Tesla Model 3: A True Modern, Whimsical Christmas Companion
The Tesla Model 3 leaves room for the Christmas charm even in an era defined by changing metrics and software.
by Alvin Uy
Published on Dec 17, 2025
At first glance, the Tesla Model 3 presents itself as a study in restraint, with its clean lines, minimalist cabin, and an absence of the familiar mechanical cues that define most automobiles. Yet beneath this calm exterior lies a car that understands something many modern vehicles forget: that driving, especially during the holidays, can be both purposeful and playful. During the Christmas season, Tesla's Santa Mode encapsulates this philosophy perfectly, transforming the Model 3 from a high-efficiency electric sedan into something unexpectedly whimsical, without compromising its serious engineering credentials.
The Tesla Model 3 is officially offered in the Philippines in three variants. The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version, priced at P2.109 million, serves as the entry point to the lineup. Above it sits the Long Range All-Wheel Drive at P2.489 million, offering increased range and dual-motor capability, while the range-topping Performance variant, at P3.099 million, delivers supercar-rivaling acceleration. Esquire Wheels tested the base RWD Model 3 finished in Ultra Red, a color that subtly amplifies the car's presence without straying from its minimalist character.
But for Tesla cars, it is not about acceleration figures or range statistics, even though the Model 3 performs strongly in both areas. It is the driving experience—like Tesla's Santa Mode, a seasonal software feature that demonstrates the brand's unique approach to automotive design and driving experience. Activated through the car's central touchscreen, Santa Mode replaces the standard driving interface with a festive overlay. The vehicle icon on the navigation screen becomes Santa's sleigh pulled by reindeer, complete with animated motion. Turn signals chime with sleigh bells, and acceleration cues are accompanied by cheerful holiday sound effects. Even the pedestrian warning sounds outside the car adopt a festive tone.
Santa Mode on the Tesla Model 3
Santa Mode shows us that these features are not just novelty add-ons. Tesla makes the driver and passengers feel integrated, deliberate, and polished. It underscores Tesla's belief that software is not merely functional but experiential. During the holiday rush, especially in Manila traffic, which is often stressful and hurried, this playful transformation offers a brief moment of levity, reminding drivers and passengers alike that mobility can still spark joy.
Beyond Santa Mode, the Model 3 continues to demonstrate Tesla's software-led identity through features that remain active year-round. Sentry Mode turns the vehicle into a vigilant observer when parked, using its external cameras to monitor surroundings and record suspicious activity. Dog Mode maintains a safe cabin temperature while displaying a reassuring message on the screen for passersby, and Camp Mode allows the car to sustain lighting, climate control, and power for extended stationary use, making it ideal for long stops or overnight stays. Together, these modes reinforce the idea that a Tesla is less a static object and more a responsive digital environment with a wide array of tools to streamline the driving experience.
Complementing these features is Tesla's Toybox—a collection of built-in entertainment functions that further blur the line between car and digital device. The Model 3's large central screen can be used as a gaming console, supporting several arcade-style titles. With an aftermarket Bluetooth controller connected, the system allows drivers and passengers to play directly on the display, turning idle charging sessions or waiting periods into interactive downtime. While not a substitute for a dedicated gaming system, due to the obvious safety concerns, it reflects Tesla's understanding of modern user habits and the value of maximizing in-car screen time beyond navigation and controls.
Dog Mode on Tesla Cars
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Bluetooth Controller functionality for gaming on the Tesla Model 3
Driving the Model 3 remains a distinctly different experience from other electric vehicle brands currently available in the Philippine market. The most immediate difference lies in its control philosophy. Traditional gear selectors are absent; instead, drivers shift between Drive, Reverse, and Park by swiping the touchscreen. While unconventional, this interface becomes intuitive with minimal acclimation and reinforces Tesla's clean, centralized design language.
Nearly every function, from navigation to climate control, is housed within the expansive central display, reducing visual clutter and mechanical redundancy.
On the road, the RWD Model 3 delivers smooth, immediate torque and a level of refinement that feels more cohesive than many competitors in the same segment. Acceleration is brisk without being aggressive, and the low-mounted battery pack contributes to a planted, stable feel through corners. Higher variants enhance this experience further, with the Long Range offering extended usability and the Performance model delivering dramatic straight-line speed that outpaces most EVs in its class.
Charging infrastructure remains one of Tesla's strongest advantages. Access to the Supercharger network significantly reduces range anxiety, offering fast, reliable charging that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's navigation system.
Importantly for local owners, Tesla vehicles can also utilize Type 2 chargers, the most common throughout the Philippines, allowing flexibility beyond Tesla's proprietary ecosystem. This dual capability gives Tesla a practical edge in a market where charging infrastructure is still evolving.
Ultimately, the Tesla Model 3's appeal lies in its ability to balance seriousness with subtle delight. It is efficient, fast, technologically advanced, and competitively priced for its segment. Yet it is also capable of transforming its interface into a festive celebration at the tap of a button. Santa Mode may be seasonal, but it represents something permanent about Tesla's philosophy: that the modern car should not only move people efficiently but also engage them emotionally.
In Ultra Red, during the Christmas season, the Model 3 feels especially appropriate. It is a reminder that even in an era defined by software updates and charging metrics, there is still room for charm. It is this blend of innovation and personality that allows the Tesla Model 3 to stand apart, not just as an electric vehicle, but as a thoroughly modern driving experience.
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