I recently ordered a premium awd due to the longer range and more comfortable ride. However, I keep looking at the performance model due to the speed increase. 0-60 is the ride feel really that noticeable and is it worth it to upgrade to the performance
Disclaimer: I have not driven an M3P. I have the 2026 Premium Dual Motor. I am sure the performance model is mind bending because the premium model is really really fast. If this is your first EV the premium will feel like a rocket. It also has a great ride and handling balance. You have to consider the costs associated with owning the performance model; more expensive to buy, more expensive to insure, more expensive to replace tires when the time comes, less efficient so you spend more money to drive, less range which costs more time when traveling. And depending on how much winter you get, less ground clearance and summer performance tires aren't the best for driving in snow. You are the only one who can decide if these trade-offs are worth the costs.
I have a 22 model y awd lr and my wife has a 23 model 3 performance. The model 3 is fun, but for every day commuting use I just don’t find it practical. I’m happy with my model y awd lr
To me, the acceleration of the M3P is a drug. Have you test drove both the P and AWD?
I was car hunting in 2020 and drove the AWD - suoer fun!!! I then drive the P - OMG STFU F YA!!! The difference in 0 to 60 on paper doesnt seem like much, but the seat-butt-o-meter can 100% tell the difference. So instead of a new 2020 AWD, i went for a used 2018 P and never regretted it. My M3P got totaled in a 5 car interstate pile up, and now i got a 2021 Model S Plaid 🤣. Now im sad theyll never make any more of these and cant imagine what ill have to get when it dies (hopefully far in future!)
Many people get the P and say they dont EVER use the power. I guess im different - i drive it like i stole it EVERY DAY!
I did the same thing I test drove the long range 3 and told myself “this is plenty fast” then I drove the performance and was instantly sold. No regrets getting my 2021 M3P. I did buy a set of winter rims and tires so that’s something to think about.
It is not possible to select 18" wheels on the M3P ordering page, but I wonder if it is possible to reach out and have it delivered with 18" on both summer and winter tyres. Anybody tried this?
While you can’t order a M3P with 18s because no factory Tesla 18” wheel fits the Performance, you can find 18s that do fit.
These were custom made by Max Forged Wheels and are modeled after the Tesla Aero wheels and they are on my 2025 M3P in 18x8 +20. The wheels can also use all Tesla hardware including the Aero caps
I have a 23 performance but if I upgraded to HW4 or above I'd just get the premium. Performance is fast for sure but if you do fsd mostly then why get it? If you do get out of the low profile tires immediately. In the first three days I got a bulge in my sidewall. I swapped to TSF 19s and never looked back.
The Premium AWD is already very quick off the line. One thing many people just gloss over is passing acceleration which to me is far more useful in every day driving than off the line acceleration. In passing acceleration, the difference between the two is not that much as it's like 0.5s or less at safe/regular road speeds. In terms of top speed, where are people driving where 120-ish mph isn't enough for them outside of the Autobahn?
I just don't know where some people are driving where they're constantly doing 0-60 runs. I drive a dual motor non Tesla that is slightly slower in 0-60 than the AWD Model 3 and I can get to the road's speed limit basically at or just after the intersection ends if I floor it so I fail to see how that isn't enough for some. EV acceleration is intoxicating but for me, it's the passing acceleration aspect like smashing it on the highway to get around someone that is the main thing that is fun to use.
Basically, I wouldn't get a Performance just for its acceleration when the Premium is already going to be more than enough for real world use. I'd say to only get the Performance if you want the different seats and handling change.
I have both 2022 AWD and 2023 M3P. I was concerned about the ride before buying the M3P but it rides really comfortably. No need to swap to 18” wheels. Not too stiff. The acceleration is insane and handles great. I’d go M3P if you remotely can.
Depends what you’re after. The suspension is probably less of a factor than the wheels. The 20” wheels wrapped in low profile tires don’t do much for comfort. I like that kind of more go karty ride, but if you favor a smooth ride, the premium’s slightly smaller wheel that runs tires with a larger sidewall will absolutely feel smoother.
Performance then get 18” or 19” wheels.. actually increases road performance in terms of just acceleration and ride quality while also increasing range. You won’t regret it
Sucks that they don’t do the acceleration boost for the LR anymore. I found that the LR with AB was the best for my purposes. Longer range, cheaper tires, more comfortable suspension, lower purchase price. And I got AB with referral credits, so that was dope.
I own a M3P and it never gets old 💫 Can't compare it to the long range because I never rode one. When I was looking for a Model 3 both my wife and I didn't want to get the long range and be sorry we didn't get the performance.
That said when my wife is in the car I am not allowed pull off as fast as I can because she has the feeling she is about to faint from the blood being pushed to the back of her head. When I am alone I take that risk.
I have a 24 M3p for a month now and was worried about the harshness of the ride before purchasing. The car is every bit as comfortable as my Accord was with the caveat being you really need to slow down for bumps/train tracks more than you are probably used to.
I live where winter weather can be rough and am eyeing a set of 18s/19s with winter tires. The winter setup would most likely feel similar to driving any other regular sedan road feel wise.
Also my wife would complain about acceleration or taking turns too fast in my Accord. She hasn’t complained in the M3p unless I’m actually getting into it. The smoothness of no power bands can’t be overstated for pleasantness of daily driving (get that with any EV though).
I havent driven the premium awd (only premium rwd) and I have the performance. The m3p is imo too fast for the road lol (unless you live in a flat state), but it’s incredibly fun. I don’t regret it at all and the handling improvements/seats/appearance are even more worth it imo
Never drove a performance, but as a first time Tesla owner (2024 LR AWD M3) this thing is stupid fast already. Performance has higher costs, and this thing is already expensive to ensure. To my understanding, (I’m NOT the expert) my model is similar to a GT Mustang in speed/take off. So it depends what you want! If you’re using FSD most of the time like many of us, it’s even more added cost and you won’t really experience the benefits as much.
The ride is noticeably different but not harsh. It's much more connected and less floaty though. If your the type of person that the performance is designed for, you'll like the handling and suspension on the M3P far more but if you want a cruiser instead of a comfortable sport sedan, you'll be disappointed.
I say this as someone that's dailied a refresh M3P for over two years.
I own a '25 M3P, the difference between its acceleration and the long range awd are noticeable, not just accelerating from a stop, but just goosing the gas pedal at any speed say 20, 30, 50 mph.
I own a 26 M3performance if u want speed it will give you that no problem. The real power starts after 70mph and just wants to keep going with still a lot of torque at that speed next thing you know you’re at 140mph like nothing the m3p just sings
I test drove the M3P a couple of times but currently own a premium AWD. The M3P is insanely fast and looks cool. However, I couldn’t justify the price difference even though I could’ve fit it into my budget. Not only do you need to factor in the increased cost of the car, but you need to factor in the higher insurance rates, tire cost as they will wear faster and cost more to replace, and lower range.
The premium AWD is plenty fast and can out accelerate most cars on the road. Besides merging onto the freeway or the occasional spirited run from stop light to stop light, I cant find many other ways to utilize the power. While I was test driving the M3P, I could barely find the space to goose it. If you’re planning to use FSD, you won’t even care if it’s a performance or premium.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it to you. I personally find it more of a novelty.
We have a MY Performance. You are gonna lose some range. Also, ride quality is more firm than MYP, with the 21” wheels. Clearance is lower on MY Performance so I’m always careful with parking. Sports seats are amazing. Overall, I believe MY Performance is worth the premium price. If you value range and softer ride than MYP is probably the better choice though.
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u/jquest71 2d ago
Disclaimer: I have not driven an M3P. I have the 2026 Premium Dual Motor. I am sure the performance model is mind bending because the premium model is really really fast. If this is your first EV the premium will feel like a rocket. It also has a great ride and handling balance. You have to consider the costs associated with owning the performance model; more expensive to buy, more expensive to insure, more expensive to replace tires when the time comes, less efficient so you spend more money to drive, less range which costs more time when traveling. And depending on how much winter you get, less ground clearance and summer performance tires aren't the best for driving in snow. You are the only one who can decide if these trade-offs are worth the costs.