When Tesla opened pre-sales for the revamped Model 3 Performance in China earlier this April, anticipation was high. Customers were initially told to expect their prized new rides sometime in the third quarter. But in an exciting twist, Tesla China has kicked off deliveries ahead of schedule, sending a ripple of excitement through the burgeoning EV market.
In a recent announcement posted on Chinese social media, Tesla China proclaimed the start of deliveries for its revamped, high-octane Model 3 Performance. To say their promotional material was bold would be an understatement—Tesla highlighted the vehicle’s mind-blowing 0-100 km/h time of a mere 3.1 seconds and an exhilarating top speed of 261 km/h. Official posters boasted that the Model 3 Performance offers acceleration akin to a luxury car worth a million RMB, marking it as a stellar performer in a league of its own.
Tesla Model 3 Performance in China" />The specs don’t lie. The Model 3 Performance's acceleration prowess, typically reserved for ultra-high-end vehicles, sets it apart with a compelling starting price of RMB 335,900 (approximately $46,300). Combine these staggering performance stats with Tesla's hallmark Autopilot and you have an electric sedan that effortlessly balances speed, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It's truly a compelling proposition for anyone serious about experiencing top-tier electric motoring.
To understand the sensation around this rollout, we need to look back at the vehicle’s journey in China. The revamped Model 3 was first teased to the Chinese market in September 2023. However, only the entry-level Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and mid-tier Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants were initially available.
Fast forward to late April 2024, when Tesla China finally unveiled the performance variant of the updated Model 3, catching the market by storm. Pre-sales began immediately at a compelling RMB 335,900. With promises of initial deliveries by Q3 2024, enthusiasts braced themselves for the wait. However, in an impressive move, Tesla started official deliveries in early June, sticking to the pre-sale price, much to the delight of its eager customer base.
Now, Tesla's new Model 3 Performance faces stiff competition. Chinese automakers, including Xiaomi with its highly anticipated SU7 all-electric sedan, are not sitting idle. Yet, Tesla seems unfazed as it powers forward. Currently, Chinese customers can expect a waiting period of just 1-6 weeks to get behind the wheel of the new top-tier all-electric sedan.
At its heart, this development signals more than just faster deliveries—it emphasizes Tesla's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving EV market. The multi-faceted allure of the Model 3 Performance—not just its speed but its comfort, practicality, and cutting-edge tech—ensures it remains at the vanguard of electric sedan offerings.
In essence, the swift, unexpected rollout of the Model 3 Performance epitomizes what Tesla fans have come to expect: innovation and exhilaration, delivered ahead of schedule.