amphibian look of its predecessor, replaced with a sleeker, more polished nose and a tidied-up rear.
The slimmer, sharper headlights give the Model 3 a leaner, more focused gaze, evoking memories of Tesla’s original Roadster from way back in 2008.
less is more..?
The cabin follows the same mantra; minimalism with a sense of modern elegance. The dashboard is a clean expanse, dominated by a singular, massive 15.4-inch touchscreen. No unnecessary clutter, just clean lines and a feeling that you’re in something cutting-edge.
Tesla’s approach might leave traditionalists a bit confused. After all, who hides the indicator stalks? And in true Tesla fashion, there are still playful touches throughout.
Sure, you could set off on a quiet drive, but why not start it with a light show choreographed to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, or fire up one of the in-car games, which use the actual steering wheel?
Is it practical? Not really. But that’s the magic of Tesla. You get performance, fun, and a touch of eccentricity, all in one package.
backseat views.
In the back, the panoramic sunroof is a true highlight, offering passengers an expansive view that nearly compensates for the slightly snug fit. It’s a bit tighter back there, but the airy feel of that glass roof goes a long way in making up for it.
The boot is a decent size, with 682 litres of space that can expand further by folding the rear seats. The 88 litre frunk is also handy for loose items.
this is the benchmark for performance.
The Model 3 Performance, arguably, is still the benchmark for EV performance.
While the stark cabin might not be as big of a hit, the Model 3 is fantastic dynamically. I guarantee you’ll come out of any corner smiling, whilst scaring the crap out of your occupants.
One for the books, this.
technical specifications.
Tesla Model 3 Performance (2024)
Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 461 kW (618 bhp)
Torque: 730 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
Battery Capacity: 78 kWh
Drive Range: 528 km
Energy Consumption: 6 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$148,919 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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