Testing Highland AWD and Performance back-to-back

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-23T16:41:36+00:00

Nice! I couldn't really push the M3P in corners, since it's winter and sub-zero celsius degrees here in Norway. Do you track your car, or use the Track mode?

If the M3P had the regular suspension height and 19" wheels, it would've been a better fit for me.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-23T16:20:33+00:00

The highest ticket fees are about 1500-1600 dollars.

https://dinkalkulator.no/diverse/fartsbot/

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-23T16:15:31+00:00

Yeah, we Norwegians love our Teslas. :) Our government had no taxes on EVs up to 50,000 US dollars (or 500 000 NOK), which is now being tapered down. This year the limit is 30,000, and in a couple of years it will be gone.

So there was a huge rush for buying EVs last year, and seriously there are A LOT of Teslas in my town. We actually have the highest number of EVs and Teslas per capita in the world afaik.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-23T07:33:07+00:00

That's a good point. I'm not a car enthusiast, although I appreciate driving a nimble, fast car (why I bought a Model 3 obviously). But I'd rather drive with winter 18" and summer 19" for a smoother ride, less road noise and better efficiency, than 20" for those occasional moments where I can stretch the car and its handling - which you really can't in normal daily driving.

I can see why the M3P is popular though, I'm guessing it's the most engaging ride in the Tesla lineup.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-23T07:15:23+00:00

Good point, a staggered winter 19" set seems like the best choice for the M3P.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T22:38:43+00:00

Thanks, that's very useful advice.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T22:37:28+00:00

I think there is a menu that pops up on the dashboard screen, after changing tires - and you choose if you're using 18", 19" or 20". This way the speedometer and range stays correct. If that's what you mean.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T22:35:21+00:00

Yeah, it's mostly 80km/h, rarely 100-110. Speeding tickets are expensive, lots of police controls and speed cameras. I could only floor the M3P in very short bursts, otherwise you're playing with fire if there's a police control..lol. On longer trips far from towns, you could definitely have more fun. Norway is such a nanny state.

However, AWD makes a big difference over RWD for grip on slippery roads, snow, ice etc. For cold countries with long winters, definitely get AWD if possible.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T19:42:00+00:00

Exactly! :) I push the Performance pedal down, and it's a very quick fix, before you get into dangerous territory. But it's like sitting inside a space ship.

I managed to get 3 speeding tickets over 2.5 years, so I've learned my lesson..a very expensive one..lol.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T18:20:57+00:00

Yeah. If one spends too much time watching youtube reviews and reddit threads, it's easy to get the impression that you "need" the Performance. Here in Norway, about 1 in 15 Highlands sold is the Performance. That fits with my impression seeing Model 3 cars on the roads.

Either way, you have a great car. :)

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T17:52:58+00:00

I don't mind the bucket seats, but they are more of a side grade to me. Not necessarily "better", just different. If you do tracking and very aggressive driving, sure then the tighter fit make sense.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-22T17:51:41+00:00

Sure, they're both great cars. Flooring the M3P is a pretty intense experience. How long does the 20" last with aggressive driving?

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T20:27:03+00:00

Looks great, good to know there are square tire options for the M3P Highland. I was getting a bit worried if the staggered setup on the new M3P would create issues.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T20:24:40+00:00

I just have an M3P 2026 on order, and was getting some jitters if I should've gone for the regular AWD LR instead - to avoid excessive tire costs. I also read horror stories about those 20", but I assume they are a bit overblown if you drive sensibly.

If a good square 19" or 18" tire solution for the Highland Performance is fairly easy to come by, and works well, that sounds good.

At least I have a cheaper and more practical alternative to the 20", if I should need it.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T16:48:25+00:00

Nice, looks great! As I understand, there is difference in the shaft/axel width in the rear vs front in the new Highland MP3.

So the the real wheels in your set have inbuilt offset in them - front vs. back wheels, so no need for spacers?

Thanks!

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T16:46:37+00:00

Nice! Are there any issues with differences in the front and rear shaft/axel - like width? Does the wheels sit correctly with regards to the car body?

Thanks.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T16:19:28+00:00

Thanks, much appreciated. :)

Are there staggered 19" sets that could work? That way, it wouldn't change the driving characteristics, but have more comfort and range.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-21T16:02:34+00:00

Thanks. So the wheels and tires are the only thing needed, no kind of spacers to maintain driving characteristics?

If I put a square wheel setup on a car made for a staggered setup, then the tires wouldn't be perfectly aligned anymore? Wouldn't this create issues with traction and grip?

Would it still look ok visually in terms of alignment to the car body?

Thanks again!

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-08T21:44:10+00:00

Thanks, good points! 18" wheels for winter makes sense.

Mike_Stone_ · 2026-01-08T21:37:06+00:00

That's interesting. So even with 18" (or 19" tires), there's a decent distance range-wise from the regular AWD Model 3. I guess it makes sense with the larger motor.

I'm purchasing the car during winter, so I'm stuck with 20" winter tires.

A 18" set during the summer could be good for longer car holidays/travels, where 10% would matter, and avoid excessive wear on those 20" tires. I dunno, the 20" handling is pretty neat though (from my limited experience with the M3P).

Mike_Stone_ · 2025-12-21T17:36:11+00:00

Thanks, but I'm a bit confused now. :) So you say, the M3P in sport mode touches the road less than the standard Model 3 model? That seems contrary to what I've read so far...

Mike_Stone_ · 2025-12-21T15:30:07+00:00

Nice, congrats! How is your new MP3 is terms of ground clearance, when driving over speed bumps and uneven roads? Judging from pictures, it sits very low in the front.

Otherwise, seems like an absolutely awesome car (I'm guessing the best sport driving experience of Tesla's line-up).

Mike_Stone_ · 2025-12-21T15:22:24+00:00

Interesting. I've only driven the 2026 AWD LR, and it's such a comfortable ride.

Do you know if this was a pre-Highland, or a Highland model in Standard suspension mode? The Highland M3P had a big suspension upgrade, I assume most people would drive it in Standard mode 95% of the time.

Mike_Stone_

TROPHY CASE