Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD Facelift Review

No character. Soulless. Boring. One-trick pony. These are just some of the criticisms that haters tend to slather upon Tesla's products. Being an electric vehicle means that no matter how quick it is, it brings you up to speed in absolute silence, and without much fanfare - I suppose that's the basis for the hatred.

EVs such as the Model 3 Performance offer supercar-beating acceleration without any flamboyance. But is it correct to say that they don't have character? I beg to differ, at least not the Tesla. It has its own quirks and character, just not what you’d normally associate with something this fast.

The facelifted Tesla Model 3 is much sharper-looking than before; the faux-grille outline makes way for a clean and straight line

It isn't loud, brash or door-stopper shaped

After its facelift, the Tesla Model 3 has gotten a fair bit sharper- its large head lights have been replaced with much slimmer units, and the front bumper that had a large outline where a grille is normally expected to be has also been replaced with a much sleeker unit with a clean straight line.

Even with its front and rear diffuser and a carbon fibre lip spoiler, the Model 3 Performance doesn't come off immediately as something that can go toe-to-toe with supercars off the line

But it still doesn't look like something that will decimate the century sprint in just 3.1 seconds. Cars with acceleration figures in the ballpark include the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Despite being fitted with front and rear diffusers, along with a carbon fibre lip spoiler to accentuate its sportiness, the Model 3 Performance design is undoubtedly nowhere as exciting as those sports cars mentioned.

It's easy to hate on the Model 3 Performance, calling it soulless and lacking in character, but I'll urge you to consider it from a different perspective - this isn't a sports car

Before hating on it, why not try adopting a different perspective

Yes, the Model 3 Performance doesn't evoke the same feelings that a sports car manages to, but it isn't one in the first place. It is more appropriate to look at this car as an everyday, family sedan that can achieve warp-speed levels of acceleration. Once you correct your perspective, you'll start to wrap your head around why fans are so enamoured with the car.

Make it sound like your friend farted in the car, play some games on the large infotainment screen, and make the car perform a light show - these are just some fun features that are unique to the Tesla

It is easy to say that the car has no character just because it's silent. But how many other brands have a car that quacks when you lock it? Can your car make fart noises on demand? Can your car perform a light show? Call it childish if you want, but these quirky features all add to the car's character - it is a tech-filled car with some light-hearted and fun features.

Fun aside, the amount of thought that has gone into the Model 3 is commendable. It is easy to attempt a minimalistic design, but it takes a certain level of commitment to make it happen.

No stalks or even stitchings on the steering wheel in sight - Tesla sure is committed to minimalism

In the driver seat, you'll notice there isn't any wiper or indicator stalks, or a gear selector - all there is are the central display, a steering wheel and the pedals. To put the car into drive, you'll have to slide the toggle on the screen, and indicators, wipers and high beam are all activated by buttons on the steering wheel. You wouldn't even see any stitching on the steering wheel for they are all hidden on the rear!

However, I would much rather they kept the indicator's stalks, as operating them when the steering is anything but straight is near impossible. With all these quirks and unique features, how could anyone say that this car has no character?

You could very well just get used to this view, the Model 3 Performance will leave you in the dust!

Warp speed in 3...2...1!

The Model 3 Performance weighs some 1.8 tonnes and yet it is capable of supercar levels of acceleration. All these is only achievable with serious power, 461kW (618bhp) and 730Nm of torque whenever you demand it, to be exact.

With 461kW (681bhp) and 730Nm of torque to all four wheels, the Model 3 Performance goes from 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds

And it isn't just capable in a straight line - with dual motors sending power to 235mm front tyres and the really wide 275mm rear tyres, traction is hardly a scarcity with the Model 3 Performance (unless you were to utilise Track Mode, set it to oversteer and turn off traction and stability control).

Different acceleration, ride and handling and steering weight options allow you to customise your drive in the Model 3 Performance

Equipped with adaptive damping, there's the option to choose either standard or sport ride and handling. While the latter stiffens up the damping by a noticeable bit, the ride quality is never back-breaking, and unlike other powerful and heavy cars the Model 3 Performance doesn't exhibit excessive nose dive or squat when braking or accelerating hard.

Tesla's previous models are often brought up as the prime example of cars with steering devoid of communication. I've got to say that they've gotten the steering dialed in pretty well this time round. Granted, it isn't the most communicative, but it has a good weight to it (even in Standard setting) and offers enough feedback to give you the confidence of knowing what the front wheels are doing. 

The Model 3 Performance's steering has a nice weight to it while being communicative enough for a confident drive

Brakes are crucial components in the equation of driving experience and Tesla's approach is rather unique once again. Admittedly, when told that the One-Pedal drive mode can’t be turned off or adjusted (except in Track Mode), I was prepared to hate the drive. Even after I have driven the car for a couple of days, I can't say that I love it, but I understand how some might enjoy it.

The brakes are adequate, but you would hardly need to use them in normal driving

With the Model 3, the brake pedal is hardly needed at slow to moderate speeds - release the pedal and the car slows down considerably (and eventually to a stop), if there's a car or obstacle ahead the rate of deceleration will be automatically adjusted so that the car stops in time. Is this my preferred way of driving? Nope, but it sure is a good use of technology that they have to offer something different, once again adding character to the car.

It's no sports car, but the Model 3 Performance sure is a comfortable place to be in

Comfortable, fun, and convenient to live with

The Model 3 isn't designed to be a sports car, hence it naturally falls short when you compare it against the visceral nature of those. But its strengths lies in it being a high-tech everyday drive with creature comfort enhanced by thoughtful smart technology.

Two wireless chargers to get your phones charged, along with a large infotainment system packed full of features - there's not much more to ask for

Though minimalistic in design, the spacious cabin of the Model 3 will not leave passengers yearning for more features. There are ventilated seats with electric adjustments for the front row, there are two wireless charging pads and a USB-C port to keep your devices juiced. And then there's the central display that does everything - gear selector, camera display, navigation, multimedia, settings and various information about the car, they are all there.

Rear passenger gets a display that allows access to media and streaming services, along with various settings

The unbranded and unassuming sound system pipes out quality tunes

Rear passengers also get two USB-C ports, along with a display that allows you to access streaming services such as YouTube and to play games on. Additionally, the sound system that includes a total of 17 speakers, while unbranded, is among the best sounding ones from the cars that I have driven - a balanced sound with clear highs, great detail and adequate bass.

The Tesla app allow you to do many things, including locking and unlocking the car (acting as a key), turn on or turn off the climate control, among other useful features

Tesla also has a smartphone application that allows you to use your phone as a key to the car, it also includes several useful features. You can activate the climate control system to pre-cool the car before you get in, you can check out the cameras on your car to see if anyone's up to no good, you can track your car's location, and you can unlock your car for someone to retrieve an item from it. The best part is that you could do all these even when you are in another continent - you just have to be connected to the internet.

Tesla's Supercharger charges the car up at an incredibly rapid pace

Tesla's Supercharger network is yet another plus point - the Model 3 Performance can be charged at up to a maximum rate of 250kW. During my time with the car I've seen charging speeds up to 180kW, which got the car from around 25% charge to 100% in around an hour, which is quite impressive!

All these high-tech features are things that you normally wouldn't even think of or consider, but once you have experienced it, you would probably enjoy the convenience that they bring about. And if you ask me, all of these add to the allure and uniqueness of the Model 3 Performance. With a reasonable price tag of $251,999 at the point of writing, the Model 3 Performance sure is a lot of car for the money. 

Yes, it doesn't make incredible noises, it doesn't have an exquisite design, but hey, it goes really quickly, and it quacks!

In the market for a performance electric Sedan? Here are some others for you to read up on:

BYD Seal Performance is a well-refined beast

The facelifted BMW i4 is now offered in M Sport guise

Polestar 2 is the closest the brand has come yet to its 'electric performance' remit