Used Tesla Model 3 Performance long term test: report 3
The first-generation Model 3 is now available at bargain prices, but is running an ageing electric car a smart move or a false economy? We're finding out.....
The car 2019 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance | Run by James Tute, Content Editor
Why it's here To see if running an older Tesla is hassle-free or a headache, and whether full Supercharger access is a game-changer
Needs to be Wieldy enough for city-centre driving, comfortable on long trips and as fun to drive as its performance tag suggests
Mileage on arrival 40,181 Mileage now 41,965 List price when new £56,545 Value on arrival £16,500 Official range 329 miles Test range 279 miles
15 July 2025 – To chill or not to chill?
One feature my Tesla Model 3 Performance has is the ability to stream Netflix videos when parked up. Another is a driving mode called Chill. So while you can’t actually Netflix AND chill in it, you can Netflix OR chill, depending on whether the car’s moving or not.
Chill mode is nothing to do with the air-con. No, what it does is make the car slower. And why might you want to do that?
Well, in its fastest Sport setting, my Model 3 Performance is stupidly quick, taking a mere 3.2 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph – the same time as a £170,000 Lamborghini Huracán.
Some supercars are faster, as are newer versions of the Model 3, but not much else comes close, and I’m sure many owners grab a crash helmet and head to a track day.
There’ve been a few situations where I’ve had a chance to enjoy some of the pace available from my car’s two powerful motors – and it really is very invigorating – but most of the time I’ve chosen to Chill.
Switching modes, by the way, is simple, but too distracting to do safely when you’re driving because it involves several prods on the Model 3’s 15in infotainment screen.
Despite all the fun to be had, I’ve been staying in Chill mode for two main reasons.
The first is that for most journeys I find acceleration as fast as Sport delivers too much like hard work. Parking, for example, becomes a real bore when, rather than inching forward, the Model 3 leaps off the line with minimal accelerator input.
The second is the very noticeable difference it makes to the range available.
When I first took delivery of my car, it was in Sport mode, and at 80% charge. I first charged up 78 miles later with 38 miles of predicted range remaining and 12% charge.
That roughly equates to 115 miles of mainly city centre driving from a full charge of the battery – well short of the 280 miles or so I’ve since achieved in Chill mode.
I can’t think of any circumstances short of racing to save a life or escape imminent danger where that pay-off would be worthwhile to me. So if it’s alright with you, I’m going to keep on chilling.
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