The Ultimate Guide to the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance: A Game Changer in Electric Cars

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance has been an absolute game changer in the world of electric vehicles. This car is not just another electric car. It's a fast car with the ability to make even the most skeptical drivers rethink their stance on electric vehicles. If you're interested in a car that blends performance with sustainability you should definitely keep reading. We’re going to break down what makes this vehicle a head-turner and go through some of its key features, potential drawbacks, and why it stands out from its competitors.

Introduction: What Makes the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance Special?

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance edition is known for its impressive acceleration long-range capability and sleek modern design. It’s often praised as a car that represents the future of driving. But let's be real: not every car is perfect even the Tesla Model 3 Performance has its flaws which we’ll get into later.

What makes this car special is its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system its insane acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and the fact that it maintains a range of up to 310 miles. This combination of power and range is something that no other electric vehicle of its time could boast.

Design and Build Quality: Modern and Sleek but Lacks Luxury

When it comes to the design and build quality of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance Tesla took a minimalist approach. The exterior of the car is sleek and aerodynamic with clean lines and a sporty look. The flush door handles and frameless windows give it an extra futuristic touch. But inside things are a little more divided.

Exterior Design: Sleek and Sporty

The Tesla Model 3’s design screams futuristic and sporty. The smooth curves and low stance make it stand out on the road. Tesla even eliminated the traditional front grille which gives the car a cleaner and more streamlined look. The panoramic glass roof is another design highlight and allows for a more open and airy feeling while driving.

Pros

• Minimalist design stands out from the crowd
• Aerodynamic profile helps with efficiency
• Large glass roof adds to the futuristic feel

Cons

• Some people find the minimalist design too plain
• No options for a grille could be a dealbreaker for those who like more aggressive-looking cars

Interior Design: Minimalist to a Fault

The interior of the 2018 Model 3 Performance follows the same minimalist theme. It’s dominated by a single 15-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard which controls almost all functions of the car. There’s no traditional gauge cluster behind the steering wheel which may feel strange to those used to a more conventional setup.

Pros

• The 15-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive
• Simple layout feels clean and modern
• Large storage space despite the minimalist design

Cons

• Lack of physical buttons could frustrate some users who prefer tactile feedback
• Build quality issues like panel gaps and inconsistent fit and finish have been reported
• Interior materials aren’t as premium as some luxury competitors

According to Alex Collantes, a long-time Tesla owner and enthusiast "The minimal design is what initially drew me in I love how simple everything is but it does take time to get used to the lack of physical controls."

Performance: Mind-Blowing Acceleration with Room for Improvement

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance is aptly named. It’s incredibly fast nimble and fun to drive. This is where the Model 3 really shines especially in its Performance trim.

Acceleration and Speed: Electric Thrills

This car’s 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds puts it in the league of some serious performance vehicles. The dual motors give it an edge with the all-wheel drive delivering instant torque to all four wheels. If you like fast cars the Tesla Model 3 Performance will not disappoint.

Pros

• Super-fast acceleration thanks to instant torque
• All-wheel drive provides great traction in all conditions
• Top speed of 162 mph is impressive for an electric car

Cons

• Lack of engine noise might make the driving experience feel less visceral for enthusiasts
• Throttle response can feel too sensitive for some drivers especially in urban areas

According to Alex Collantes "The acceleration is mind-blowing but it’s so quiet that sometimes I forget I’m going that fast. It’s almost surreal!"

Handling and Driving Experience: Smooth but Could Be Sharper

In terms of handling the 2018 Model 3 Performance is smooth and confident around corners thanks to its low center of gravity (due to the battery pack being under the floor). However some drivers might find the steering feel a bit too artificial or light especially when compared to more traditional sports cars.

Pros

• Low center of gravity improves cornering and stability
• Precise steering makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces

Cons

• Steering feel is light which might disappoint those looking for a more engaging drive
• Some drivers feel that the suspension is a bit too stiff for everyday use

Range and Charging: Convenience with Some Caveats

One of the standout features of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance is its range and charging capabilities. This car offers up to 310 miles on a full charge which is more than enough for most daily driving needs.

Range: Competitive but Real-World Varies

Tesla claims a range of 310 miles on a full charge. While this is competitive for an electric vehicle of its class it’s important to note that real-world driving conditions can reduce this figure especially if you’re driving aggressively or using the air conditioning or heater extensively.

Pros

• 310-mile range is impressive for an EV
• Regenerative braking helps to extend range in stop-and-go traffic

Cons

• Range can drop significantly if driving conditions aren’t ideal
• Cold weather can also reduce the car’s battery efficiency

Charging: Supercharger Network is a Plus

One of the biggest advantages Tesla has is its Supercharger network which allows for quick and convenient charging when you’re on the road. With a Supercharger you can get up to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Pros

• Tesla’s Supercharger network makes long-distance travel much easier
• Home charging can fully charge the car overnight

Cons

• Charging times at home can be long if you’re using a standard outlet (up to 24 hours for a full charge)
• Access to Superchargers can be limited in certain areas

Technology and Features: Cutting-Edge but Overly Reliant on Touchscreen

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance is packed with cutting-edge technology which is both a blessing and a curse. The 15-inch touchscreen controls almost everything from climate control to navigation. This setup looks sleek but some people find it a bit overwhelming and difficult to use while driving.

Infotainment System: Revolutionary but Overcomplicated

Tesla’s infotainment system is one of the best in the industry with a clean interface and a plethora of features like streaming services navigation and more. However everything is controlled through the touchscreen and the lack of physical buttons can be frustrating for some drivers.

Pros

• Large touchscreen is easy to read and responsive
• Frequent software updates keep the system fresh and improve features
• Built-in streaming services like Netflix and Spotify make it more entertaining during charging stops

Cons

• Lack of physical buttons makes it difficult to adjust settings while driving
• Some features are hidden in menus which can be hard to find while on the move

Autopilot: Amazing but Not Fully Autonomous

Tesla’s Autopilot system is one of the most talked-about features. It allows the car to drive itself on highways with minimal input from the driver. However it’s important to remember that this system is not fully autonomous and requires the driver to remain attentive at all times.

Pros

• Autopilot system makes highway driving much less stressful
• The system is continually improving with over-the-air updates

Cons

• Not a fully autonomous system and still requires driver input
• Autopilot can be too aggressive in lane changes for some drivers

Safety: High Ratings with a Few Concerns

Safety is a priority for Tesla and the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance is no exception. It received five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) across all categories.

Safety Features: Comprehensive but Not Perfect

The car comes with a variety of safety features including automatic emergency braking lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. While these features are impressive there have been reports of false alarms or over-reliance on the driver-assistance systems.

Pros

• Five-star safety rating from the NHTSA
• Comes with a suite of driver-assistance features like lane keeping and emergency braking

Cons

• False alarms from safety systems can be annoying
• Some features like lane-keeping assist can feel intrusive or overly cautious

Final Thoughts: The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance – A Mixed Bag but Still a Game Changer

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance is undeniably one of the most significant electric vehicles of its time. With its superb performance long range and sleek design it sets the benchmark for future electric cars. However it’s not without its faults.

Who Should Buy the Tesla Model 3 Performance?

If you want a fast fun-to-drive electric car that makes a statement the Model 3 Performance is for you. It’s perfect for early adopters and tech enthusiasts who appreciate cutting-edge technology and are willing to deal with some minor inconveniences.

Who Should Avoid It?

If you’re someone who prefers a more traditional driving experience with physical controls a plush interior and a quiet unassuming ride this might not be the best option for you. The Model 3 Performance leans heavily on technology and its minimalistic design can feel a bit stark for some.

Summary of Key Points

• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
• Range: Up to 310 miles on a full charge
• Charging: Tesla Supercharger network offers fast charging but home charging can be slow
• Technology: Infotainment and Autopilot are impressive but the reliance on a touchscreen can be frustrating
• Safety: Five-star safety rating with comprehensive driver-assistance features but some systems are too sensitive

According to Alex Collantes "I love my Model 3 Performance for the power and futuristic tech but I do miss some of the tactile feedback that a regular car offers especially when it comes to climate control or volume adjustments."

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance isn’t just a car it’s a step into the future. But like any vehicle it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. For those looking to embrace the electric future this car is hard to beat. But if you’re more comfortable in a traditional gas-powered car the Tesla Model 3 might not be the perfect fit for you. However it’s clear this is the direction the automotive industry is headed and Tesla is leading the charge.