Why Should You Buy Model 3 Performance Trim Instead Of The Base Variant

author: Manish Kharinta   

Tesla's latest offering, the Model 3 electric sedan is a car built for the masses. For many customers, the impressive performance figures and competitive pricing might be enough to incentivize them into buying the base trim of Model 3. Tesla recently also announced that the base variant of model 3 will get an all-wheel drive, dual motor upgrade option.

In light of the recent announcement, the base trim of Model 3 has become an attractive proposition for the customers who are on the lookout for an affordable premium electric sedan. Considering its mass-market appeal, it is likely that many customers might shy away from the top-of-the-line Model 3 Performance variant. However, buying the relatively cheap and cheerful base trim might not be such a good idea after all.

The Model 3 Performance variant comes with a dual motor setup as standard, whereas the all-wheel-drive dual motor upgrade is an optional extra for the base trim, which costs an additional $5,000. The dual motor setup enhances the car's performance characteristics like acceleration and handling. It also makes the car's ride safer in challenging terrains and poor weather conditions.

The dual motor setup in the Model 3 Performance offers a 0 to 60 acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds, whereas the standard Model 3 manages to do the same in 5.1 seconds. As far as performance is concerned, the top speed of the two trims might just be the only statistic of Model 3 Performance variant which is substantially superior to that of the base model. 

The base trim of Model 3 has a top speed figure of 140 mph whereas the Model 3 Performance trim goes on to achieve a top speed mark of 155 mph.

This happens to be one of the many reasons why one might consider the performance variant over the base trim. The Model 3 Performance gets an all-electric driving range of 310 miles whereas the range of a standard Model 3 is around 220 miles.

In terms of Aesthetics, the base Model 3 gets an all-black color scheme for the interior, while Model 3 Performance is offered with a premium white option. The standard Model 3 runs on 18 inch wheels, with an option of upgrading to 19 inch sports alloys. 

The Model 3 Performance, on the other hand, comes equipped 20 inch "performance wheels" along with larger tires, which provide better grip and enhances the cars driving range.

At $64,000 the performance trim of Model 3 is only $10,000 more expensive than the equivalent dual motor AWD base variant Model 3. It also happens to be the third fastest EV Tesla has to offer, following the likes of Model S P100D trim which is priced at $120,700 and Model X P100D priced at $125,800. 

Taking into consideration the comparable stats of Model 3 Performance trim and the substantial difference in its price tag as compared to the other faster Tesla offerings, the Model 3 Performance might just be the best bargain Tesla has to offer.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.