The Model 3 is more than just an electric car. Sleek, futuristic, and practical, it helped make EVs desirable and turned Tesla into a household name while topping global sales for a few years.
At the top of the lineup is the Model 3 Performance, the fastest and most powerful version available. Redesigned for 2024, it delivers serious speed and sharp handling.
Its acceleration can compete with supercars while staying just under $55K. That kind of performance at this price makes it a standout in its class.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Tesla and other manufacturer’s websites, including Hennessey, Lamborghini, and McLaren.
Getting to Know the Tesla Model 3 Performance
2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
Two Electric Motors |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
510 HP |
|
Torque |
547 LB-FT |
|
0-60 MPH |
2.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
163 MPH |
The Model 3 Performance sits at the top of the Tesla Model 3 lineup as the fastest and most powerful version.
Tesla doesn’t follow the traditional generational model, but the current Performance is noticeably different from the one before it.
This latest version launched for 2024, replacing the model that ran from 2018 through early 2024.
The Model 3 Performance hits 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds, the fastest in the Model 3 lineup. A decade ago, that kind of speed was only seen in supercars, not a family sedan.
The car was teased for months, with small leaks giving fans hints of what was coming. It was even rumored to be called the “Ludicrous” before Tesla revealed the official name.
Upgrades That Amp Up Speed and Efficiency
The latest Model 3 Performance comes with several mechanical upgrades that make it the fastest version yet. Power now comes from Tesla’s new Performance 4DU drive unit, which squeezes more torque and output from the two electric motors.
Tesla says the new drive unit delivers 22 percent more continuous power, 32 percent more peak power, and 16 percent more peak power delivery than the previous version. That adds 60 horsepower and shaves 0.6 seconds off the 0-60 time.
Range drops slightly to 296 miles from 310, but efficiency improves by 2 percent. With the Supercharger network, a quick 15-minute charge adds 142 miles, so day-to-day driving isn’t impacted much.
The AWD system was upgraded to match the new Performance 4DU drive unit, improving weight transfer for sharper, more precise cornering. Performance also gets a boost from the all-new adaptive damping system, which adjusts ride and handling in real time through Tesla’s software.
Drivers have three driving modes to choose from: Standard, Sport, or Track. Track Mode V3 fine-tunes motor and suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and the Vehicle Dynamic Controller, making track driving more predictable and fun.
The new Model 3 Performance looks familiar at first glance, but Tesla made subtle design and mechanical updates. A reworked front and rear fascia, plus a more aggressive splitter, spoiler, and diffuser, not only give it a sportier look but also improve downforce. Tesla reports a 5 percent drop in drag, 36 percent less lift, and a 55 percent better front-to-rear balance compared to the previous model.
Sleek, Simple, and Smart
The Model 3 keeps the minimalist, clean interior style Tesla is known for. Smooth, simple lines dominate the cabin, with a large touchscreen handling most of the controls.
Very few physical buttons remain. The ones on the steering wheel manage things like the steering column, side mirrors, and turn signals, replacing the traditional stalks.
Tesla has already started changing this approach in the Chinese market, bringing back some familiar controls.
The cabin feels futuristic and spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out up front. Rear passengers are a bit more cramped, but folding the back seats opens up extra cargo space when needed. Small-item storage is easy to find, with cubbies and bins placed throughout the car.
The Model 3 Performance adds a few touches that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. Carbon fiber accents give it a sportier vibe, while the sports seats offer a better position and extra bolstering.
These 12-way adjustable seats are heated and ventilated, similar to the ones in the Model S Plaid, Tesla’s top performance sedan.
Competing With the Fastest
One of the Model 3 Performance’s standout traits is its supercar-level acceleration, even as a practical sedan that can handle daily driving.
A few supercars hit similar 0-60 times, all just under three seconds.
Any of these cars could be beaten by a $55,000 sedan with one perfect launch.
McLaren 750S
The McLaren 750S, introduced in 2023, succeeds the 720S and is the last McLaren powered solely by an internal combustion engine.
It packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 740 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The car can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Lamborghini Temerario
Revealed in August of last year, the Lamborghini Temerario is a hybrid that adds electric power to the brand’s lineup. It combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors.
The total output is 907 horsepower, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Temerario can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, matching the McLaren 750S in straight-line speed.
Hennessey Venom F5
The Venom F5, introduced for the 2021 model year, follows the Venom GT as Hennessey’s latest hypercar.
It can hit 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, a little faster than the Model 3 Performance.
Power comes from “Fury,” a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 that pumps 1,817 horsepower to the rear wheels through a seven-speed semi-automatic transmission.