2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance

If outright speed and acceleration are your concern, you'll want the 430-horsepower Performance model with the performance upgrade which is included in the price. In addition to a lowered stance, bigger wheels, and larger brakes, this spec results in a 3.1-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 162 mph. The Long Range model is only capable of a max speed of 145 and gets from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. The base Model 3 variant is the slowest yet is still respectable, claiming a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed just five mph slower than that of the Long Range model. This base variant is rear-wheel drive only and features a single motor over the rear axle, while the other two models are all-wheel drive with two motors. Regardless of which you opt for, battery packs are laid on the floor of the car, giving the Model 3 a low center of gravity and impressive handling characteristics. Rumors have suggested that the Model 3 would be offered with a tow hitch in the USA to take advantage of an apparent 2,000-pound towing capacity, but this option isn't yet listed on the brand's website.

The base variant features an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor. The motor is positioned at the rear of the vehicle and is linked to a single-speed direct-drive automatic transmission to the rear wheels. It makes a solid 257 hp. Thanks to the weight of the vehicle, the instantaneous torque of the motor is unlikely to cause much wheelspin but thrust is still strong. On the freeway, this instant torque is less vivid, but overtaking is still a breeze.

On the 393-hp Long Range model, the original motor is supplemented by a front-mounted AC induction motor that, in conjunction with the first motor, makes it feel much quicker than the entry-level model. This model sends output to all four wheels, enhancing acceleration and grip. The Performance variant uses the same setup, but produces even more power with 430 horses. In these all-wheel-drive variants, acceleration and overtaking ability are enhanced to the level that you have to ensure the road is clear ahead before planting your right foot with wanton abandon. For cheap thrills, little is as intoxicating as near-silent warp speed that can humble supercar owners.

Capabilities of the Tesla Model 3 vary depending on the model you opt for. Obviously, there is no regular mpg rating but rather an MPGe rating as seen with other EVs. The base Model 3 RWD is the lightest and therefore returns the best efficiency figures, with EPA estimates of 138/126/132 MPGe on the city/highway/combined cycles. However, this model's range is limited to 272 miles or 267 miles with the 19-inch wheels. On a positive note, Tesla says the base Model 3's latest battery means it can repeatedly be recharged to 100% without harming the battery. The Long Range and Performance variants get a bigger battery, and this boosts the Long Range's range to 325 miles and the Performance model's range to 315 miles. According to the EPA, these models have figures of 134/126/131 MPGe and 118/107/113 MPGe, respectively.

Tesla 120-kW superchargers can add 175 miles of range with just 15 minutes of charging. Fortunately, for those who will charge at home, a 7-kW home charger can fully fill a depleted battery in 13 hours. Tesla says that with its wall connector, around 44 miles of range can be added per hour of charging. Overall, the time to charge your Tesla shouldn't be a deterrent, especially with the vast supercharger network and the excellent range of these sedans. The maximum charging rate is 170 kW for the base Model 3 and 250 kW for the upper two trims.