With Tesla having started the first deliveries of the Model 3 in Europe, it’s time to find out if the popular electric car will make the same impression as it did in the US.
European customers will be limited to the two all-wheel drive variants for the time being, with the cheaper versions to follow on a later date. This also means that the starting price for the Model 3 in Europe is currently set at a little over 50,000 euros (around $56,400 in current exchange rates).
Carwow got its hands on a Model 3 Performance on French plates, giving us an in-depth review of the smaller Tesla. Despite many reports of inconsistent quality control, the test car appears to be very well sorted in terms of fit and finish. In fact, the reviewer finds the Model 3 to be better built than the more expensive Model S.
The dual-motor, all-wheel drive electric powetrain provides a maximum output of 450hp and 471lb-ft (638Nm) of torque, catapulting the Model 3 Performance into 62mph (100km/h) from a standstill in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 162mph (261km/h).
Tesla claims a driving range of up to 330 miles (530km) on the WLTP cycle. The Performance version of the Model 3 also benefits from features such as a lower ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels with sticky Michelin tires and bigger brakes, a carbon lip spoiler, a special Track mode and more.
So, is all that good enough to make European customers fall in love with the entry-level Tesla? Let’s find out in the video right below.