Tesla offers three powerful electric sedans: the Model 3 Performance, the Model S Long Range, and the popular Model S Plaid. While people typically favor the Plaid, the Performance and Long Range are more practical cars without going too overboard.

The Long Range launched in 2012 and the Performance launched in 2017. While mechanically similar on paper, the two cars are different when it comes to aspects like design, price, and range. But which one is right for you? Let’s compare.

Exterior Design

It’s easy to mistake the older, larger Model S Long Range for the newer, more compact Model 3 Performance at a glance because they have similar designs. However, there are a few key differences.

The Long Range has self-presenting door handles, as you'll be familiar with from most other cars. Comparatively, the Performance's handles are a different shape; you press them on one side, which makes the other part swing out and allows you to open the door. This initially confuses those who are unfamiliar with Teslas.

The Performance comes with a carbon fiber spoiler. This helps stabilize the car at high speeds and gives it a distinct look, as do the larger 20-inch wheels with sticky summer tires. The Long Range doesn’t have a spoiler (only the Plaid version does), so you'll have to get one aftermarket if desired. It also comes with smaller 19-inch wheels, although you do have the option to get 21-inch Arachnid wheels, which lend the car a more sporty appearance.

Interior Design

Before 2021, the Model S Long Range had a more old-fashioned looking interior with a portrait center display. However, that year the Long Range's interior was redesigned with heavy inspiration from the Model 3 Performance. The biggest difference between the two is that the bigger car also has a digital driver's display to compliment the central screen, while the smaller model only has the center screen.

Even though drivers have adjusted to just having one screen for their speed and other data, the separate digital gauge cluster is a better solution than having to look at the center screen while driving. In addition to these screens, the Long Range has a screen for backseat passengers to watch videos and access climate controls.

In terms of steering, the Long Range has an airplane-style yoke instead of a conventional round steering wheel. However, if you don't like it, Tesla offers a standard steering wheel. No matter which steering option you choose, you won’t have indicator or wiper stalks. You have to use the screen to switch from reverse to drive, since there is no physical transmission selector. The Performance, on the other hand, comes with a conventional wheel and traditional stalks.

When it comes to storage, one big difference is that the Performance is a typical sedan, while the larger Long Range is actually a hatchback. This means the former is a standard trunk suitable for most belongings, with extra space underneath the trunk floor. However, the latter has a practicality advantage because the trunk opening is wider and has more space for carrying bigger items.

Range

One of the main reasons people buy Teslas is because they generally provide better range compared to other EVs. The Model 3 Performance may not be able to travel as far as the Model S Long Range on a single charge, but it still provides an EPA-rated range of 315 miles, which is more than enough for the average daily commute.

But if you do a lot of driving and want to go longer without needing to charge, the suitably named Long Range is the car for you. Thanks to its larger battery pack, it can achieve an EPA range of 405 miles when rolling on the 19-inch Tempest wheels.

Performance

Even though the Model S Long Range doesn’t carry the Performance moniker, the car has incredible performance. In terms of acceleration, the Long Range has a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, exactly the same as the Model 3 Performance. It's not the mind-bending 1.99 seconds the Plaid achieves, but it’s still insanely quick and more than what the average person needs.

Regarding the top speed, it's the Performance that triumphs, reaching 162 mph compared to 149 mph for the Long Range. The Performance certainly wins in terms of handling too, since it's the smaller and more nimble of the two vehicles. It also has good braking performance, which is not something the Long Range boasts.

The two vehicles also differ in terms of performance-oriented software features. For example, the Performance has Track Mode, which changes multiple parameters such as the regenerative braking and stability control to improve its behavior on the track.

The Long Range does have Drag Strip Mode, though, which is useful for acceleration runs. When enabled, it lowers the front of the vehicle into what Tesla calls the Cheetah Stance so that it's better at putting its power down off the line.

Price

In early 2023, Tesla slashed the prices of all its vehicles, making them considerably more affordable. Even the Model 3 Performance, the most potent version of Tesla’s entry-level sedan, starts at $53,990.

Thanks to the EV tax credit included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, you can get up to $7,500 off the price. This massive discount makes the Performance even more attractive for those who want a smaller, sportier electric sedan.

The Model S is Tesla’s luxury sedan, and this is reflected in the price, so the Long Range version starts at $94,990. In addition, the car doesn’t qualify for the EV tax credit since sedans have an MSRP cap of $55,000.

Model S Long Range vs. Model 3 Performance: Final Verdict

Tesla's Model S Long Range and Model 3 Performance are excellent cars that offer brilliant performance for people who love advanced and fun-to-drive vehicles. If you want the best all-around sedan that Tesla offers and are willing to spend the money, the Long Range is an exceptional performer.

The Long Range is significantly pricier, but it justifies this with multiple improvements and features over the Performance, such as the digital driver's display, air suspension, and a larger and more premium interior, among others. The 2021 design refresh has kept it looking elegant, and its straight-line performance is still remarkable for a big sedan.

However, the Performance is a vehicle you shouldn't disregard, especially since it's considerably more affordable. Plus, many car enthusiasts herald it as being the most fun Tesla. It mostly depends on what you value in your car apart from performance and what your budget allows.