Musk Says Tesla Model 3 Will Outperform BMW M3

Now that Tesla is whipping out a good volume of Model 3’s, thanks to the third production line set up under a tent, CEO Elon Musk is revealing more about the Performance variant of the EV. The big headline-grabbing point is that Musk says the electric car will outperform the BMW M3.

The current M3 is no E36, so beating up on it isn’t as impressive. Honestly, the M2 is a far better performance vehicle, but whatever. Compared to the F80, Musk said via Twitter that the Model 3 Performance will be “15% quicker & with better handling.”

Supposedly, the EV will make the 0-60 sprint in a mere 3.5 seconds. It should also hit a 155-mph top speed. That’s definitely trackable and should get some respect. But Musk, the well-known ego maniac, couldn’t leave it at that. He went on to say the Model 3 will “beat anything in its class on the track.”

Uh…

First off, I can tell you from experience that claims of “best-in class” whatever is a great marketing tool for automakers. It’s a pretty nebulous term, since you can start defining classes in all kinds of creative ways. I doubt that’s what Musk means, but still.

We don’t know how much power will course through the dual-motor setup on the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Tesla claims a range of 310 miles, although that will drop quickly on the track. Using a Supercharger, the car will replenish 170 miles of range in 30 minutes. Just remember Model 3 owners will need to pay to use that convenience.