The Tesla Model 3 isn’t the prettiest car on the road, it’s not the fastest, and it’s not even being delivered on time thanks to a slew of production problems. There have even been complaints about customers not getting the right and/or expected materials inside their Model 3 once they’ve taken delivery. Maybe all of these hiccups happened because Musk was too busy working on a high-performance version of the Model 3. Okay, that’s probably not the case, but he really was working on one, and it’s set to rival the BMW M3 with better performance, AWD, and a similar price.

BMW M3 Performance in a Tesla Model 3?

So we’re looking at a model three with dual motors for sure, but there’s more. Musk went on to tweet that it would use AC induction in the front and switched reluctance, partial permanent magnet motor in the rear. Both motors will use silicon carbide inverters. Performance drive units will be sorted for highest sigma output and get double the burn-in. Musk also promised that the performance model would have a carbon fiber spoiler, 20-inch wheels, and black and white interior.

Expected performance figures are stout, with the run to 60 mph taking just 3.5 seconds with a top speed set to 155 mph. It will also support a 310-mile range on a single charge. That’s the same range as the long-range model but 1.6 seconds faster to 60 mph. It’s also 2.1 seconds faster to 60 mph than the entry-level model! Total cost is set to be about $78,000, including the cost of all options, wheels, and paint. That doesn’t include Autopilot of course, but you shouldn’t be getting greedy anyway, should you?

Even better yet, Musk promises that at that cost it will be 15-percent faster than the BMW M3 and will even offer better handling. He even stressed that it would be able to beat anything in its class on the track. Oh, that black and white trim… That’ll be exclusive to the performance model until parts become available to expand the offering to the rest of the lineup.

Tesla Model 3 Performance Specs

Tesla Model 3 standard performance and powertrain specs:

EPA estimated range per charge:

220 miles

Charge time (Supercharger):

130 miles in 30 minutes

Charge time (240-volt source):

30 miles in 1 hour

Drive wheels:

RWD

0-to-60 mph time:

5.6 seconds

Top speed:

130 mph


Tesla Model 3 Long Range performance and powertrain specs:

EPA estimated range per charge:

310 miles

Charge time (Supercharger):

170 miles in 30 minutes

Charge time (240-volt source):

37 miles in 1 hour

Drive wheels:

RWD

0-to-60 mph time:

5.1 seconds

Top speed:

140 mph


Final Thoughts

This is a pretty cool development and all, but at the same time, it goes against the whole point of the Model 3 in the first place. The Model 3 was supposed to be a more affordable car. Sure, this is pricing for a performance version, but it’s still creeping up on Model S territory when maxed out with Autopilot equipped. It could very well take on the BMW M3, but it will only do so on the performance front. Just look at the model 3 – it’s far from pretty and damn sure doesn’t have that aggressive eat-your-face look you get with a BMW M3. And, it won’t have that amazing soundtrack to go with that awesome sprint around the track either. I don’t know about you, but I’d still lean more toward the M3. I mean, if you’re into the Model 3 and really want a performance model, that’s cool, but the M3 will still have more soul and will get more recognition hands down. It will be interesting to see how well something like a performance Model 3 will be received on the market. That’s assuming, of course, that one ever rolls off of that very troubled production line.

Further Reading

Tesla Model 3

Read our full review on the 2018 Tesla Model 3.

Read more about Elon Musk.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M3.

Read more Tesla news.