Skip advert
Advertisement

Tesla Model 3 review – performance and 0-60 time

There's no new Model 3 Performance yet, but the Long Range still offers enormous pace

Evo rating

Teslas have become synonymous with drag races on YouTube, and for good reason. Even in the absence of a flagship Performance variant, the new Model 3 is impressively quick.

The dual motor system in the Long Range finds immense traction and launches the car from 0-60mph in just 4.2sec – quicker than a Volkswagen Golf R and much faster than most similarly priced rivals. BMW's i4 eDrive35, for instance, completes the 62mph sprint in 6sec. The throttle calibration is sharp and adds to the sense of urgency, although some might prefer a more progressive build up of acceleration. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

One major factor in the Model 3's performance is its lack of weight compared to other electric saloons. The Long Range tips the scales at 1828kg, and while that might sound hefty for a compact executive car, it's barely more than a BMW M340i xDrive. The single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 6 is nearly 100kg heavier. 

We haven't driven the new single motor Model 3 yet, but it's slightly lighter (1765kg) again and still packs a decent punch. With a 5.8sec 0-60mph time, it's firmly in the realm of hot hatches when it comes to pure speed. 

The outgoing Model 3 Performance was a true giant killer in performance terms, hitting 60mph in just 3.1sec – expect its replacement to be just as fast, if not more so...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week
evo eras 1990s
Features

Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we go back to the 1990s on the finest Welsh roads with a selection of iconic youngtimers
27 Jun 2025