People choosing between Model 3 refresh will have a hard time deciding between the latest or sticking to the Long Range version.
Both variants offer incredible speed and fancy specs that the standard range lacks. But buying the brand-new refresh Performance trim of the infamous Model 3 fleet could be the most affordable purchase right now.
How?
Well, the Performance is the only Model 3 that can get you a $7,500 EV credit on your purchase. So, technically you can buy Model 3 Performance Refresh for cheaper than Long Range. Intrigued? Let’s find out more details.
How Model 3 Performance Become The Cheapest?
At the start of this year, Tesla was all hazy about the launch of the Model 3 Performance refresh. Tesla now has rolled out a new Model 3 version in the United States.
Under the new Federal EV tax credit rules, the materials used in the battery affect whether a car qualifies for the $7,500 tax incentive.
The Model 3 Performance qualifies for this tax credit because of its special 2170 battery cells, while the Standard Range and Long Range models don’t.
After the tax credit benefit, the Performance’s price drops from $53,990 to $46,490 (excluding destination), while the Long Range costs $47,740. So, even with the tax credit, the Performance model is $1,250 cheaper.
Along with gas savings, Performance sits at $41,490 on the order page, making it the best bet among all other Model 3 variants.
But there’s a catch: if you choose to lease Long Range, the table turns, and Performance no longer stays a cheaper option.
Model 3 Performance Refresh
Excitement peaked when eager eyes caught the first glimpse of this performance-driven marvel at a private event in California earlier this month. We covered the news in detail here.
Tesla Officially Launches Model 3 Performance: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Giving the Performance trim a sleek look Tesla gave it new bumpers, a carbon fiber spoiler, and special 20-inch Pirelli tires. We covered the specs in detail in our post.
Inside, drivers have more control, with options to adjust suspension and customize handling along with regenerative braking with Track Mode V3. You can choose from preset modes or do the fine-tuning, the Model 3 Performance is sure to give you total control.
You can design your own Model 3 Performance on Tesla’s website for $53,990, and you might get a $7,500 federal EV tax credit. It comes in the same five colors as the regular Model 3: gray, white, blue, black, and red.
Tesla says they’ll start delivering the Model 3 Performance between May and June, so you won’t have to wait too long.
Why Choose Model 3 Performance Over Long Range?
Choosing the Model 3 Performance over the other two trims becomes a no-brainer given all the benefits. It’s one thing to get a thrilling ride with a top speed of 163 mph, thanks to its powerful 500+ horsepower. But getting it cheaper than the Long Range sure beats it.
When it comes to choosing between the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Long Range version, it depends on what you’re after. The Performance model is built for high-speed driving on tracks and drag strips, offering a sporty experience with advanced suspension and sharp handling.
Although it has a slightly lower range of 296 miles per charge compared to the long-range model, the trade-off is worth it for speed buffs.
When comparing it to its rivals, such as the 2024 BMW M3 starting at $76,995 and the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 starting at $80,050, the value becomes even more evident. Few cars in its class can match its lightning-fast acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, especially considering its price.
Bottomline
Tesla finally unleashed its mighty Model 3 Performance trim dubbing it the most powerful entry-sedan. If you are struggling to decide on the Model 3 refresh, buying the Performance Model 3, could get a $7,500 federal EV tax credit, making it effectively $46,490.
Performance refresh can go up to 296 miles on a single charge and zooms at a top speed of 163 mph. Choosing the Model 3 Performance at its price point offers a compelling proposition that’s hard to beat.
What do you think?
