2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance Review: Extremely Fast, Yet Not Ideal for Driving Enthusiasts

      Sign up for The Drive Daily

      Alright, let’s give this another shot. Last summer, I had my first experience driving a Tesla. It was the standard Model 3 dual-motor, but the recently refreshed “Highland” version. I had built up expectations based on the testimonials from respected journalists about what Teslas should feel like, but it ultimately didn't meet my hopes. However, I sensed there was potential for something great, so I was cautiously optimistic about spending some time in a 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance.

      On paper, the Model 3 Performance has the specifications to compete with the best sports sedans in its class. Even though I didn't particularly enjoy the standard Model 3, I was hoping the Performance version would address prior criticisms, such as its subpar interior and synthetic driving experience, by offering incredible speed and precise handling. It certainly delivers on one of those fronts, but I’m uncertain if it’s enough to compete with the best.

      Nico DeMattia

      For some reason, Tesla doesn’t do press cars very much. Special thanks to the wonderful team at Turo, who provided us with a complimentary three-day rental. If you're interested in checking out this Model 3 Performance in New Jersey, you can find it here.

      The Basics

      The Model 3 Performance is Tesla’s competitor to vehicles like the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. It’s the compact electric sports sedan aimed at rivaling traditional combustion legends. And in certain aspects, it succeeds. However, many features left me puzzled, questioning how Tesla could think this could be considered a genuine performance car.

      One of my primary critiques of the Model 3 Performance is its appearance. I wouldn’t describe it as ugly; it certainly isn’t. It's just quite plain. Perhaps that’s intentional—there’s a certain charm to a sleeper car—but it doesn’t look remarkably different from a regular Model 3, a vehicle that’s ubiquitous yet doesn't offer enough accessibility to make its performance a delightful surprise. Seeing a Corolla outperform a Mustang is amusing; seeing it in a Model 3 makes you seem arrogant. For a car that has “Performance” in its name, it feels somewhat lackluster.

      Nico DeMattia

      Sure, there are visual distinctions. The front and rear fascias are slightly sportier, a Pep Boys-style lip spoiler decorates the trunk lid, the 20-inch forged wheels are larger than the standard version, it’s lowered by about half an inch, and it has a Plaid badge on the back. Overall, however, it remains inconspicuous, and not in a good way. It's just unremarkable.

      Tesla is known for its minimalist interiors, but here it takes that minimalism too far. If you weren't aware it was a Performance model, you might think you were in the base variant. The materials and trims are as budget-friendly as ever, the dashboard resembles that of the regular Model 3 aside from the unconvincingly fake “carbon fiber” trim, and there isn’t a single emblem to signify that you’re in something special.

      However, one aspect of the interior stands out, and it might be the best feature of the car—the seats. They are fantastic. They remind me of Cadillac’s Blackwing seats in both appearance and comfort, which is one of the highest praises one can give to a car’s seating.

      Driving the Tesla Model 3 Performance

      There’s no denying it: the Model 3 Performance offers the best straight-line performance value within its segment. Its dual-motor powertrain boasts 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of torque, catapulting it to 60 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds. That makes it half a second faster than the all-wheel-drive BMW M3 Competition, despite the Tesla being down 13 horsepower and costing $30,000 less. And, from the driver’s perspective, it feels even quicker than the numbers indicate.

      If you dare to slam the accelerator, your head will be thrust back into those perfectly sculpted headrests. I can see why full-throttle Tesla launches have become popular on social media—they’re entertaining. Credit to Tesla, the throttle response isn’t overly sensitive. You can smoothly increase power without an aggressive surge—it’s impressively well-calibrated.

      Nico DeMattia

      What’s less impressive is its handling. The ride quality is actually quite good, with standard adaptive dampers that manage most bumps sufficiently. Larger bumps can be jarring, but in general, the Model 3 Performance rides adequately. Where it falters is in steering feedback and chassis communication. It goes where directed and feels nimble, with an extremely quick steering ratio and a stable body in corners. However, the steering offers minimal feedback and exhibits excessive artificial self-centering, leaving the experience feeling painfully synthetic.

      Although it corners competently, the chassis doesn’t convey any sensations