Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor Power and Precision Handling

Tesla Model 3 review

Compared with its rivals, the Model 3 is relatively light, and that allows it to stay remarkably upright through turns while also generating plenty of grip.

It feels even more keen to change direction than the ID 7 and the Seal, plus its steering is super-accurate although some drivers might prefer it to have a bit more heft when turning in to a corner.

The Model 3 is not the most expressive car in the bends, with a neutral handling balance that inspires confidence but doesn't thrill. If you want something a little more playful, you might prefer the Seal.

The Model 3 is, like many electric cars, whisper-quiet at town speeds, but as speeds increase you do start to hear some wind noise from around the double-glazed but pillarless side windows.

You dont, however, get muchroad or suspension noise, which makes the Model 3 a relaxing long-distance companion. Indeed, when we got our decibel meter out it showed that at motorway speeds there's nothing in it between the i4, the Seal and the Model 3. Only the pricierID 7 is noticeably quieter.

The brakes deserve a special mention for being far less grabby than those in many electric cars. They make it easy to slow down smoothly without your passengers thinking youve only just passed your driving test.

Driving overview

Strengths Rapid acceleration; agile handling; great range between charges; true one-pedal driving

Tesla Model 3 review performance and 0-60 time

Teslas have become synonymouswith drag races on YouTube, and for good reason. Even in the absence of a flagship Performance variant, the new Model 3 is impressively quick.

The dual motor system in the Long Range finds immense traction and launches the car from 0-60mph in just 4.2sec quicker than a Volkswagen Golf R and much faster than most similarly priced rivals. BMW's i4 eDrive35, for instance, completes the 62mph sprint in 6sec. The throttle calibration is sharp and adds to the sense of urgency, although some might prefer a more progressive build up of acceleration.

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One major factor in the Model 3's performance is its lack of weight compared to other electric saloons. The Long Range tips the scales at 1828kg, and while that might sound hefty for a compact executive car, it's barely more than a BMW M340i xDrive. The single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 6 is nearly 100kg heavier.

We haven't driven the new single motor Model 3 yet, but it's slightly lighter (1765kg) again and still packs a decent punch. With a 5.8sec 0-60mph time, it's firmly in the realm of hot hatches when it comes to pure speed.

The outgoing Model 3 Performance was a true giant killer in performance terms, hitting 60mph in just 3.1sec expect its replacement to be just as fast, if not more so...