I should start by saying that I am already a big fan of the Tesla Model 3.
I have driven a previous-generation Model 3 for several years, and it remains a car that I genuinely love. It handles well, delivers strong performance, is incredibly easy to live with and, most importantly, does everything Tesla says it is going to do exceptionally well.
Touch wood, mine has not caused me any problems either. Even after a few years, it still feels quick, modern and remarkably capable. That existing experience meant I approached the updated Model 3 Performance with fairly high expectations.
Fortunately, it did not disappoint.
A More Grown-Up Model 3
The refreshed Model 3, often referred to as the Highland update, feels like Tesla has taken an already successful formula and carefully improved it rather than trying to reinvent the car completely.
The previous Model 3 was never short of performance, but the latest version feels more complete. It is quieter, more comfortable and generally more refined, while still retaining the speed and directness that made the original car so appealing.
The updated suspension is one of the most noticeable improvements. My own Model 3 handles well, but the new car feels just that little bit more composed. It deals with rough surfaces more effectively and feels calmer over the bumps and imperfections that are a regular feature of British roads.
It is not a dramatic transformation, but it is enough to make the car feel noticeably more polished.
Updated Styling That Really Works
I have always liked the clean and understated design of the Model 3, but I think the updated car looks even better.
The slimmer headlights and redesigned front end give it a sharper, more modern appearance. It still looks unmistakably like a Model 3, but it now has a more confident and purposeful stance.
The Performance version adds a little more visual attitude without becoming too loud or overstyled. It receives a more aggressive front bumper, additional air ducts, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and distinctive 20-inch wheels.
The wider rear tyres also help the car put its power down more effectively, but they contribute to the Performance model’s more muscular appearance too.
It is still relatively subtle compared with many traditional performance cars, and I think that is part of its appeal. Those who know what they are looking at will immediately recognise it as something special, but it does not feel like it is constantly shouting for attention.
Performance That Still Feels Slightly Ridiculous
Of course, the biggest attraction of the Model 3 Performance is the speed.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in around 2.9 seconds, which is a frankly ridiculous level of performance for a practical electric saloon. The acceleration is instant, relentless and capable of catching out even experienced passengers.
However, it is not only about launching the car away from a standstill.
That immediate response makes overtaking incredibly easy. Joining a motorway, pulling away from a junction or getting past slower traffic can be completed quickly and confidently. You rarely need to wait for the car to find the right gear or build up its power because everything is available almost instantly.
You do have to treat that performance with respect. It is easy to build up speed far more quickly than you realise, particularly because the delivery is so smooth and there is no engine noise to provide the usual sense of drama.
The car is capable of reaching 163mph, although that figure is largely irrelevant on UK roads. The acceleration and responsiveness are far more important in everyday driving.
More Than Just Straight-Line Speed
The previous Model 3 Performance was incredibly fast, but there was sometimes a feeling that the chassis and suspension were struggling to keep up with the power.
The new car feels better balanced.
Tesla has introduced adaptive suspension, allowing the car to adjust its behaviour depending on the selected driving mode. In its more comfortable setting, the Model 3 Performance does a much better job of smoothing out rough road surfaces.
Select the sportier settings and the car feels firmer, more controlled and more alert. It changes direction quickly and carries its weight through corners impressively well.
You are still aware that this is a relatively heavy electric car, but it does not feel clumsy. The low centre of gravity created by the battery helps it remain planted, while the steering feels direct and responsive.
The steering does not provide the same level of feedback as some traditional sports saloons, but the car feels predictable and inspires confidence. For me, that is more important during everyday driving than having a steering wheel that constantly tries to communicate every detail of the road surface.
The new Model 3 Performance is still brutally fast in a straight line, but it now feels like a car that has been designed to enjoy corners too.
A Quieter and More Comfortable Interior
The interior remains recognisably Tesla, with almost everything controlled through the central touchscreen.
I have spent enough time with a Model 3 to find this layout completely natural. Once you know where everything is, the system is generally fast, clear and easy to use. The navigation is excellent, the route planning works well and the integration with Tesla’s charging network makes long-distance journeys remarkably straightforward.
The updated cabin feels more premium than before. The materials appear better, the ambient lighting adds some personality and there is noticeably less road and wind noise when travelling at speed.
The Performance model also receives upgraded sports seats. They provide more support when cornering without feeling unnecessarily firm or restrictive during longer journeys.
It is another example of how Tesla has refined the car without taking away the simplicity that made the Model 3 so appealing in the first place.
The Indicator Buttons Remain Frustrating
Not every change is an improvement.
Tesla has removed the traditional indicator stalk and replaced it with buttons on the steering wheel. When the wheel is straight, they are reasonably easy to use. The problem comes when you reach a roundabout and the steering wheel is already turned.
At that point, locating the correct indicator button is far less intuitive than simply using a traditional stalk.
I understand Tesla’s desire to simplify the interior, but this feels like a solution to a problem that did not exist. Physical indicator stalks are easy to understand, require very little thought and can be operated without looking away from the road.
It would not stop me from choosing the car, but it is certainly something that would take time to get used to.
Still an Exceptionally Practical Performance Car
One of the Model 3 Performance’s greatest strengths is that it offers supercar-rivalling acceleration without sacrificing everyday practicality.
The rear seats provide enough room for adults, the main boot is deep and there is additional storage beneath the boot floor. You also get a front luggage compartment, which is useful for carrying charging cables or smaller bags.
Rear passengers now have their own touchscreen, allowing them to adjust the climate settings or access entertainment while travelling.
It remains a car that can comfortably handle commuting, shopping, longer motorway journeys and weekends away. You do not have to make the compromises normally associated with owning a high-performance car.
The Tesla Charging Experience
The Supercharger network remains one of the strongest reasons to choose a Tesla.
The system is incredibly simple. You arrive, plug the car in and charging begins automatically. There is no need to open an app, scan a QR code or enter payment details at the charger.
The navigation system can also plan longer journeys around charging stops, taking into account your current battery level and estimated energy use.
That simplicity makes a huge difference when living with an electric car. Public charging has improved significantly across the UK, but Tesla’s system remains one of the easiest and most reliable charging experiences available.
After several years with my own Model 3, this is something I continue to appreciate.
My final thoughts
The Tesla Model 3 Performance takes everything I already like about the Model 3 and improves it.
The updated design looks sharper, the cabin feels more premium and the driving experience is noticeably more refined. The suspension is more composed, the car feels better controlled and it remains staggeringly quick.
As an owner of the previous-generation Model 3, I did not feel that the original car was desperately in need of fixing. Mine continues to handle well, perform brilliantly and do everything I ask of it without any problems, touch wood.
However, the latest Model 3 demonstrates how a series of careful improvements can make a very good car feel even more complete.
The indicator buttons will divide opinion, and the Performance model’s insurance and tyre costs are likely to be higher than those of the standard versions. However, there are very few cars that combine this level of speed, technology, practicality and ease of ownership so effectively.
It is not simply a quick electric car. It is an exceptionally capable performance saloon that happens to be electric.
