After months of teasers, Tesla has finally unveiled the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance, which is announced simultaneously with the opening of order books in Malaysia.

Billed as the most powerful Model 3 ever; prices of the 2024 Tesla 3 Performance start from RM 242,000 before options, registration, and insurance charges. The Model 3 range in Malaysia now consists 3 variants, priced as follows:

• Tesla Model 3 RWD (513 km range): from RM 189,000
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (629 km range): from RM 218,000
• Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD (528 km range): from RM 242,000

As usual for Tesla, the Model 3 Performance can be further customised with optional features as follows:

• Colour Options: The standard white paint is at no added cost, with Black or Blue available for an additional RM 5,000, Stealth Grey for RM 7,500, and Ultra Red for RM 11,000.
• Interior Options: An upgrade to white seats and interior trims is available for RM 5,000.
• Autopilot Features: Enhanced Autopilot is priced at RM 16,000 and whilst the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is available for RM 32,000.

The total cost of the Tesla Model 3 Performance without extra options is RM 243,700, fully optioned out (with the FSD, white leather seats and Ultra Red paint), prices go up to RM 291,700, excluding other on-the-road fees.

Also read: Review: Tesla Model 3 Highland in Malaysia - Your BEV shopping journey should begin here

The Tesla Model 3 Performance comes in Malaysia with a standard 4-year/80,000 km warranty, while the battery and drive unit are covered under an 8-year/192,000 km warranty.

With order books opened, the Tesla Malaysia website states deliveries start within Q2 of 2024 so we could tentatively see the first units delivered to Malaysian customers in the coming two months. Like all Tesla Model 3 variants the Model 3 Performance will be fully imported (CBU) from Shanghai, China. 

What's new in the Model 3 Performance?

Starting with the powertrain, the 2024 Model 3 Performance features the latest 4th-generation drive unit that delivers 466 PS (460 hp), courtesy of two electric motors (AWD) which in turn delivers a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.1 seconds. 

However, the power figures announced for Malaysia are lower than the North American model, which is rated at 517 PS (510 hp) and a supercar beating 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds. 

Powered by a 79 kWh LG battery,  the new 4th-Generation drive unit is claimed to provide 32 percent improved peak power, and 16 percent higher peak torque whilst consuming less energy, compared to the previous generation Model 3 Performance. 

Similar to the Model 3 Long Range, charging is capped at 250 kW DC at a suitably fast charging station. 

Elsewhere, the Model 3 Performance is an all-new adaptive damping system that's controlled by a new proprietary software that can be updated via over-the-air (OTA) vehicle updates. 

Notably the US-spec Model 3 Performance offers a Performance Brake system which consists of larger brake rotors, callipers and performance brake pads but it's not specified if the Malaysian-spec will receive this as well. 

The Model 3 Performance also gets lightweight staggered 20-inch 'Warp' wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 4 tyres as standard that's claimed to have sharper turn-in response, better traction in corner exit and since they're lighter, also optimised for comfort and range. 

Managing the Model 3 Performance is a new Track Mode V3 system which integrates motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and Tesla’s Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC) into a unified system. The system claimed to offer the driver more customisation when on track. 

Design-wise, the Model 3 Performance sports a revised front end that reduces drag by 5 percent, decreases lift by 36 percent, and improves the front-to-rear lift balance by 55 percent compared to its predecessor.

The Model 3 Performance also comes with a larger rear spoiler, red brake callipers and the ‘Ludicrous Mode’ badge on the rear bumper to distinguish it from other Model 3 variants.

On the inside, The Model 3 Performance has new ventilated sports seats with the ‘Ludicrous
Mode’ badge for additional driver support during cornering. There is also a carbon fibre garnishing on the dashboard. 

The Tesla Model 3 Performance's closest rival, the BYD Seal Performance is priced at RM 179,800 and delivers 530 PS and 670 Nm with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. 

The BYD Seal claims a driving range of 580 km (NEDC cycle) versus the Tesla Model 3 Performance's 528 km (WLTP cycle) but note the different regulatory measurement cycles.