2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance revealed and priced

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has made its debut in North America and the order book is now open in Australia, where pricing starts at $80,900 plus on-road costs.

Tesla is citing an estimated delivery between July and September 2024, if you place an order today.

Details of the Model 3 Performance also come as Tesla again moves to cut prices of its broader Model 3 range, with lower-series variants now $3000 more affordable.

The single-motor Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive now starts from $58,900 plus ORCs, and the dual-motor Long Range All-Wheel Drive is set at $67,900 plus ORCs.

Tesla Australia has nominated a 338kW peak power output for the new dual-motor Model 3 Performance, which is well down on the 380kW quoted in North America – with no apparent reason for the discrepancy provided.

Still, the claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds and 262km/h top speed are consistent between the two markets, while the WLTP driving range is set at 528km.

The latter is lower than the Long Range AWD (629km) but slightly higher than the RWD (513km).

The punchy powertrain is now supported by adaptive dampers as standard, which should do wonders for the top-flight Model 3’s handling and versatility in combination with a new Track Mode that extracts maximum performance from the powertrain, steering, chassis and electronics.

Also contributing here are all-new 20-inch forged performance wheels that reduce unsprung mass, behind which resides a beefier braking package comprising bigger callipers, discs and new-compound pads.

The elevated intent is hinted at by a new-look exterior that boasts a few signature Performance upgrades over the standard Model 3, including a more aggressive front and rear fascia along with a carbon-fibre lip spoiler and the aforementioned lightweight wheels.

The interior also features carbon-fibre trim inserts on the dash and two new heated and cooled front bucket seats.

The $80,900 starting figure for the new Model 3 Performance undercuts the equivalent Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack (from $85,400), which has more power (350kW) but is not as quick from 0-100km/h (4.2sec).

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