Despite the rumours swirling around, this isn’t the fabled Plaid edition. This is the Model 3 Performance, and that badge on the boot isn’t the Plaid logo.

To hit Plaid status in Tesla’s universe, you’d need three carbon-sleeve motors, which this one doesn’t have. What you do get, though, is the car Tesla’s engineers always envisioned the go-faster Model 3 should be.

Does that mean the previous one wasn’t up to scratch?

In a word, yes.

Quietly, Tesla engineers admit the first-gen Model 3 Performance didn’t quite hit the mark. Built during the infamous “production hell” period, the focus was getting cars out the door, not fine-tuning them. And it showed in the fit and finish of those cars.

So, while it had plenty of power, the rest of the package was somewhat lacking.

So, what’s new with this one?

This is still a dual-motor setup, but this time a new rear motor ups total output to 618bhp and 730Nm of torque. That drops the century sprint time to a blistering 3.1 seconds and bumps the top speed to 261km/h.

Singapore-bound units get a 78kWh pack, and Tesla claims it can do up to 528km. 

Tesla also tweaked the wheels. The new 20-inch forged aluminium ones come with snap-in aero fins and a staggered setup, meaning the Pirelli P Zeros at the rear are now wider than those at the front.

You also get semi-metallic brake pads as standard (previously part of the Track Pack) and, for the first time in a Model 3, adaptive dampers controlled by Tesla’s in-house software. These can also be improved with over-the-air (OTA) updates.

But you honestly don’t need those OTA tweaks

The two available ride and handling settings are pretty spot on. ‘Standard’ is soft but not sloppy, while ‘Sport’ is firm without being bone-rattling.

And let’s face it, how many of us need more options? You’re either in the mood for a bit of fun on a good road or just trying to get somewhere in peace and quiet.

What’s more, you can really change the car’s character by toggling between the three throttle modes – ‘Standard,’ ‘Chill,’ and ‘Insane.’ It’s like having three different cars in one, from sedate cruiser to neck-snapping beast.

For safety reasons, we of course found a deserted stretch of road to test ‘Insane,’ and yep, it does what it says on the tin.

That wall of torque hits hard, and fast. It’s faster than before, but after experiencing a few high-powered EVs, you get used to that instant, relentless acceleration.

Anything else to play with?

You’ve got the usual steering weight settings (Comfort, Standard and Sport) which just add more heft but don’t really increase feedback. 

Strangely, I preferred driving fast in ‘Comfort’ and ‘Standard’. The lighter feel made the front end seem more agile, and the steering felt sharper. It’s a massive improvement over the previous model, which would bounce and lurch through corners. Now, it’s flatter, more controlled, and better at holding a line without drama.

Shame I don’t have access to a racetrack, because the new Track Mode looks like a blast. You can adjust stability control and even tweak the car’s handling balance from understeer to oversteer.

Why anyone would want more understeer, I’m not sure, but the option’s there. Oversteer, on the other hand, sounds like a whole lot of sideways fun waiting to happen.

What about battery life when you’re driving hard?

If you’re driving like you’ve just escaped the gates of Hades, you’ll burn through the battery faster than the single-motor versions.

But, the Model 3 Performance isn’t as anxiety-inducing as EV sceptics would have you believe. The central display keeps you well-informed about your range, and Tesla’s onboard navigation is smart enough to suggest where and when to stop for a quick recharge.

Speaking of which, Tesla’s Superchargers make refuelling your battery about as stress-free as it gets in the electric age.

Come on, it looks great

Elon might love to stir up headlines, but it seems the design team behind the latest Model 3, dubbed “Highland,” has taken a more refined approach.

Subtle, yet undeniably effective, the facelift sharpens the car’s overall aesthetic. Gone is the slightly amphibian look of its predecessor, replaced with a sleeker, more polished nose and a tidied-up rear. 

The slimmer, sharper headlights give the Model 3 a leaner, more focused gaze, evoking memories of Tesla’s original Roadster from way back in 2008.

Less is more..?

The cabin follows the same mantra; minimalism with a sense of modern elegance. The dashboard is a clean expanse, dominated by a singular, massive 15.4-inch touchscreen. No unnecessary clutter, just clean lines and a feeling that you’re in something cutting-edge.

Tesla’s approach might leave traditionalists a bit confused. After all, who hides the indicator stalks? And in true Tesla fashion, there are still playful touches throughout.

Sure, you could set off on a quiet drive, but why not start it with a light show choreographed to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, or fire up one of the in-car games, which use the actual steering wheel?

Is it practical? Not really. But that’s the magic of Tesla. You get performance, fun, and a touch of eccentricity, all in one package.

Backseat views

In the back, the panoramic sunroof is a true highlight, offering passengers an expansive view that nearly compensates for the slightly snug fit. It’s a bit tighter back there, but the airy feel of that glass roof goes a long way in making up for it.

The boot is a decent size, with 682 litres of space that can expand further by folding the rear seats. The 88 litre frunk is also handy for loose items.

This is the benchmark for performance 

The Model 3 Performance, arguably, is still the benchmark for EV performance. 

While the stark cabin might not be as big of a hit, the Model 3 is fantastic dynamically. I guarantee you’ll come out of any corner smiling, whilst scaring the crap out of your occupants.

One for the books, this.

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 Performance (2024)

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 461 kW (618 bhp)
Torque: 730 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
Battery Capacity: 78 kWh
Drive Range: 528 km
Energy Consumption: 6 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$148,919 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Whether you are in team Tesla or team not so keen on Tesla, you cannot deny that the new Model 3 Highland looks much better than its predecessor.

Singapore did not get to officially welcome the Model S and X, so when the original Model 3 made its way onto our shores back in 2021, it was received with much fanfare. Now, in a bid to increase its footing in our ever-competitive COE market, Tesla has introduced a special local-bred 110 Highland variant, which happens to be Cat A COE-friendly.

But, with fierce competition on the horizon, can it remain viable for prospective customers?

Sharp And Sleek

The revamped Tesla Model 3 Highland takes a subtle yet effective approach to style, stepping up without shouting for attention.

The bloated, amphibian-like contours of the old model are gone, and while the refined changes aren’t radical, they do sharpen its overall facade.

The redesign has also improved aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient to a slick 0.219. 

Simplicity meets sophistication on the inside; the dashboard is just a smooth expanse of fabric, an unbroken air vent, and a conspicuously large 15.4-inch touchscreen. It’s so stark and streamlined that traditionalists might raise an eyebrow or two.

The seats, while snug, offer a cosy enclave. The Highland model includes ventilated functionality too for front occupants, a much-needed feature. 

Tesla has cheekily removed the indicators and the controls are now on the steering wheel.

The days of clustered instrument panels are gone. Everything you need to know is displayed on that sprawling screen. A head-up display would have been nice, but the singular screen does its job well.

Tesla’s approach to driving controls is like learning a new language. Swipe up for forward, down for reverse; intuitive, yet peculiar. And then, there’s Tesla’s flair for the whimsical. The infotainment system is packed with features that serve no purpose other than to amuse.

Imagine your passengers’ delight (or dismay) as your Model 3 orchestrates a light show, or play in-car games using the actual steering wheel, which is entertaining but impractical as they wear on your tyres.

But that’s exactly what you love about a Tesla. Could you do this on any other car? Of course not.

The rear panoramic sunroof stretches endlessly above, offering a view that nearly compensates for the snug fit.

The boot is decently large at 594 litres and expandable with folding seats. You even get an 88-litre frunk for that extra bit of storage.

Still Has More Than Enough Power

Here’s the juicy bit – does the power deficit affect everyday usability? Well, I’m happy to report that the Tesla Model 3 110 not only feels decently quick, most consumers wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between it and its faster siblings, bar Performance variant of course.

Acceleration is punchy enough to overtake most things on the road with ease, but don’t get into this expecting to smoke someone off the line instantly. Think less roller coaster, and more serene boat ride. The regenerative braking system is still a gem, fine-tuning itself to your individual driving conditions.

On the open road, the Model 3 is a solid cruiser, poised and composed. Throw it into a curve, and it might wobble slightly, but not enough to dull the shine of the overall experience.

You don’t get as much customisation as its other siblings, but its stable yet playful demeanor out of the box means most users will be content getting around in it.

And you won’t be constantly fretting over battery levels either. The central display reliably keeps you informed of your range, and the onboard navigation thoughtfully suggests when and where to stop for a charge.

Speaking of charging, with Tesla Superchargers, replenishing your Model 3’s battery is about as hassle-free as you could hope for in the age of electric. Plug in, grab a coffee, and by the time you’re back, you’re good to go.

For those who love adaptive cruise control, the Model 3 also has a sophisticated suite of driving aids: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane following assistant, and pedestrian avoidance steering.

These features feel more like gentle nudges than full-on takeovers, enhancing safety rather than replacing the driver.

This Is The Variant You Are Waiting For

The Tesla Model 3 is simply different; who else would include a ‘Fart Mode’ in a car that can out-sprint most mainstream vehicles? It’s this blend of performance and playfulness that keeps Tesla’s place as a frontrunner in the EV space.

And with the launch of the Cat A variant, the Tesla Model 3 110 remains a great choice for those looking to dip their toes into the electric waters without getting their feet wet. So, while the Tesla Model 3 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its role in the evolution of electric vehicles is unquestionable.

It’s a car that dares to be different. How many of the others can claim to follow the same path?

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 (2024)

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 110kW (148bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 8.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Drive Range: 513 km
Energy Consumption: 7.6km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$93,172 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!