Tesla Model 3 Performance Review: Starry Eyed

What we like:

Power for the price

What we dislike:

Doesn't feel that sporty to drive

The Performance version of the Model 3 is absolutely pointless in Singapore. 3.1 seconds for a 0-100 km/h sprint might be one of the quickest ways to get a speeding fine. All of that power attracts an exceptionally high road tax too - $6,698 per annum, to be precise.

The rear-wheel drive Cat B Model 3 is probably all that you really need here.

So why buy the Performance? Well, for one, it’s offering incredible performance figures for around $250k, which implies a good power-to-dollar ratio, even with the current high COE prices. It seems like the high road tax, even when multiplied over the 10-year COE tenure, isn’t enough to deter from this price tag. It’s likely that the lack of maintenance costs for an EV (perceived or otherwise) contributes to the thinking that it’s ‘worth it’.

To be clear, the Performance model is a really good car. We reviewed the Cat A Model 3 favourably some time back and the Performance pretty much feels the same, except with a shedload more power and grip. I wouldn’t go as far to say that it is engaging to drive, but it is certainly quick enough to be seriously nauseating. The car still feels oddly detached from the road despite its sporting slant.

Dynamics are more adjustable in the Performance, which allows you to tweak the ride and handling, as well as the acceleration. There is a Track Mode exclusively for the Performance model, too, which gives you more options to play with handling balance (a slider between understeer, neutral or oversteer), stability assist (off, minimal, reduced), powertrain endurance (standard, increased, maximum) and regenerative braking (0 to 100%). Look, there’s even a Drift mode preset already. It would be rude not to try, right…?

Of the options, they are mostly self-explanatory except powertrain endurance. Standard gives best lap times but minimal thermal management, so performance may deteriorate more quickly. On the other hand, Maximum gives slower lap times but more consistency over a longer period. It’s nice to have this option for the odd person or two who would bring his Model 3 Performance to, say, Sepang.

If not, the Model 3 Performance is well-suited to Singapore, which is where it would probably be driven most without ever utilising its Track Mode settings. In the urban jungle, it feels every bit as usable as its less powerful variants but it gives you a huge bazooka of firepower if you ever feel like it. It’ll definitely leave other drivers a little starry-eyed when deployed. Electric consumption doesn’t seem to suffer all that much too, offering decent range with each charge even if you drive it hard.

In conclusion, if you need to top the league tables, the Performance model is for you. Otherwise, we would recommend the Cat B RWD model.

Photos by James Wong

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