A shadowy preview of the highly anticipated Tesla Model 2 was dropped on social media just last month by the company’s founder Elon Musk. The smallest and most affordable Tesla is due to launch later this year and interest on the pint size EV is gaining.

While the preview photo was careful not to reveal too much of the Model 2, the internet has since gone all creative on the upcoming baby Tesla – as expected. Here’s a very good one from renown automotive renderer Kleber Silva of Behance.

The Model 2 is being imagined as a sporty liftback paired with a tweaked front-end of the Tesla Model 3. There are large black wheel arch mouldings and blacked out A pillar for an athletic look, while at the rear the deck spoiler is inspired by that of the Model X large SUV.

If you look close enough though, you might find that the donor car for this rendering is actually the Genesis GV60 – one of the cars that the Model 2 will rival when it hits the market. Nevertheless, the result of this mix and match is great and this is one pretty cool looking Model 2.

Tesla is keen to keep the pricing of the Model 2 below $50k when it lands in Australia sometime in late 2024, positioning it as a sub-compact model to the Model 3 sedan. It will likely be offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the latter in the form of a dual motor high performance variant.

Via Kleber Silva

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Think electric cars and right away Tesla springs to mind. The American electric car manufacturer’s models are synonymous with cool tech and supercar-beating acceleration. Its best seller, the Model 3 sedan, is the most affordable model. While it plays in the luxury sports sedan segment, rivalling the likes of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, there isn’t really another full electric player in that class. This means the Tesla Model 3 has no direct rival. Until now.

Polestar, the electrified sub-brand of Swedish luxury car brand Volvo, is making an entry to the Australian EV market with the Polestar 2 electric sedan. And it’s set its crosshair squarely on the Tesla Model 3.

Priced to rival the Tesla, the Polestar 2 range starts from $59,900 for the Standard Range Single motor and $64,900 for the Long Range Single motor. Both single motor variants fall under the threshold for the $3,000 Electric Vehicle Rebate in the state of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as significant stamp duty savings.

The range-topping Polestar 2 Long Range Dual motor variant is priced from $69,900. All prices exclude on-road costs.

Now, let’s compare Tesla Model 3’s prices, again all quoted excluding on-road costs.

The entry-level single motor Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is priced from $59,900, exactly the same price as the Polestar 2 Standard.

Moving up the range, the $73,400 Tesla Model 3 Long Range dual motor is a $3,500 premium over its direct rival the Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor range-topper ($69,900).

Unlike the Polestar 2, the Model 3 line-up does not include a ‘bridging’ long range single motor variant. This means buyers who want long range but not dual motor all-wheel drive will have to settle for the mid-spec Polestar 2 variant ($64,900).

Tesla’s Model 3 line-up is topped off by a high performance, dual motor variant, the Model 3 Performance priced from $84,900.

On top of those prices, Tesla charges various premiums for an exhaustive list of optional add-ons. Polestar takes a different approach by bundling add-ons into three optional ‘Packs’.

The $5,000 Pilot Pack provides enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning and Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights.

The $6,000 Plus Pack includes premium equipment such as a full-length panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon audio system with 13-speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated wiper nozzles and a heat pump, which reduces the need to use valuable battery capacity to prepare and sustain the cabin climate.

The $8,000 Performance Pack is available for the Long Range Dual motor variant only, and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out.

Now, let’s compare the power and WLTP driving range figures of both electric cars.

The Polestar 2 Standard Range single motor packs 165kW and 330Nm and is good for 440km in range.

Its Tesla rival, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is rated at 239kW and 420Nm, with a claimed range of 448km.

The Polestar 2 Long Range Single motor makes 170kW and 330Nm, with a range of 540km. Tesla does not have an equivalent Model 3 variant to this mid-spec Polestar model.

The top-spec Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor variant brings 300kW and 660Nm, along with 480km of range.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range dual motor answers this with 324kW and 493Nm, matched with 580km of range.

The arrival of the Polestar 2 to rival the Tesla Model 3 can only be a good thing for EV consumers, as competition ensures prices in the market remain in check.

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The Model 3 is Tesla’s best-selling model, not surprising given it’s currently the most affordable Tesla model. Marketed as sports luxury sedan, the Model 3 has been well regarded for its elegant styling, strong performance and next-generation technology. Yet, there’s room for improvement and it’s not to the car itself but in the form of an expanded line-up.

Yes, how about a Model 3 hatch? While the sedan is always non offensive, there’re people who always prefer the hatch body shape. And automotive renderer Sugar Design is showing us just how much potential the Model 3 in hatch form has. Looking more like official photos from Tesla itself than renderings, the Model 3 hatch neatly and harmoniously blends the front half of the sedan body with a sporty hatchback. Everything looks right and nothing seems out of place or tacky.

Given how good the Model 3 hatch looks – as evident by this render, Tesla should seriously consider making one and expand the Model 3’s appeal.

The Model 3 hatch shown here is based on the Performance variant. The range-topping model features dual electric motors – one at each axle – affording all-wheel drive, plus the high capacity battery pack. It develops a combined output of 335kW and a staggering 638Nm of torque, good for a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds.

• READ MORE: Tesla Model 3 Performance Review

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Tesla Model 3 – the fastest accelerating sedan in the world. But it may not look like one. The elegant and understated sedan can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 3 seconds in the top-spec Model 3 Performance guise, thanks to dual electric motors and high performance batteries. Unlike other sports sedan though, the electric sedan has no fins, scoops or spoilers.

But that can all change with the help of tuner Startech. First up, the Startech bodykit includes a completely redesigned front bumper with aggressive detailing that also retains all sensors and systems for semi-autonomous driving and park distance control. The vanilla stock rear bumper has also been been replaced with a new pumped up bumper complete with rear diffuser.

Elsewhere, a three-part rear spoiler spices things up further in the rear, while new side skirt attachments add to its attitude.

Wrapping up the look is a set of 20-inch Monostar M rims in black and polished spokes. They measure 9×20 at the front and 10.5×20 in the rear, wrapped in 245/35 ZR 20 rubber at the front and 285/30 ZR 20 in the rear.

Giving it the hunkered down look is a set of lowering sport springs which lower the electric sedan by some 40mm all around.

Adding to its sporty looks are finer details such as the blacked out window frame, body colour-coded door handles, and carbon-fibre side mirror housings.

• READ MORE: Tesla Model 3 Performance Review

On the inside, exclusive personalisation is available, with the tuner able to offer the finest leather and Alcantara upholstery and headliner in any desired colour and pattern. Carbon fibre trim inserts can also be featured on the steering wheel, door cards and dashboard.

The Tesla Model 3 Performance features dual electric motors – one at each axle – affording all-wheel drive, plus the high capacity battery pack. It develops a combined output of 335kW and a staggering 638Nm of torque.

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Tesla has dropped a surprising reveal of the updated Model S flagship sedan in the company’s 2020 fourth quarter earnings report. The Californian-based maker of electric vehicles shared pictures of the new 2021 Tesla Model S, showing off its facelifted exterior design and a revamped interior.

It’s the second time the exterior of the Model S has been updated, and like the previous update, the latest nip and tuck is subtle. Noticeable changes include a revised front bumper design and updated headlight and taillight clusters. New wheel designs are also introduced across the line-up.

What’s more interesting is the new interior, where the dashboard has been completely redesigned. A new 17-inch landscape display similar to that in the Model 3 and Model Y has replaced the previous portrait screen, while the new air-con vents have adopted a much cleaner design, again similar to those in the Model 3. There are also the radical space-age steering wheel and new wood trims around the cabin.

As part of the update, the Performance trim level is being replaced by the Plaid model, with a new top dog in the guise of Plaid+ to join later this year. The Plaid+ will feature the automaker’s new type battery cells that will supply energy to three electric motors. It will once again give the Model S nameplate the title of the world’s fastest accelerating sedan with a 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) sprint time of just 2 seconds. It will also boast a world record electric range of 836 km (520 miles).

Tesla has also confirmed an updated Model X, which will include the same exterior and interior tweaks as the new Model S, will be unveiled later this year.

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While Tesla is busy working on their two-door Roadster, Italian coachbuilder, Ares Design has turned a Tesla Model S into a stunning two-door convertible.

Commissioned by a private buyer, the roof isn’t the only body panel deleted from this white Model S, Ares’ engineers have also removed the rear doors and replaced the front ones with new longer ones.

Along with the roof, the B-pillars are gone, too for a cleaner profile. Its rear haunch has been reworked to accommodate a folding roof mechanism that folds into the boot.

To make up for the lost of the roof and provide structural rigidity, extra strengthening on the side members and underneath the cockpit has been added.

Finishing off the exterior makeover is a set of carbon fibre aero kit that includes an aggressive front lip, chunkier side skirts, re-worked rear bumper and a ducktail lip spoiler that adorns the boot.

Inside, the cabin has been re-upholstered in white leather accented by dashes of red, while the new roof lining is finished in dark Alcantara.

The Modena-based Ares Design was founded by former Lotus boss, Dany Bahar with Dubai-based business partner Waleed Al Ghafari.

“Co-create philosophy allows clients to work side by side with our designers and engineers to create their very own bespoke vehicle, a service that is unique to Ares.

“This Tesla project is a superb example of this; it was a pure coach building project which we very much enjoy doing and seeing the results of our uncompromising standards.”

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Tesla has been cooking up a new super high performance Model S for nearly a year now. We have guessed its specification, and we have wondered how much it was going to cost. Well, speculate no more because, finally, the craziest Model S has arrived and it’s staggering to say the least.

Called the Model S Plaid, the new top dog is even more ballistic than the already lunatic Model S Performance. Available for order now through Tesla’s Online Shop, the Model S Plaid includes “the quickest 0-100 km/h and quarter mile acceleration of any production car ever”. Nothing short of jaw-dropping, the spec reads: Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in less than 2.1s and quarter mile of less than 9.0s.

This is all thanks to the Tri-Electric Motor All Wheel Drive set up churning out over 1,100 horsepower (820kW)! Top speed is rated at 320km/h and a full charge is good for over 840km of emission-free range.

You might expect the hypercar-slaying performance to come with a hypercard price tag. But no, it costs ‘just’ $237,970 drive away in Australia. That’s about the same price as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz S-Class which has nowhere near the performance of the Tesla.

If the Model S Plaid was designed to take on the Porsche Taycan, that’s already a sure win for the Tesla. First delivery of the Model S Plaid is slated to start in late 2021.

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Utes – or pick-ups for the rest of the world – are big business these days. The top two best-selling vehicles in Australia in the past few years have consistently been the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. Both models are built-tough bush bashing off-roaders.

With the transition toward electric cars though, it’s only a matter of time before we see a full electric go-anywhere ute. And the most likely badge it’s going to wear is none other than Tesla – the world’s most famous electric car manufacturer.

The company’s portfolio currently includes the Model 3 compact sedan, Model S large saloon, Model X large SUV and Model Y mid-size crossover. And of course, there’s also the ballistic Tesla Roadster. It seems a ute may quite possibly – and appropriately – be the next move. After all, who doesn’t want a pick-up with Tesla levels of performance and acceleration?

So here it is, the Tesla Model P. With its futuristic and minimalist design, it’s easy to think of it as a real Tesla concept. Only that it isn’t. This is one superb rendering by automotive designer Emre Husmen of Behance.net. And we like what we see.

A Tesla Model P could adopt the drivetrain of the Model X, which in top-spec P100D form, packs a 100kWh battery pack feeding two electric motors – a 375kW motor driving the rear axle and a smaller 193kW unit propelling the front axle. The dual-motor setup produces a potent 397kW, accompanied by a colossal 967Nm of torque.

An all-wheel drive electric ute that sprints to 100km/h in around 3 seconds? We’re all for it.

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With the Tesla Model 3 continuing to enjoy strong sales in the backdrop of increasing popularity of EVs in Australia, the company’s new Model Y crossover is set to continue that momentum.

Due for local launch in early 2021, the Model Y will be the fourth addition to Tesla’s line-up which currently consists of the Model 3 compact sedan, Model X large SUV, and Model S flagship saloon. With strong appetite for crossovers, there is no better time to introduce the Model Y. But the big question is how much does the Tesla Model Y cost when it lands in Australian showrooms?

While Tesla has yet to confirm Australian pricing for the Model Y, we can expect the crossover EV to cost roughly $10,000 more than the Model 3.

This is based on the fact that the Model X is priced at around $134,000, some $9,000 more than the Model S. The Model X is largely based on the Model S, just like how the Model Y is underpinned by the same platform as the Model 3.

With pricing for the Standard Range Plus Model 3 starting at around $68,000 before on-road costs, the Model Y will most likely be priced from $78,000 for the base model.

The Model Y Performance variant will likely cost $110,000, given that the Model 3 Performance asks for around $101,000. All prices are before on-road costs.

Depending on variants, the Model Y has a seating capacity of seven adults. The flagship Model Y Performance variant packs a high-efficiency powertrain and ultra-responsive motors that enable 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration in as little as 3.5 seconds and a limited top speed of up to 150 mph (240 km/h).

Claimed to offer excellent handling for any road condition, the Model Y’s standard battery is good for 230 miles (370 km) of range, while Model Y Long Range is be able to travel up to 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.

The Model Y is compatible with Tesla’s current Supercharger and Destination Charger network of more than 500 chargers.

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The Model 3 is Tesla’s electrical vehicle for the masses. Priced from ‘just’ $66,000 plus on-road costs it is the least expensive Tesla currently on sale in Australia and plays in the one of the most important and largest premium passenger car segments, the compact luxury sedan. This means the Model 3 is up against established nameplates such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. The Model 3’s draw card is of course its full electric drivetrain which none of its competitors have, not yet at least.

So, does the Californian car have enough to sway buyers away from the more heritaged, combustion-engined European rivals? We sought to answer that after spending a weekend with the range-topping variant of the Model 3, the Model 3 Performance.

First thing first, Tesla claims that the Model 3 Performance is in the same realm as the BMW M3 as far as driving dynamics and performance is concerned. With a base price of $93,900 plus ORCs, a whole $30k cheaper than the M3, that seems like a bargain. For that price you get a dual motor all-wheel drive set up, performance brakes, carbon fibre rear spoiler, performance pedals, 20-inch wheels, all black interior including black headlining, and the Autopilot semi-autonomous driving feature. Our tester also came coated in a striking red multi-coat paint which is the only option added priced at $2,900. All in, our Model 3 Performance checks in at a total of $98,175 including $1,375 in delivery fee but excluding on-road costs.

Expensive but still relatively sensible considering the tech and performance on offer. But before we dive into that let’s talk about the way it looks. If you think the Model 3 resembles a shrunk Model S, you’re absolutely right. Given how sleek the S is, the 3 is inherently a pretty thing to look at, with a swooping roof line, low nose and high rear deck. Its clean, uncluttered design is unmistakably Tesla and its footprint is just perfect for the city – not too large, not too small. The only oddity we find with the styling is the rather tall glass house which when viewed head on from the front looks a little out of proportion. Other than this, the 3 is one classy, premium and contemporary luxury sedan.

Oh, but this is the flagship Performance variant and here’s wishing there was more differentiation between this and the bread and butter models. Perhaps the addition of a front lip spoiler and a larger rear diffuser? It is, according to Tesla, an M3 rival anyway.

The Model 3’s cabin is a progression from the Model S’ maxi-minimalist interior, only that the 3 is even more minimalist. The dashboard is absolutely bare bone except for a slab of wood trim that runs the width of the dash and a giant landscape orientated 15-inch touchscreen perched right in the middle. Where are the air-con vents? No, it doesn’t yet have the SpaceX Starship’s oxygen generator, but the vents are cleverly integrated into the dash, running the full width slotted in between the wood trim and the upper dash. Adjusting air flow requires a mere finger movement on the touchscreen. Cool stuff.

Speaking of the touchscreen, it’s an ultra high clarity and resolution iPad-like screen that serves as the interface for almost every function. From climate control and satellite navigation to light switches and boot release, it’s all done via the infotainment touchscreen. The only buttons you’ll find in the cabin are those for the powered windows, hazard lights, and door release ( yup, you press a button on the door grab to open each door, though a physical lever is there in case the button stops working). Even the steering wheel is devoid of any buttons except for two unmarked scroll wheels (deliberately left blank so Tesla can change their functions anytime via software updates).

While streaming your favourite tunes on Spotify and TuneIn radio is nothing new in a Tesla, the latest version 10.0 infotainment software now even allows you to stream movies and shows on Netflix and YouTube (when the car is parked, of course). There’s also a new “Car-aoke” feature that lets you sing your heart out with friends on a road trip – or by yourself. Caraoke comes with a massive library of music and song lyrics, with support for multiple languages.

But our favourite new feature is none other than Tesla Arcade which offers a variety of in-built games from run-and-gun action to car racing, the latter allows the use of the car’s actual steering wheel for steering.

You’ll also find the lack of an instrument cluster and that’s because it, too, has been integrated into the centre screen. It’s suitably positioned on the top right of the screen (for right-hand-drive models) but nothing beats a proper instrument cluster behind the steering directly in front of you. If Tesla was worried about over-cluttering, then perhaps a head-up display would be nice. This, sadly, is not even available as an option.

Fortunately, there’re multiple charging points for your phone (though a wireless charging pad is still sorely missing), and unlike the Model S the 3’s door cards feature deep storage pockets and bottle holders. Because the gear lever is a stalk on the steering, the centre console is freed up for storage and here you’ll find deep-lidded compartment and more cup holders.

Passenger space is abundance, easily one of the most spacious in class with acres of headroom for anyone up to six-foot tall thanks to the high roof. The seats are comfortable but could do with more shoulder support, considering this is a sports variant. But the best bit about being a passenger in the Model 3 is that endless view out through the full-length sunroof that wraps around and behind your head with no connecting beams. Fabulous.

Because there’s no engine, the Model 3 has two boots. There’s the conventional boot in the back, which is deep and square but with an aperture that is a little small, and a smaller second boot in front where an engine would normally sit in a non-EV sedan. In total you get 425 litres of cargo capacity, 55 litres shy of the single boot BMW 3 Series.

In terms of build quality, the Model 3 is miles better than what we have seen from Tesla previously, but still a small step behind established European and Japanese premium players. The gap between the frameless window and the door for instance can be tighter. This is letting in some wind noise into an otherwise whisper quiet cabin. The interior materials are, however, appropriately plush for this price point.

Alright, enough of the nitty-gritty. How does it drive? This is a Tesla so it must have that stupendous acceleration that Tesla is renown for. Yup, the Model 3 Performance does the 0-100km/h sprint in a supercar-beating 3.4 seconds. On paper, yes, but we tried it out and it stopped the clock at 3.6 seconds. That is still savagely quick!

It’s all thanks to the dual electric motors – one at each axle – affording all-wheel drive, plus the high capacity battery pack. It develops a combined output of 335kW and a staggering 638Nm of torque. With batteries stuffed in the floor pan of the car for the lowest centre of gravity, the car weights in at 1856kg, hefty but there’s still the power to weight ratio of 180.5 kW/t.

Coupled that with instant torque from the electric motors, every squeeze of the right pedal is a shove in the back. And you’ll find every opportunity to stomp on the throttle and see the outside world reels in at warp speed. It’s addictive yet strange at the same time because no matter how you drive this thing it’s always silent. There’s just that slight whine from the motors and the aforementioned wind noise, other than that it’s eerily quiet and amazingly refined.

EVs aren’t well known for their handling and Tesla’s in the past have been a bit of a mix bag in this department, but not the Model 3 Performance. This thing corners like it’s on rails. There seems to be endless amount of grip from its all-wheel drive system and the lack of body roll isn’t what you’d expect from a rather high-riding four-door sedan.

The steering is the quickest and sharpest of all Tesla’s we have driven, though almost completely devoid of feedback – a common trait of EVs, the brakes are powerful with a pedal feel that is nicely progressive, and the chassis feels wonderfully neutral with the nose tucking into corners eagerly at your input. It all adds up to a very secured, very alert and blisteringly quick drive.

But it’s no M3, certainly not in engagement and theatrics, though that’s to be expected with the Model 3 being a full electric car.

The firm suspension set up – single tune and non air sprung – allows just enough of road feedback through the chassis while staying compliant and smooth over all but the roughest of surfaces. It rides like how a compact family sedan should, with just a tinge of sportiness to remind you that this is no ordinary Model 3. It’s exactly how we like our sports sedan to ride.

Every Model S is equipped with Autopilot – one of the most advanced semi-autonomous driving systems on the planet. Autopilot allows the car to steer, manage speed and brake all on its own. While you still need to have your hands on the wheel at all times, the system does take away the stress and fatigue of long distance driving, allowing you to just sit back and relax through that 8 hour interstate trip.

On a side note, every Tesla coming out of the factory now has the necessary hardware for full self-driving capability. Once Tesla has cleared all the hurdles – legal issues and insurance matters – we’ll be seeing the world’s first self-driving production car. And you’d better believe it’s not too far away.

The Model 3 Performance offers a ‘guilt-free’ range of up to 560km, depending on how you drive. On test we managed to clock 430km before needing to charge, that range admittedly includes some heavy right-footed driving and air-con on for half the time.

Charging the car is as easy as charging your mobile phone. One end of the charge lead connects to the car and the other end plugs into any common power socket in your home. A full charge through a domestic 10A outlet will take north of 8 hours. But take it to a Tesla Supercharger charge point and a full replenish will take just a little under an hour.

For most people the $66,000 entry level Model 3 Standard Range Plus is good enough. In fact, it’s all you ever need in an electric car that gets you to and from work plus the occasional weekend trip out of the city. With a range of about 402km from a single charge, the base Model 3 does the century sprint in 5.6 seconds – not as insane as the Performance but still quick.

Tesla’s ever expanding charging network in Australia means charging your Model 3 is only going to be easier over time. There are charging stations already in city centre car parks, major shopping malls and tourist hot spots in the country. And if you live in the eastern states, Tesla claims the next Supercharger station is always within reach before you run out of juice. Yes, you can now drive from Adelaide to Melbourne, and on to Sydney and finish off in Brisbane in pure electric power.

But the best way to charge the Tesla is from a wall connector at home. And if you install a Tesla Powerwall battery storage integrated with rooftop solar panels, you will be running your Tesla on the best renewable energy known to us – the Sun.

Verdict

2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance Pricing and Specification

Competitors:

Hyundai Ioniq, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, Kia EV6

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