2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance Review: Ludicrous Speed in a Sensible Package

Tesla has been shaking up the car world for over a decade now, and the Model 3 Performance is a prime example of why legacy automakers are sweating bullets. It’s fast, efficient, and high-tech, so basically an EV that makes driving fun without sacrificing your eco-conscious soul.

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance offers a refreshed take on an already potent package, with subtle tweaks that make it even sharper, faster, and more refined. It’s also one of the few EVs that can embarrass a Porsche (well not the Turbo S variants) at a stoplight and still be practical enough for a daily commute.

So, is this the best version of the Model 3 yet or does Tesla still have some work to do?

What’s New for 2025?

Tesla doesn’t do model years the same way traditional automakers do, preferring to roll out software updates and refreshes as they see fit. For 2025 though, the Model 3 Performance gets some notable improvements:

• Sharper Aerodynamics – A redesigned front bumper, rear diffuser, and subtle tweaks for better airflow.
• Reworked Suspension – More refined handling, making it even sharper around corners.
• Updated Interior – New materials, better seats, and, of course, no traditional buttons (because Tesla).
• Even More Speed – As if it wasn’t quick enough already, Tesla has tweaked the motors for better whiplash inducing acceleration.

So, as you can see, this isn’t a complete overhaul, but rather a carefully refined version of the Model 3 Performance that fixes a few pain points from previous years.

Performance: Fast Enough to Warp Time

Let’s get straight to the fun stuff. The Model 3 Performance is blisteringly quick.  It’s the kind of quick that’ll make your passengers rethink their life choices when you floor it.

Specs That Matter:

• Dual-Motor AWD – Because more power needs more traction.
• Horsepower: 510 hp (estimated).
• 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds.
• Top Speed: 162 mph.
• Range: 296 miles (estimated).
• Battery Size: 82 kWh (estimated).
• Charging Time: 15 minutes for 175 miles (Tesla Supercharger V4).

For reference, that 0-60 time is faster than a BMW M3 or even a base Porsche 911. That’s pretty bonkers for a sedan with a backseat and a frunk.

And thanks to its instant torque, the acceleration feels even more dramatic than the numbers suggest. No gears and no lag, just press the pedal, and boom, you’re gone.

Handling: More Than Just a Straight-Line Monster

Tesla has often been accused of making cars that are great at drag races but not so great in the corners. The 2025 Model 3 Performance aims to silence the critics with a revised adaptive suspension and better chassis tuning.

• More precise steering – Feels sharper than before, though still not near as communicative as a BMW M3.
• Lower center of gravity – Thanks to the heavy battery pack sitting low in the chassis.
• New suspension tweaks – Makes the ride less jarring without sacrificing agility.

While it still doesn’t have the soulful handling of a gas-powered sports sedan, it grips hard and stays composed, even when pushing it on a twisty road. The AWD system helps it put the power down without drama, and unlike some older Model 3s, this one doesn’t feel too twitchy at high speeds.

Tesla has also improved the brakes, making them more confidence-inspiring when you inevitably realize you’re going too fast for a highway exit ramp.

Interior: Minimalist and… Still No Buttons

Step inside the Model 3 Performance, and you’re greeted by Tesla’s signature ultra-minimalist interior.

What’s Inside?

• Massive 15-inch touchscreen – The command center for everything.
• New sport seats – Better bolstering for spirited driving.
• Premium materials – Softer synthetic leather and more refined trim.
• Yoke Steering Option (Still Weird) – Not required, but available for those who like fighter jet aesthetics.

Tesla insists on controlling literally everything through the touchscreen, from climate control to opening the glovebox. It looks sleek, sure, but can we please get a volume knob back?

One cool feature: Ventilated seats! Finally, Tesla has added cooling seats to the Model 3 Performance, which is a big win for those of us who don’t want to feel like we’re sitting on a stovetop in the summer.

Trim Levels: The Model 3 Lineup

Not everyone needs the absurd speed of the Performance model, so here’s what else is available:

1. Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (Base Model)

   • Range: 272 miles
   • 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
   • Single-motor, RWD
   • Best for budget-conscious EV buyers.

2. Model 3 Long Range

   • Range: 341 miles
   • 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
   • Dual-motor AWD
   • Best for those who prioritize range over outright speed.

Competitors: Who’s Gunning for Tesla?

Tesla isn’t the only game in town anymore. Here’s what else you might consider:

BMW i4 M50

• 536 hp dual-motor AWD
• 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds
• More luxurious interior, but not as quick as the Tesla

Porsche Taycan 4S

• 522 hp AWD
• 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
• Handles better than the Tesla, but costs significantly more

Polestar 2 BST Edition 270

• 476 hp AWD
• 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
• More stylish, but can’t match Tesla’s range or charging speed

What We Wish Was Different

The Model 3 Performance still has a few quirks that might annoy some buyers:

1. Still No Physical Controls – Tesla, please, just give us a couple of buttons back!
2. Interior Can Feel Spartan – It’s clean and modern, but it lacks the warmth of a luxury car.
3. Tire Wear Is Real – If you enjoy launching this thing often, be prepared to replace tires frequently.

Final Verdict: The Best Model 3 Yet?

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance is a blast to drive. It’s brutally quick, more refined than ever, and still one of the best all-around performance EVs out there.

It’s definitely not perfect though, as some people will miss traditional controls, and it still lacks the emotional engagement of a high-revving gas engine. But if you want supercar acceleration in a practical, affordable(ish) package, this is the car to beat.

So, what do you think? Would you take the Tesla Model 3 Performance over its EV rivals, or are you holding out for something even wilder? Let’s hear your thoughts below!