FIRST DRIVE: New Tesla Model 3 Performance - Over 500bhp For £59k!

Range has long been a Tesla forte. Ridiculous acceleration, too. But what about the sort of delectable handling that a BMW M3 serves up?
Tesla boss Elon Musk claimed the last Tesla Model 3 Performance was 15% quicker than the equivalent M3, and with better handling - but we’d take the BMW over it for one last lap of a racetrack.
Now there’s a new Model 3 Performance though, and Tesla contends it’s much more of a super-saloon than ever before. Over to Top Gear Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jack Rix, to find out how it stacks up…
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:37 Launch
01:24 Specs
02:43 Changes
05:03 Interior
06:11 Driving
11:23 Conclusion
MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:
Welcome to the official home of Top Gear on KZbin. Here you'll find all the best clips from your favourite episodes, whether that’s Ken Block drifting London in the Hoonicorn, Chris Harris in the latest Porsche 911 GT3 or classic Top Gear clips from Clarkson, Hammond and May. You'll also find the latest performance car reviews from the TopGear.com crew, our brand new series American Tuned with Rob Dahm and the fastest power laps from our in house performance benchmark: The Stig.
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[@TopGear]

Noticed the discrepancy between the price we state in the video and the title? Good spot. We were briefed on it being £55,990 on the media launch, but it's since been upped to £59,990…

[@TheBowerbird]

Here in the US it's $45K after the tax credit. A steal!

[@junehanzawa5165]

How much is a brand new BMW M3 over there?

[@stevenjones916]

@@TheBowerbird So the UK is being ripped off as usual. Especially as we get the Chinese made car which must cost less to make than the US made car.

[@jexzielrivera]

@@junehanzawa5165It’s around 80-90k but dealer markups are pushing it to 100k

[@ShadowHolder748]

@@junehanzawa5165It starts at £82,535 before any options.

[@mdcruz88]

You know Tesla is killing it when the only bad thing the reviewer can comment on is that the car lacks fake noise and gear shifts. LOL

[@OneWheelMan]

12:09 STRONG disagree....do NOT want fake engine noises and fake gear shifts....please no. Just like I don't want fake grills or fake exhaust pipes on an EV. Just no.

[@TheMadmax0609]

well said.

[@tv-ld3wv]

Strongly agree 👍 However the goal is achieving sustainable energy goal Fake engine noise would slow the movement to EVs Sport EVs have it's great different taste

[@canieto1]

I could not agree with you more! No fake shit

[@Ran10di1]

See Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review for a different perspective on fake gear shift and engine noises

[@JuentherGauch]

its ok that YOU don't want it, but the thing with an EV and the stuff being emulated is that you can turn it off. So not having it is worse than having it and just turning it off if you do not want it. Its not like its adding weight or much cost (in case of the sound at least, not sure of the gear shifts, but you get my point) Also, have you driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5N and tested the stuff? (I haven't) I agree with the fake grills and exhausts, that's just silly. But driver engagement stuff like sounds and shifts definitively have a place in (performance) EV's IMHO

[@elir.torres8642]

No: oil changes, radiator coolant leaks, power steering leaks, no fuel filter changes, no broken exhaust, no more gasing up, no more bad alternator, starter, MAF, sensors, bad timing belt-chain, no bad water pump, no noisy combustion engine, ...

[@louiecarrigan821]

'Broken exhaust' 😂 dude comes up with stuff you get after 13 years of owning a car, thats longer than the brand Tesla exists 😂

[@gregbaniak9650]

​@@louiecarrigan821you got him on that one....but the rest😂😂😂😂

[@tombrown6329]

@@louiecarrigan821 Tesla introduced Model S 20 years ago.

[@bamafam]

I have a Model Y Performance and love it for all these reasons. Wanted to say that first because one of the downside to EV’s is you can’t modify to get more power like an ICE. At least not that I’ve see or not cheaply.

[@louiecarrigan821]

@@gregbaniak9650 'Bad timing belt chain, starter...' i could go on, none of my cars had issues like that 🤣 the main thing is oil changes which you can do by yourself. But yeah...

[@kzil]

Thank you Tesla for not putting in fake sound, and fake gear shifts, but keeping it real.

[@neohimself]

exactly

[@Tommmmmmmmmmmm]

ikr, Top Gear need to stop allowing petrol loving dinosaurs to do EV reviews.

[@grant3226]

@@Tommmmmmmmmmmm exactly and when I say your name I get aroused... ;)

[@trrc9276]

Yes keep it real.... boring

[@jamsxr]

@@Tommmmmmmmmmmmpretty fair review

[@user-gi2jk8zg5q]

When the first ICE cars appeared, did journalists ask for horse sounds to be added to the cars?

[@lukeasha1]

😂

[@gdok6088]

Probably, maybe they wanted horse shit being deposited out of the exhaust too!

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

gasoline cars dont need it they make beautiful sound

[@Glock7eventeen]

Crazy thing is that my favorite part of EV’s is the fact that they’re silent. It’s so cool, especially the Audi EV’s that sound like spaceships with their electric humming

[@f0ca94]

🤣

[@T0NY66]

An M3 is over 1,800 kilos too

[@joeblack4026]

exactly :D

[@ciello___8307]

Yep, modern luxury cars are pretty heavy. This isnt too bad in comparison

[@TheMx5Channel]

Jeez... i knew they were heavier and heavier each gen, but can you really call a M3 a sports car if it's about 700 kg heavier than the E30 M3.

[@alphasaur]

This is one of the criticisms of EVs I just don't get. Yeah they're heavy compared to cars 15-20 years ago, but today's ICE cars are all the same weight. TLX type S- Heavier. M3- Same. S4/RS4 - Same.

[@TfGamess]

And $50K more too

[@Soundwave007]

This car has no competition in it’s price range. It’s the perfect car for people that want fast and comfortable. Perfect charging infrastracture with great prices, beautiful design and seats as well as performance that brings a smile to your face every day you drive it.

[@gnoxycat]

Imagine having to deal with a dealer to buy a BMW M3 for twice the amount and getting less of a car.

[@etnelav]

@@gnoxycat imagine seeing these braindead reviewers gaslight everyone for years on end...

[@jmoneyyy2116]

@@gnoxycatlol I just bought the new Tesla performance from my bad , didn’t speak to any sales member haha. Dealerships are dead. Couldn’t imagine talking to another salesman again

[@gdok6088]

@@jmoneyyy2116 Not having to talk to a car salesman ever again sounds like a big + !!

[@M340B58]

@@gnoxycat "less" of a car?

[@gotham61]

It's amazing how we've become so jaded about EV acceleration, that 0-60 in 2.9 seconds is only briefly mentioned in passing. For the record, this is faster to 60 than any Ferrari or Lamborghini made before 2010.

[@plop31]

for just £55k, less than the price of a set of Ferrari wheels. that's even a much better performance than the GTR R35 back in the day.

[@cbotten106]

@@plop31 I've priced out the carbon fiber wheels with titanium lugs & R rated tyres for well less than $55,000. You might want to try a new Ferrari dealer, sir.🤣

[@plop31]

@@cbotten106 the option package in car configurator is not the price of the parts alone... I found only website selling those brand new for more or less 55k

[@hassanger8128]

Nothing interesting here. Many EVs can do this now

[@plop31]

@@hassanger8128 not your chey volt nor your bmw i3 nor the i8 nor the renault zoé nor the nissan leaf.... only 5 EVs can do the same

[@josephlee4332]

45k in the USA right now making it the best priced performance car on the market

[@Stijn5]

Perfmance car... Lol. Plus Tesla is a the bottom of nearly every reliabilty survey.

[@Powers242]

​@@Stijn5calm down. There's no such thing as a reliable performance car. Tesla is no less reliable than anything BMW, Mercedes, or Audi produces.

[@jaredvegas]

@@Stijn5you’re lying😂 tesla ranked 1st place for lowest maintenance, repair costs over 6 years. Honda is 10th place. Literally two days ago

[@Stijn5]

@@Powers242 It isn't a performance car and Tesla is near the bottom of nearly every reliability survey. 🙂 www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=tesla+last+in+nearly+every+reliabilty+survey

[@paultrunfull3324]

@@Stijn5 maybe so shame it looks awful !

[@imacdvman]

Sorry but the weight is nearly the same as an actual BMW M3 Competition (1780Kg) vs. 1830Kg of the M3P🤔

[@KristijanVragovic88]

People often forget how heavy todays Ice cars actualy are

[@4literv6]

Yup car and driver claimed it weighed just 64# more than the last awd m3 they tested with full fluids n fuel. 👍🏻😎

[@maybelive765]

130kgs... that's 2 fat mommies. Big tires + 1000whp capable engine costs in weight.

[@KristijanVragovic88]

@@maybelive765 where are u getting 130?

[@axumitedessalegn3549]

TOPGEAR IS SILLY

[@kenhiett5266]

I don't know what this guy is on about. 0 to 60 anywhere in the 2 second range IS insane.

[@ProXcaliber]

I have the long range version of this, which does 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds, and I find that absolutely nuts. I can't even imagine what 2.9 seconds would feel like.

[@Samuraipumpkin]

@@ProXcaliber It's violent and hurts your insides. Done repeatedly it can make you queasy as a passenger.

[@Mabeylater293]

Big oil has a gas pump shoved up his rear end. He’s their puppet.

[@nckyhng]

I agree.

[@jezza6575]

Disappointed that there’s no fake gear shifts and no fake noises? You gotta be kidding right?😳

[@mistamaog]

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N showed it can be dumb and stupid but also really fun at the same time

[@maybelive765]

@@mistamaog wrong. It showed that little kids cant distinguish between generic car noises and engine sounds on the internet. Watch the sales of the 5N. its gonna be the biggest flop they ever had. how much of a discount do you think it will have to win over the elantra N buyers?

[@JuentherGauch]

@@maybelive765 why would it be the biggest flop? generally curious why you think that, I think it's a really great car with some genius design

[@ItsBondoBaby]

@@JuentherGauchbecause most people will not pay $70k for that car when they can get the M3P for $45k

[@jezza6575]

@@mistamaog dumb and stupid at the same time…✅

[@B4R0N.]

$45K point of sale price with the tax credit. That's a slam dunk.

[@ericship8383]

It isn’t gonna be 45k 😂

[@rceric1]

It’s not getting the tax credit either

[@brightmangroup1003]

@@rceric1 its getting it

[@flynntaggart7216]

​@@ericship8383it is check the page fud

[@HalfEZ]

Yikes ​@@rceric1

[@user-to2rf1rj5v]

10:41 the weight comment is silly. The Model 3 Performance now weighs only 44lb more than a BMW M3 Competition xDrive. Why didn't you guys look that up before repeating this tired mantra? That 44lb is nothing considering the weight balance vs the BMW, not to mention its extra power and torque.

[@plop31]

not to mention the BMW's much higher center of mass, which results in poor handling.....

[@RyansTechReviews29]

@@plop31plus a bmw m3 comp isn’t anywhere near 52k

[@elvis1745]

tbf, they used to mention the M3 and M4`s weight as a huge issue too. They even said that the M2 is now what the M3 used to be

[@hassanger8128]

​@@RyansTechReviews29 Who in their right mind would get a crappy cheap Tesla instead of BMW? Tesla is failing and falling for a reason

[@RyansTechReviews29]

@@hassanger8128 I don’t know if you could really talk about that when a model 3 performance with 510 horsepower and 710 nm of torque can be bought brand new for 45k after tax credit….. you’re not gonna be getting 510 horsepower on a brand new bmw for 45k maybe a old one

[@peteramey9303]

It’s an EV, it doesn’t need fake noise or gear shifts 😂😂

[@zoltrix7779]

Dunno why people think that, the Ionic 5n has huge praise, and hey, you can switch it off and it doesn't need to make noise outside.

[@plastiquemaraj8839]

Why not have an option so everyone is happy…

[@jaytaylor9230]

Lmao.. right.. like come on now.. it's a tesla.. not kia

[@Time7ord]

For safety it should make some sound! Especially accelerating that quick.

[@snowrocket]

EXACTLY! Its glory is that it's "the new quiet fast". One advantage is that your neighbors and the police won't know you're accelerating fast unless they actually watch you do it. At 6 AM you can pull out of the driveway and WHOOSH, pull away fast and the neighbors can still sleep. Also, the cop won't hear you coming from a block away.

[@CristiCroicu]

It is funny how journalists are saying that a model 3 performance with 1850 kg is heavy, but a bmw m3 competition with 1820 kg is light Very funny 😂 I am really curious if bmw m3 competition can beat it on a track

[@DouEditz]

Lol you are going to VERY sad

[@TheBowerbird]

@@DouEditz The first gen Model 3 Performance beat a Ferrari 458 Italia around Button Willow race track - both were driven by pro driver Randy Pobst.

[@DouEditz]

@@TheBowerbird haha Whats the Nürburgring Lap time of the Model 3 Performance? The 458 Italia lapped it in 7:29… and its over 12 years old. You can save that shit for someone as gullible as you are who doesn’t know the difference between Button Willow and the Nürburgring let alone All Wheel Drive & RWD, how damp conditions affect lap times. Aka Marketing. There is no comparison between a 458 Italia ( not even the Speciale which is much faster) and a barebones plebeian, loose, electric sedan. With a trick or two up its sleeve. There is no race.

[@knroo-j1487]

In my experience, when cars are this close in performance (including the previous gens), it comes down to driver.

[@mark-ge8dr]

@@knroo-j1487the BMW M3 seems quite a lot slower at least on the 0-62mph, nearly a second (0.8 secs)

[@EndlessBreathDidges]

“Is it an M3 killer?” We don’t know yet, nobody has put them head to head. they both weigh about the same and for $50,000 less, I am pulling for the Tesla.

[@NextGenEvs]

Simulated gear shifts and fake noises? Hell no dude. It’s better the way it is

[@wreckinball11]

Driving off the track is the cars fault. Mind if I tell my insurance that?

[@JordanRiz]

I believe it was actually before They got Track Mode - So it had daily driver traction control on. I have indeed taken my M3P on track with and without track mode. Track Mode is needed or the car does weird stuff to try and keep you safe ;)

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

In all fairness this is the same dude who managed to correct a slide in a Chiron on the Nordschleife in the wet so he does know how to drive ok.

[@RolandGustafsson]

Randy Pobst should have been the driver! 😛 Also, sounds like they drove the previous M3P on track pre-track mode. I have a 2020 M3P and pretty sure they fixed at least a couple of things, I love it.

[@Mamba310]

Saw this in person yesterday. This is truly a BMW M3 killer

[@cbenson513]

Some nice changes. This may be closer to a standard BMW M3 on a circuit than you'd think. But, you wanted gimmicks? lame

[@ffuck_u]

bmw 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rickagfoster]

@@ffuck_u ya, BMW M3 0-60s: 3.9s (std) 3.4s (ladymatic). Not a good showing. And even the previous Tesla M3P bested the M3 on this reviewer's own track. I see he learned his lesson and left it at home this time.

[@user-sc7lz1iu4z]

@@rickagfoster You call it lady matic but are comparing to a tesla? makes no sense

[@InSaN3ViSioN]

it will destroy a GT3RS let alone a measly bmw

[@rickagfoster]

@@user-sc7lz1iu4z that’s what I called them when I drove manual. Just speaking his language so he can relate.

[@ilmostro16]

“Simulated gear shifts” or fake engine soundtracks? Seriously? I really hope that was a joke at the end, for the sake of Top Gear’s reputation.

[@carybauer9005]

Wild to hate on a tesla (the brand that sparked the EV movement) for not having "fake gear shifts like the Hyundai"

[@MurrayC]

Pretty much the same weight as an M3, all cars are heavy now

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

no, actually 1800 is very light for today. an in ev where the weight is perfectly balanced and at the very bottom you don't feel it. also regen basically removes weight issues. less weight is still better but it's nowhere as bad as in ice vehicles.

[@mateokovac2642]

@@JohnSmith-pn2vl You must own a lot of Teslastock. Anyway, performance cars that arent hybrids are all around 1700+-kg, and thats heavy in general, not 'very good'. 'Very good' is a Golf R with around 1500kgs.

[@plastiquemaraj8839]

@@mateokovac2642the golf r is a smaller car tho, u can’t really compare them. I agree that ev are extremely heavy and it’s embarrassing but the model 3’s weight is pretty good compared to the rivals: an m3 weights 1.8 toons, c63 2.2 toons, rs5 1.7 toons.

[@mateokovac2642]

@@plastiquemaraj8839 i know bro, cars in general are too heavy nowadays, thats why they arent much fun

[@Ignacio.Romero]

​​@@mateokovac2642 How can you say 1800kg is heavy and then classify a small hatchback like the Golf R weighing close to 1.6 tons as "very good". Some consistency is appreciated

[@barttemolder3405]

How can anyone be confused by the badge? The plaid badge has concentric squares that make it look like plaid fabric. Hence the name. Who would have thought? This is ludicrous...

[@albertob6076]

“It’s quick” but when Bugatti Ferrari or lambo do the same 0-60 is a hypercar! Doesn’t do it justice. It’s not quick. It’s a hypercar accelerating family saloon. 💪

[@andrasbiro3007]

It's quick compared to ICE hypercars, but in the EV world it's just quick. The Model S Plaid has twice the power for not much more weight, and it's still just a family sedan. The new class of electric hypercars have 2000+ hp. I'm not sure what that's good for, because 1000 is already accelerating you to 120mph at traction limit.

[@FirstLast-pk2of]

A hypercar isn’t determined by a 0-60 time it’s about the price, exclusivity, top speed, bhp, acceleration. A range of things

[@larryc1616]

4680 Roadster = GAME OVER ⚡️🇺🇲

[@bob-qi4nr]

@@larryc1616 It will be here in 20never

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

0-60 isn't a measure of overall performance. Like most EVs, they soon come unstuck at higher speeds and anything that isn't in a straight line. One trick ponies.

[@Jdsmitty10]

Imagine spending $42k on a Prius prime when this exists..

[@maxflight777]

Fake gear changes ? no thanks … what an utter idiotic thing to say!

[@ilmostro16]

I can’t believe a pro car journalist would say something so obscene

[@NRF787]

Checkout their thoughts on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for a different perspective.

[@mikko3d]

I can't believe he said that.

[@aceofspades6667]

He would likely enjoy a nisssn cvt rubber band

[@TheCarLovingSwede]

I don't see the reason why it's a bad thing to have fake sounds and gear changes? If you don't like it, it's possible to not use it...

[@justinschultz4325]

Lack of gears and lack of noise is not a drawback to performance EV's. EV'S make their own unique sound. Direct drive is superior to gears. Weight? All sport sedans are heavy.

[@Berenvacht]

400 kg lighter than Ioniq 5 N, just saying

[@balintfarkas1041]

Stop saying EVs heavy yes the bad EVs heavy. BMW M3 heavier than the Model 3

[@maybelive765]

..... but you get way more power and versatility. model 3 is a utility pod

[@nielsvandenkieboom5034]

@@maybelive765BMW M3 is also €130k starting price while the Tesla is €56k (full option)

[@claudep.255]

@@nielsvandenkieboom5034 you cannot convince haters.

[@maybelive765]

@@nielsvandenkieboom5034 depends where you live. Not where I live. M2 CS money almost

[@plastiquemaraj8839]

@@maybelive765 they literally have the same power… not even a Tesla fan but why lie💀

[@ivaluska]

Did I hear you say you're okay with fake engine sounds in some EV's? Seriously?

[@gaurav170889]

Folks ignore the fact that the M3P is also a perfect daily driver - super efficient and well-mannered on your commute to work and back; a beast of a performer when you want it to be. Unlike the gas guzzling bmw m3 and the likes, that only make sense for most as a second car. So might as well compare M3P price to that of 2 gas cars. And, wth, who wants fake gear shifts and gas engine noises? The R&D dollars that Hyundai spent making this happen for the Ioniq N would be better spent figuring out EV production at some sort of scale.

[@Gochsener]

it's a great value. Around the same price than: RS3, ID5.GTX, M240i, ... and this is Tech, Range, Interior and Power at least one class above!

[@hardywoodaway9912]

lol the id5 is like a standard model 3

[@AussieDaz87]

No way a Tesla interior is better than Audi or BMW

[@Gochsener]

@@AussieDaz87 look at an A3 or ID vs this mate!! Even sound proofing, feel, Materials, everything!! In which time do you live? Greetings for a german fan of german cars .

[@mortenkrogh8599]

​@AussieDaz87 not worse either. Just because the first Teslas were awful inside doesn't mean they haven't improved a lot. The German cars actually still got a lot of plastic interior.

[@revaddict]

​@@mortenkrogh8599Man my friend leased this year's Merc GLC and I kid you not that was the crappiest interior I had been in, scratchy plastics, hard seats, hard leather on the steering and awful ride.. Hell my 2015 Acura MDX felt 10 times better in these aspects.. The modern cheaper Germans only look fancy but are crap when it comes to materials..

[@ludicrousmodel3173]

I can't wait for a drag race between the old and new model 3 performance. The old model 3 performance was already insane, I can't imagine what the new one must be like.

[@kevinroyish]

the new one will technically if the performance figures are as on the Tesla website be slower

[@adiosadios7363]

Even the M4 forums are seeing the light. You can try to deny it, but it's happening.

[@cbrbird]

It's getting to something when the biggest missing pieces are the fake sounds and gearshifts! Please, only the necessities...

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

it is a fake car so only fitting

[@oldrrocr]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars it's a sleeper... like your 64 F-100

[@user-lf7zz8ef3i]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars A lot of them fake cars pass your slow-as-sh!t beater like it was standing still.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@user-lf7zz8ef3i Have never seen that honestly gasoline cars are the fastest in the world have you heard of bugatti chiron 8 liter W16 not hairdrier motors.

[@ken830]

Fake gear shifts? Fake sounds? Get outta here... That's just stupid.

[@urbanstrencan]

Love that they actually done some proper Performance engineering, improve handling, ride and the seats look great :)

[@maybelive765]

they just finally put in some adaptive dampers and better front hubs. That's not really that different.

[@hassanger8128]

They finally catch up with the Corolla SE.

[@kwiky5643]

@@hassanger8128we got it, you got scammed by buying a BMW and so you’re salty and making 49 comments about Tesla

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

it doesnt have any handling its an electric suv junk made out of plastic to save weight

[@michalkalavsky]

TopGear you show beautiful images, nice weather, but why the hell did you mess up that model 3 with mud and then you are going around car showing exterior. Its not SUV, or pickup truck. I would like to hear response from germans, BMW or Mercedes if you did the same to their cars during review….

[@wadeyorke8144]

No mention of the important fact that you can subscribe to FSD for $99.00 per month in North America for the those long highway trips, or when you want to chill out and let the car handle the driving.

[@TheTReed78]

Jesus does anyone remember when TG used to be good? “Spat me out on the track”?? 😂 maybe you just can’t drive

[@themafterchief]

What you need to enhance driver engagement is control over the vehicle and feedback from it. Go-karts are the most perfect example. Whether they're gas or electric, it's the control we have over the kart's handling and the feedback we receive from it that stimulates and keeps the driver engaged. Faking stuff (reproducing things that are not actually happening) is the worst way to do it. You can simulate feedback (with force feedback for example), but it needs to be ACCURATE to what actually happening.

[@Jackolivierbo]

If you went off like that in the previous Model 3 Performance it might be due to … skills. That car was already amazingly stable and fast on twisty roads. 😅

[@SeanPensive]

Depends how far you push it. Roads are different to the track

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

it's an uber cab lol get real sports car like corvette

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

Spat me off the track? Clearly in need of a new occupation then. Cars don't drive people. People drive cars.

[@f0ca94]

I thought his comment was so odd

[@user-lf7zz8ef3i]

@@f0ca94 A bad carpenter blames his tools🤭

[@f0ca94]

@@user-lf7zz8ef3i absolutely 🥲

[@carycary3822]

Pass on fake noises and gear shifts. Enjoy the drive.

[@ObiePaddles]

So it’s about 45kg heavier than a BMW M3, and the BMW needs to add think gas like fuel. But it’s too heavy? Poor journalism

[@BojanBojovic]

Only 1800kg? This is light. Compared to modern BMW tanks, this is ok.

[@gregp.7148]

Interesting how everyone forgets (or at least forgets to talk about) that to get this kind of insane acceleration (or anywhere close to it) out of an ICE car that those spew also insane amounts of pollutants into the air. Or really when anytime any ICE car tries to accelerate (that’s when its fuel consumption is the worst for those few seconds). With EVs we don’t get any of that. Zero exhaust fumes. Plus zero care for increasing gas prices.

[@roxter299roxter7]

Fake sounds are for fake people. Why don’t they put it up against the M3. Which weighs almost the same.

[@srirammanian536]

This is basically the same weight as an M3 Competition (100 lbs more) yet when you read or watch car media about cars like the M3 they blather on about lightweight materials. Facts don't lie. EVs will soon weigh less than typical ICE cars as energy density goes up. The gig is up

[@kwiky5643]

People don’t really have the choice anyway… EVs are the future

[@larryc1616]

+structural battery pack architecture

[@cgprelude]

Did he really just say it should have a "fake gear shift and simulated sound track" like the hyundai?? Please dont put that in the roaster...

[@cokyrobes]

Easily best buy of any car in the performance segment right now. £60k for all that vs £80+ for anything close to it from others

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

if you know nothing about cars yes

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars seems math isn't your strong point.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@user-jt4fy4od9r I know that fill up takes 2 minutes and charging takes all night who's math is bad here?

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars just as well I am sleeping when the car is charging. it saves me the two minutes you would be wasting fueling up. You forgot to add the transit time to and from the fuel station, you know the one you go to when there is no other car on the road and you are the only one there.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@user-jt4fy4od9r just don't forget cause you're gonna ride bus to work lol

[@KramnikDaniel]

"It spat me off the track"? You drove it off the track!

[@earthlingmarto7277]

So you telling me, you would prefer a slower and more expensive BMW because it makes sound and shifts gears 😂

[@mocheen4837]

I have the Model 3 Performance with Mountain Pass coliovers and zero g wheels as a daily driver. My wife has a new Model Y Performance. I have a BMW M3 manual with Dinan suspension, exhaust and tune for the weekends. I also have a lifted 4Runner for off roading. Trying to decide if it is worth upgrading to the new Model 3 Performance or picking up a 911 S.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

no because its a real car that u can drive every day across country which tesla isnt

[@ophatjb]

In my country it's even better value compared to an M3. M3 starts at 143k€ here.

[@kevroll99]

Tesla did what they do best, offering an amazing vehicle at a great price and value in s simple but elegant package. I recently drove the base Model 3 and it was amazing, I can't imagine how much better the performance model is!

[@shoelessjoe428]

Looks crazy impressive, but I'd easily settle for the cheapest £40k Model 3 with a range of 318 miles, a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds. And quite a bit cheaper than that after fuel and tax savings.

[@tombrown6329]

Agree with that. The single-motor Model 3 was the first one I tried and I really liked it. You get a few extras in the LR like a better stereo, a higher capacity lithium battery (that you should only charge to 80%, so the range, really, works out about the same. The single-motor's battery is supposed to work better in cold weather. The front motor, of course, is quite nice at times, but they're both stellar cars to drive normally. LR has a little more kick.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

i wonder how long can u drive top speed 2 minutes before battery dies?

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars You can work it out for yourself. all you need is the drag coefficient and state what speeds you are comparing. For example, the average drag (Aerodynamic drag on a car increases with the square of its speed) difference from 70 mph to 125 mph is 3.19. The range can be assessed by dividing the stated range at 70 mph by 3.19. You then need to assess you speed relative to time and this will give you the answer you seek.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@user-jt4fy4od9r some people have life you know but do hypermiling behind semi truck all your holiday trip maybe your wife won't leave you for being worlds most boring loser.

[@yvindmoen8258]

Who the hell want fake sounds and fake gearshifts really? Give Tesla some props for not adding weight to it instead. 350!!! kg less than the BMW I4 M50 is what really matters. It actually weighs only about 70 kg more than a BMW M3.

[@allwheeldrive]

Fake and simulated as positive features?! Not what I would be looking for in ANY car. It should drive like it was built to drive. Not like you'd like to remember your old rig drove like. Onward! Progress! We still have - and will for a VERY long time - choices.

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

I had a drive in a BMW i8 and it sounded incredible - until the driver turned the injected engine noise off and all you could hear was the screeching little 1.5 litre engine.

[@Bb-br3xg]

just placed an order this, looks amazing and superb value… disagree on wanting fake gears and noises, it shouldn’t try be something it’s not. If you haven’t, test drive a model 3, it’s leaps and bounds better then the 2023 model imo

[@b8sy86]

@topgear I’m a bit disappointed in this review, too many errors and biased comments trying to play down how good this car is. You’ve compared everything to the original pre facelift performance. I have the facelift and they made a couple of nice updates. Granted it’s still nothing compared to the new one but performance breaks became standard, remapped motor brought the acceleration down another .1 sec. And the comment about weight as proven by other comments was just silly given the weight of ICE cars today. No it’s not an M3 through the corners still or a gt3 but having been in both, I guarantee this new performance is a more comfortable daily and ultimately Tesla know this is a road car.

[@st-ex8506]

Of course it is a BMW M3 killer! I have never owned a M3... but I have owned an Alpina B3... just as good or even better?! And the Tesla M3P, 2024 version, gives you better performance, for half the price!

[@etnelav]

really rushed review here couldn't even clean the car? seems to kill the m3 pretty clearly if its 50k cheaper

[@Sooooperpigdog]

so you carp on about the weight of EVs, yet dont mention a current BMW M3 is just under 2 tons.... hmm..

[@barangoran4179]

An M3 will still handle better anyway.

[@lukabosnjak3829]

@@barangoran4179 You know that because...?

[@barangoran4179]

@@lukabosnjak3829 Because this car has to be faster by over 20 seconds than the predecessor at the ring to catch up to a stock M3 estate.

[@lukabosnjak3829]

@@barangoran4179 Quite a bit off numbers on your end... It needs to be 16s faster on the Ring to beat the Bmw M3 CS which is north of 140k, Considering the leap in time that Tesla achieved with Plaid compared to previous Model S, imo this is achievable for the Model 3 now

[@Sooooperpigdog]

@@barangoran4179 missed the point somewhat #sigh

[@ChessFlix]

TopGear as a brand has lost serious points with this one. You guys are straight up fools for thinking synthetic shift shock is a good thing. Just sad.

[@corbett666]

Amazing they made it the same weight as a BMW M3! Amazing car! It shall be mine!

[@mattyoz0]

Enjoy the huge loss when you sell it.

[@corbett666]

@@mattyoz0you don’t tend to profit from selling new cars years later no…

[@Driver_88]

100kgs more

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

And a current M3 or c63 weighs, what? 1800+ Kg perhaps?

[@OlavAlexanderMjelde]

It seems the EU spec 3P refresh weighs 5 kg less than the AWD M3 variant, so it is a bit strange to say "you cant escape that mass". Especially when your written reviews title summarizes if it is an M3 replacement. The Model 3P has a "almost perfect" weight balance and a very low centre of gravity. Of course you can enjoy other aspects of the BMW M3, but it is a bit strange that the weight then is kindof the "nail in the coffin"; when the new petrol cars are heavier and have a worse centre of gravity?

[@Pete-rf6zz]

How much do performance combustion engined cars weigh these days, most over 1800 kgs, has everyone forgotten that cars have got heavier due to safety

[@ericn3221]

If memory serves me correctly your off track excursion at Thunderhill was because you were trying to drift it and there were multiple attempts at the same corner so not sure you can blame the car.

[@ch4.hayabusa]

5:00 Pub ammo... I like the term... thank you. Will be using it every chance I get.

[@legacytesla]

It 1000% is a BMW killer. No noise to play with? lol, simulated sound? are you a child? After driving without noise, I much prefer an amazing stereo to losing power with sound and heat.

[@mattyoz0]

On track? 😂

[@legacytesla]

@@mattyoz0 Which track? how long? Yea, many tracks it will wax the M3 stock vs. stock. But with brakes many many more.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

yea its not bmw killer you are losing power to heat as well baterries heat so do electric motors you know nothing about engineering

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

You're talking crap. A new M3 would destroy this mil float. 0-60 is not a measure of overall performance. Notwithstanding the Tesla toilet interior and looks. LOL. People who buy them don't like driving. Fact.

[@legacytesla]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 one of us in this conversation tracks Tesla’s on the regular and smokes M3s in the canyons. Ain’t nobody talking about 0-60 I was just turning laps at LVMS road course and waxing ICE vehicles

[@JoaoPauloFerreiraBelo]

I do not understand why motor journalists keep asking for fake engine sounds and fake gear shifts. And keep pointing the absence of those as negatives. Electric cars need none of those. I couldn't care less about the, synthesized or not, sound of a v8 or v12.

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

I guess it is because they live in a fantasy world where they smoke the tyres, thrash the car, burn out the clutch then hand the keys back to the sales rep and pick up something new tomorrow. This is a rubbish review of the perfect car. One that puts their jollies in the Bahamas off the menu.

[@MichaelWilliams-iv6dj]

No fake sounds is about the biggest problem any of the reviews have come up with so far. Fake sounds are as dumb as dual exhaust pipes on a family sedan.

[@bananaguysteve9999]

I miss old top gear Edit: mum I’m famous

[@jamiesousa2149]

Who doesn't everbody miss the old top gear

[@outsidethepyramid]

@bananaguysteve9999 u are just looking for likes with your early tired comment

[@CycoWarriorx]

Yup…miss the OG TG… the hosts and the Stig…

[@SimplestUsername]

_"I miss old top gear"_ I bet the new host say this when they watch their own videos.

[@denisskachko]

Everyone miss old top gear

[@MrCristopher99]

12:10 oh god a big NO to fake noises and gear shifts, it slows you down, unnecessary. I dont want horse noises and fart smell in my EV.

[@dsmluck]

The lack of sound just lets you hear the pretentious M3 driver losing his shit when you blow the doors off him.

[@jt663]

How is 0-60 in 2.9 not 'insane' ?

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

The BMW i4M only manages 0-60 in a truly pedestrian 3.8 seconds. Tedious waiting so long in the Beemer.

[@daniloreyes2]

Hear me out, in the near future, they will do a ludicrous upgrade for $2k, and then it will be mid 2's

[@now-you-know-it]

Only 30kg heavier than BM. If you want all the crap included by a BM. Noisy engine and exhaust. Spitting cancer gases and fumes. Gears WHAT?, this is not 2030!!!!!!

[@DanielE-oq1dt]

You can buy two of these for the price of one BMW M3.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

yea but that's just the initial price, this costs less than a prius to run and maintain. a bmw on the other hand....

[@scubapc]

At almost 1/2 the price, if the only "missing" features on the Tesla are fake noise and fake gearshift, it is a no-brainer.

[@JonNewell]

1800Kg - My Hyundai i30 Fastback N is 1485, so for an EV, that’s pretty good.

[@icy1007]

Much better than a BMW M3.

[@MilushevGeorgi]

Strong regen braking is great in track, the brake is applied quicker, as soon as one lifts

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

nope, no brake is used when lifting the pedal, only the motors generate energy

[@MilushevGeorgi]

@@JohnSmith-pn2vl when strong regenative braking is enabled in track mode, this helps the car brake into the corner quicker, cuts the time from gas lift and brake press

[@chickenhawk212]

Topgear wants fake gearshifts and simulated engine sounds, these guys haven’t figured it out yet

[@bobbykhan5787]

Can we stop calling out all EV’s for weight as a blanket statement and not mention current combustion car weights? The Model 3 LR and Performance both weigh the similar to its combustion competitors in 2024 at around 4050 lbs.

[@Teddy_M85]

The only fake sounds I want is the goat 🐐 lock sound and maybe a random emission test sound. 😉

[@rickagfoster]

If anyone needed any proof Top Gear is in bed with legacy auto, this review is it. “Is this an M3 killer? No” uhhhh really? 0-60mph: BMW M3 standard: 3.9s, auto 3.4s. It murders the BMW M3! I noticed he didn’t make the same mistake as last time and left the BMW at home. Smart move. How much was he paid by BMW?

[@oskar6661]

To be fair, you're basically comparing acceleration...and nothing else. In every other meaningful measurement of a car, the M3 is superior. It's the same old EV schtick - trying to hide all of the shortcomings with "Yeah, but the 0-60...". It's been the same thing in every video for the past 5-10 years.

[@rickagfoster]

@@oskar6661 You obviously didn't see his previous review when the M3P beat the BMW in both circuit and drag race. He had to make up a category of "driftability" so the BMW could even earn a point! Ya that's how we all drive on roads right? It's not AT ALL a 0-60 one trick pony. Even Autotrader's review identified this, and they're quite muted on EVs too. Reflect on how you learned that, where you heard it from... I can gaurantee you oil and gas money made that happen. But now you know. You're welcome. Yes, Tesla's can corner too. My own Tesla Model S does 1.08g on skidpad, better than a BMW M5 and Audi RS6 (which I used to own). 🎤🤚

[@mateokovac2642]

The Bimmer actually does 2.9 0-60, and a 10.9 on the quartermile, stock. You're probably comparing the older Rwd F80 to the newer Model 3, which is dumb to begin with. Not to forget that a simple tune on the G80 puts in in 911 Turbo category already. But keep the tinfoil stuff going lol

[@rickagfoster]

@@mateokovac2642 only the CS does 2.9s 0-60, 11s quarter. And do you even know what it takes to get that number? Boy you’ll look like a real hero standing on the gas in launch mode revving at 5000rpm at the stop light 😂. And do that too often you’ll be visiting your “best friend” at the “Big Money Works” service desk. And you want to add the cost of mods on top? Wow… With voided warranties, even greater loss of reliability. I wouldn’t go there. Truth: competing G80 M3: 0-60 3.9s (std) 3.4s (auto). Inconvenient truths for desperate BMW fanboys.

[@mateokovac2642]

@@rickagfoster Lol as usual, clueless Teslafan can only read the numbers 🤣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYOZoJl5qaZ0ncUsi=qWyEeQA81qOtQmz6 Bmw is different to Tesla, they always underpromise and overdeliver, just like Porsche. You obviously just googled the conservative official numbers and stated them here. If Porsche states 2.7 seconds to 60, the car does 2.5 99% of the time. If Tesla quotes 2.9 seconds, it'll do 3.2 secs most of the time. Has to be fully charged as well 🤣 also funny how you Teslafans only care about going fast but when the Bimmerowner does a couole simple mods to make his car WAY faster, its a waste of money suddenly. Tons of copium from your side.

[@nickarnold2456]

Power up from 444bhp to 503bhp... the V5 for my 2021M3P states 377kWh which is 504bhp. This new one is quite a bit quicker so I guess the power is actually a lot more than 503bhp & it'll be interesting to see what's on the latest V5s.

[@user-jt4fy4od9r]

Yes, my V5 says Model Y LR is 378kw = 507hp. Which does not sound correct for this new Model 3. I think perhaps it may be all in the delivery...

[@vlabmw9189]

in the netherlands the performance is 460hp, and the longrange is 490hp. Weird right.

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

Of course it’s an M3 killer! It’s cheaper, it’s more affordable to run, it’s more practical, but much more importantly, it’ll outperform a M3.

[@2011810]

Can we see this vs an M3 around a track?

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Fun fact this Model 3 performance weighs about 4050lbs which is 500lbs LESS than the new C63 AMG.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

fun fact mercedes is a real car not electric toy

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars “real car”? 🤣haha it’s slower, heavier, and sounds like my Dyson vacuum cleaner. I’d rather have no sound than a sh*t box like that. Also explain me why it weighs as much as my F150 SuperCrew (4650lbs)?

[@shou635]

Yes… it is better than the M3. Jason Cammisa was at least willing to admit it.

[@revaddict]

I was kinda disappointed when Tesla launched the updated Model 3, it looked good and drove better but didn't have wow factor.. This fixes it..

[@4WDisLife]

does UK use a different Miles unit than US? It feels like that since M3LR is around 341miles range according to tesla website

[@Einfach_Ghetto_TV]

Metric > imperial

[@motorstockholm]

No, but the range measurement methods are different. EPA vs WLTP.

[@mikescheme]

Lol, you lost all credibility with the "it needs simulated gear shifts and engine sounds" bit.

[@c3vzn]

Bet you haven’t even tried a car with it. Reviewers who have driven the Ioniq 5 N say it’s really good.

[@brightmangroup1003]

nice review totally ruined by the comment at the end about it lacking the party tricks like simulated engine noise

[@WackBe]

I don't get the Limitations that come with all Performance EVs. 1. No Gears to play with - Is this a Limitation ? No, it's a feature 2. It makes no noise - Great, another Feature. How stupid is fake noise ... 3. Weight - It has exactly the same weight as a BMW M3... ?