Tesla CEO outs 'performance' Model 3 specifications

TESLA founder Elon Musk has spilled the beans on higher-spec versions of its forthcoming Model 3, which adds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system to top the range as a performance variant.

 

In a series of posts on Twitter this week, Mr Musk revealed that the top-tier Model 3 will be able to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and feature a top speed of 250km/h, while still boasting a maximum driving range of 500 kilometres.

 

The mid-size electric vehicle (EV) features electric motors at the front and rear axle, one optimised for power and the other configured for range. 

 

According to Mr Musk, the car will be able to run on just one of the two motors in the event of a malfunction.

 

“Tesla AWD is dual motor, so you can fully drive the car even if one breaks,” he said.

 

“(This) helps ensure you make it to your destination and don’t get stuck on (the) side of (the) road in potentially unsafe conditions.”

 

With all the option boxes ticked, excluding the semi-autonomous Autopilot technology, the range-topping Model 3 will be priced at approximately $US78,000 ($A102,878) for the US market.

 

Though Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed, the car will likely cost considerably more than in the US after import duties, taxes and GST are factored in.

 

With the standard Model 3 aimed to tackle the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mr Musk confidently compared the new top-spec variant with BMW's high-performance M3.

 

“About (the) same as (the) BMW M3, but 15 per cent quicker and with better handling,” he said.

 

“(The car) will beat anything in its class on the track.”

 

For comparison, the BMW M3 range starts at $129,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level Pure, jumping up to $144,900 for the Competition and topping out at $179,900 for the limited-run CS.

 

As well as the performance range-topper, Tesla will also offer a standard dual-motor AWD Model 3, which has a claimed range of 500km and can run the 0-100km/h dash in 4.5s before hitting a top speed of 225km/h.

 

According to the Australian Tesla website, production of the all-wheel-drive Model 3 will begin this year, with deliveries expected to start late in 2019.

 

When speaking about the uprated Model 3s, Mr Musk also announced Tesla's new method for customers to arrange vehicle servicing.

 

“(We) will soon enable Tesla owners to request service from their phone with a few taps,” he said on Twitter.

 

“Tesla Ranger will come to you to take care of your car. No need to bring the car in yourself and zero paperwork”.

 

As previously reported, the standard Model 3 will be sold alongside the larger Model S and the Model X, playing as the entry-point into the Tesla brand.

 

Pricing is expected start somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000 before on-roads, placing it amongst key rivals including the BMW 3 Series, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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