Tesla is arguably single-handedly responsible for the EV revolution as we know it today. They started things off back in 2008 with the Tesla Roadster and then branched out to other market segments with their Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3. We're still awaiting the arrival of some of their products like the Cybertruck and the next-generation Tesla Roadster – that is if they ever make it to production.
As you can see, Tesla has a wide range of different vehicles they offer today, but the one that gives the most value for money is hands-down the Tesla Model 3, the Performance trim level to be specific. Back in 2017, the Model 3 Performance was released, and since then it has slowly been attracting customers away from gasoline-powered alternatives like the BMW 3-Series.
There's one big hurdle that stands in the way of the Model 3 Performance becoming the best-selling vehicle of all time, and that's its $64,440-sized price tag. So, let's analyze what the Model 3 Performance is exactly, and see if its bonkers price tag really is worth the money.
10 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Acceleration
The biggest talking point the internet always has in regard to Teslas is their insane acceleration capabilities. But how quick are they really? Well, according to Tesla, the Model 3 Performance should be able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.1 seconds.
Through means of real-world testing, we can conclude that Tesla really wasn't overselling the Model 3 Performance acceleration figures. In the real world, the dual-motor Model 3 Performance can do 0-60 mph in exactly 3.1 seconds. That's on par with steroid-infused sports cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
9 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Minimalistic Interior
Whether you love it or hate it, you can't argue that Tesla succeeded in their mission: To create an interior that corresponds to that of a minimalist's wet dream. Nearly all the controls are either on the steering wheel or the overwhelming 15-inch touch-sensitive infotainment display
On the one hand, that makes for an excellent open-aired feeling, but some have complained that the infotainment is complex and may be a pain to adapt to. However, the cluster of standard features it comes with makes up for it – more on that in a bit.
8 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Handling
To play devil's advocate for a moment, Teslas in general aren't the most enticing cars to drive, all they have going for them is usually straight-line acceleration. When looking at the numbers, the near-4,100 lb Model 3 Performance should move like a boat around corners, but as we know Tesla, they like to defy reality.
In practice, the Model 3 Performance handles swiftly, with minimal body roll, and acts more sporty than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in reality. Some might not like the rough ride, but the Performance won't let you down around bends, that's for certain.
7 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Electric Range
As standard, the Tesla Model 3 should do about 272 miles on a single charge. Yet, the Performance and Long Range versions of the Model three can even cover more distance on just one battery's charge.
Tesla reckons that the Model 3 Long Range should cover approximately 358 miles on a single charge and the Performance should last up to 315 miles. Not impressed? Wait till we mention how quickly these EVs charge up...
6 The Tesla Model 3 Performance Compared To Rivals
There aren't a ton of compact, electric saloons for sale at the moment, and cars like the BMW i4 rather rival the Model S than the Model 3. Because of this, we'd rather argue that adequate competitors to the Model 3 would be compact SUVs like the Genesis GV60 or perhaps even the Kia EV6 GT.
Both the Kia and the Genesis are slower than the Model 3 Performance to 60 mph from a dig, and both cost around $60,000 – just a tad cheaper than the Tesla. While both of these cars are excellent in their own right, if you're after something with a posh badge on its front end, the slight price difference is insignificant in retrospect – the Tesla is the way to go.
5 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Charging Times
Now, there are three ways to go about charging your Tesla. Option A is to charge it at home. This option, albeit convenient, does take quite a bit of time hence you'll have to leave it to charge overnight. Option B is making use of public chargers. These usually fill the battery quicker than your conventional power outlet at home, but it's still not the quickest option.
Option C is parking up at one of Tesla's Supercharger charging stations. These can fill up your battery life from 20% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. This is undoubtedly the reason why Tesla thrives around the globe, especially in The States.
4 The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is The Best Bang For Your Buck Tesla
As we've stated in our introduction, the Model 3 Performance is the best value-for-money Tesla currently on sale. It still has a steep MSRP of around $65,000, but in comparison to other Tesla products like the Model S Plaid which costs twice that ($135,990), it seems like the bargain of the century.
There's no reason why the Model 3 Performance is inferior to other Teslas since they all have the same 8-year powertrain warranty and a 4-year limited warranty – not to mention it's only a few milliseconds behind the Model S Plaid acceleration-wise. You could always go on the hunt for a used Model 3 Performance, but more on that later.
3 The Tesla Model 3 Performance's Space-Age Technology
Take a deep breath, because the amount of features the Model 3 Performance comes with as standard is mind-boggling: A panoramic sunroof, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging for two smartphones, lowered sports suspension, performance brakes, amongst others too.
We can go on for days talking about what the Tesla Model 3 has, but we would be doing you a disservice if we didn't mention its largest flaw... No Tesla product has the option of adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, unfortunately. For some, this is a deal breaker, but others are content since the infotainment display already has Google Maps built-in, and since you can still connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can still play your media through the car's sound system.
2 Used Tesla Model 3 Performance Prices
We've searched far and wide to garner as much information as possible in regard to used Model 3 Performance listings. We've made two discoveries. The first is the fact that a ton of Teslas are involved in crashes, however, the listings we'll be taking into consideration are all clean-titled, accident-free cars.
The second revelation was that used Model 3 Performances are rather affordable. Take for instance this one we found on CarGurus: It has almost 110,000 miles on the clock, is 4 years old, and looks basically brand new. It costs just $42,995... that's more than $20,000 cheaper than a new Model 3 Performance.
1 The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is A Brilliant Daily Driver
The Tesla Model 3 covers all the bases you'd want a fun, daily driver to cover. It's blisteringly quick, has enough tech to make your life no more difficult than it needs to be, is jam-packed with features, and won't cost you a dime at the gas station.
Some say that buying a Tesla is an anti-enthusiast thing to do, and to that we say... the future is imminent and inevitable. Why be afraid of technology, when you can embrace it, and learn from it?