In this video, Andrew shares his month-long experience with the latest Tesla Model 3 Performance, a completely redesigned electric vehicle. He emphasizes that this is not a loaner or press car, but rather a car he bought himself on launch day, and according to Tesla’s delivery center, he was the first to receive the car. This allowed him to test all the features, including “track mode”, and provide an honest, unbiased review.

The delivery experience has been significantly improved since the 2023 model. Tesla has upgraded the process with personal touches, an in-app pre-delivery checklist, and a more luxurious pickup area. Instead of a dingy warehouse, the pickup area is now more professional and welcoming. Andrew thoroughly inspected the car and found the build quality from the Shanghai factory to be very good, with no panel gaps or broken buttons. However, the black paintwork had some minor scratches right out of the showroom, something Tesla is notorious for not doing right.

Andrew chose an all-black finish for the car, a color he found elegant. He plans to wrap it in invisible paint protection film (PPF) and share the results on Instagram. The car’s most striking feature is its incredible performance and acceleration. Having driven the Model 3 Long Range with the acceleration package, he felt a huge difference when he switched to the Model 3 Performance. The 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds felt “like a punch in the gut,” even making his friends green. The car is faster than any Ferrari or Lamborghini built before 2010, and it sounds like a spaceship taking off.

Although the 2.9-second figure includes the “rollout,” the acceleration is still superior to many more expensive supercars. The dual motors deliver a total of 510 horsepower to all four wheels. The rear motor is all-new, and although the Shanghai version has a slightly smaller LG battery than the Fremont, acceleration performance and top speed are comparable. Acceleration from 60 to 80 mph on the highway is also significantly improved.

What surprised Andrew most was the significantly improved handling and driving dynamics. High-performance brakes, staggered tires, and a new performance chassis make for a fun and confident drive on winding roads. Cornering ability and stability are significantly improved compared to the previous version. Track mode makes the car more agile and fun, with slightly reduced grip and a rear-biased torque distribution. However, he still feels the driving experience is a bit “digital” and “distant” from traditional sports cars. He also expressed his wish that Tesla added digital gearshifts and simulated engine sounds, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, to enhance the driving experience.

In terms of design, the Model 3 Performance has a new carbon fiber spoiler, an updated diffuser, front air intakes and “ludicrous” badging. Ventilated bucket seats are a highlight of the interior design, providing excellent support when cornering. Unique 20-inch wheels and high-performance Pirelli P Zero 4 tires also contribute to the aggressive look and reduce road noise. The interior is trimmed in carbon fiber, creating a luxurious and sporty feel.

Despite the improved design, Andrew thinks Tesla could do more to differentiate the Model 3 Performance from other versions. He also expressed frustration with the removal of the paddle shifters and their replacement with touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, especially the turn signals, which he found inconvenient while driving.

Andrew plans to test the car on a track and share more about his experience in a long-term review video. He encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel to follow the next videos.

Despite its supercar-level performance, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is still an incredibly comfortable family car for everyday use. This is largely thanks to the adaptive suspension and new dampers, which provide a stable and responsive ride in sport mode, while also providing the same smooth ride as the standard Model 3. Andrew emphasizes the impressiveness of a car with supercar performance that is as practical as the Toyota Corolla, fully integrated with technology and self-driving capabilities, and priced under $55,000, creating a new benchmark in the segment.

Cruise control and Autopilot are always a plus on long trips, helping the driver relax. Cabin noise has been significantly reduced compared to the 2023 version, creating a quiet space thanks to the soundproof glass. Amenities like a head-up display, a 17-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, and a 65W USB-C charging port that can charge two MacBook Pros at once all contribute to the premium driving experience.

In terms of range and charging, the Model 3 Performance gets around 3.5 miles per kWh, or 260-270 miles on a single charge, with plenty of strong acceleration. With more frugal driving, 300 miles or more of range is possible. Charging the 82 kWh battery from a standard outlet takes about 42 hours, but Tesla’s Supercharger network allows for rapid charging, adding 140 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Andrew has never experienced range anxiety, thanks to the extensive charging network and the introduction of the Supercharger V4, which promises faster charging speeds and the ability to update software while charging. Tesla’s opening up of its Supercharger network to all electric vehicles is also a big step forward.

In terms of safety, the Model 3 has significantly improved reliability and safety. It has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to its crash protection structure and low center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollover. It is equipped with a lot of safety and driver assistance technology, including 8 exterior cameras for Sentry mode and 7 airbags. However, the insurance cost for the Model 3 Performance is quite high due to expensive repairs and high performance.

After a month of use, Andrew confirmed that the Model 3 Performance is the best car in its segment, combining supercar performance with family comfort and safety. With a competitive price, especially when taking into account tax incentives, the car is an attractive option. Despite some drawbacks such as the lack of a shift lever, it is still a car worth buying. Andrew recommends not taking it for a test drive if you don’t want to be tempted.