Tesla Model 3 Performance. Here are 5 things that make it great, and 3 drawbacks.

Tesla’s quickest ever Model 3 is now available for purchase.

Forget about Ludicrous, it’s all about Performance.

After months of speculation, rumors and leaks, the worst kept secret of the automotive industry has become a reality: Tesla has finally launched the new Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Despite indications about the “Ludicrous” moniker, the name hasn’t changed from the previous generation. But unlike the original Model 3 Performance, which was a very slightly upgraded (but quicker) variant of the old Long Range Model 3, the new Performance model is a major upgrade. Here are the most important details about the new Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The good points

It’s quicker, and more powerful

There’s no two ways about it: With a 2.9 second 0-60 mph time, this is the quickest Tesla Model 3 ever. It also has a 510 hp peak power, and a 163 mph top speed, making it second only to Model S Plaid.

It’s also worth comparing the old and new Model 3 Performance. The original Tesla M3P had a 3.1 second 0-60 mph time and a 162 mph top speed, making the new model only slightly quicker and faster. However, at these levels of performance, every tenth of a second counts.

People will notice the difference

The original Model 3 Performance looked exactly the same as the other Model 3 versions, save for a carbon fibre spoiler on the back. The new version, however, should be a head turner, with 20-inch Warp Wheels with large, red brake calipers, as well as a sportier-looking front lip and rear diffuser, and (again) a carbon fibre spoiler.

As a result, the new M3P looks more aggressive and just better overall than the regular variant.

One cool detail: Even though the “Ludicrous” and “Plaid” monikers were not used in the official naming, you do get a “Ludicrous” speed badge on the back of the car, a reference to 80s comedy film Spaceballs.

Better brakes and suspension

This is massive. As a Tesla Model 3 Long Range owner, I can attest that the brakes and suspension sometimes feel a bit lacking, especially if you really step on it on a winding road. The Model 3 Performance should fix this, with larger brake rotors, calipers and performance brake pads, as well as improved springs, dampers, bushings, and stabilizer bars.

As Tesla puts it: “An all-new adaptive damping system keeps Model 3 Performance planted to the road , so you can confidently tackle corners at any speed with maximum control and comfort.” If you like to drive a bit more aggressively, these improvements might be the biggest reason to go for the Performance variant.

New Track Mode

Eager to test your brand new Model 3 Performance on the track? Exclusive to this Model 3 you get a new Track mode, allowing you to calibrate stuff like handling balance, regenerative braking, stability assist and more. You also get a number of presets so you can quickly change from one driving mode to the other.

This is a big one. Due to all of the performance enhancements it has, most notably the massive, 20-inch Warp Wheels, the Model 3 Performance takes a massive range hit. According to Tesla, it has 296 miles of estimated range. For comparison, the Long Range model has 341 miles of range, while the significantly cheaper Rear-Wheel Drive model has 272 miles of range.

Less ground clearance

This one is easy to miss, but it might be important for some buyers. The Model 3 performance has 5 inches of ground clearance, compared to 5.4 inches on other models. You don’t want some nasty curb scraping the underside of your brand new Tesla, do you?