Tesla Model 3 review
Despite many talented EV rivals, the technology-packed Tesla Model 3 remains one of the very best electric cars around
Is the Tesla Model 3 a good car?
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars around. It’s practical, high-tech, and boasts great performance and range for a competitive price. The all-electric saloon’s facelift only sweetened the deal, improving build quality and refinement, giving it a slightly snazzier look, and boosting the already excellent range up to around 400 miles in some versions.
It’s big enough to work as a family car and is a relaxed place in which to spend time. Access to the Tesla Supercharger network and the car's excellent navigation system that also works to precondition the battery ahead of charging stops all help when tackling long journeys. It's fast too, even in its most basic rear-wheel drive form, while the all-wheel drive Model 3 Long Range and Performance models will show plenty of sports cars a clean set to heels away from the traffic lights. As long as you’re not intimidated by the cutting-edge technology or the minimalist interior, the Tesla Model 3 is a great option.
| Key specs | |
| Fuel type | Electric |
| Body style | Executive saloon |
| Powertrain | 60kWh battery, 1x e-motor 79kWh battery, 1x e-motor 79kWh battery, 2x e-motors |
| Safety | 5-star (Euro NCAP, 2019) |
| Warranty | 4yrs/60,000 miles |
Tesla Model 3: model range, specs and rivals
Sitting in the Tesla range below the Tesla Model X large SUV, the Tesla Model S saloon and the Tesla Model Y mid-size SUV, the Tesla Model 3 is the smallest, most affordable model to date from the pioneering electric carmaker. The compact all-electric saloon first went on sale in the UK in 2019, winning the title of Auto Express Car of The Year that same year, and has gone on to become one of the best-selling EVs in the world.
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Cash £17,100To keep the Model 3 in fighting shape, Tesla gave its entry-level car a mid-life facelift, but the improvements weren’t isolated to a new bumper and a fresh set of headlights. The Model 3 added even more tech, improved build quality and refinement, as well as increased the range. The base Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 can now cover up to 318 miles on a single charge (up from 305 miles in the pre-facelift model), while the Dual-Motor Model 3 Long Range boasts a 390-mile range (up from 374 miles). For long-distance drivers, there's an ultra-efficient Long Range Rear-Wheel drive model boasting a 436-mile range to challenge the likes of the revised Polestar 2.
The Model 3 Performance disappeared for a bit when the lineup was updated, but it has since been reinstated. It’s much more than simply the programmers turning up the wick on a standard model, because not only are there model-specific forged 20-inch wheels shod with Michelin rubber, but the Performance gets adaptive suspension (a first for the Model 3), thicker anti-roll bars, unique suspension bushes, a customisable Track mode, plus a sub-3-second 0-60mph time.
The Model 3’s understated styling hides a sophisticated electric drivetrain and an ultra-modern, incredibly minimalist interior. That cabin is dominated by a huge, super-slick 15.4-inch touchscreen that’s used to control virtually all of the car’s features and systems. Some may not appreciate Tesla’s decision to remove the indicator stalks, replacing them with buttons on the steering wheel which can be problematic to operate in certain situations, as we discovered for ourselves on test.
Equipment is generous on every Model 3, with standard kit including 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a glass roof, wireless charging pads for two smartphones, ambient lighting, a basic version of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system, that massive central display and a smaller touchscreen for back-seat passengers to control the rear cabin temperature, or stream videos and music. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto though, so you best get used to Tesla’s own infotainment system.
How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost?
Prices for the Tesla Model 3 start from just under £40,000 for the standard rear-wheel drive version, rising to a touch under £45,000 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. Adding four-wheel drive increases the price to a little under £50,000, while the most potent Performance model can be had for around £60,000. Alternatively, you can lease a Model 3 or buy a used version, all on Auto Express.
Electric motors, performance & drive
Tesla has built a reputation for making cars that accelerate quicker than just about anything else on the road, and the Model 3 does exactly that, with even the entry-level, rear-drive version taking less than six seconds to hit 60mph.
Overall, the Model 3 is a very competent steer – it just doesn't match the BMW 3 Series or fully-electric i4 for ride and handling. The only version that gets close to offering similar driving fun as those rivals is the Performance model. With all its tweaks underneath and the opportunity to alter various parameters in its Track mode, from the power split between the front and rear axles, and the ability to pick from one of three levels for the stability control system, you have the confidence to exploit the car’s talents in the bends, rather than as just utilise it as a straight-line speed machine. It still needs more powerful brakes, and a bit more steering feedback wouldn’t go amiss, but it’s a massive improvement on what has gone before.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Model 3 RWD | 245bhp | 5.8 seconds | 125mph |
| Model 3 Long Range RWD | 320bhp | 4.9 seconds | 125mph |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | 351bhp | 4.2 seconds | 125mph |
| Model 3 Performance | 460bhp | 2.9 seconds | 163mph |
What is the Tesla Model 3 like to drive?
In town
The suspension feels firm with a little bit of patter at low speeds, but it still provides better damping than the BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2, and the Model 3 manages to deal well with larger lumps and bumps.
The Model 3’s brakes are powerful, and while that’s good for stopping from higher speeds, around to, we found the pedal is short on feedback. When we tested it against five of its main company car rivals, our testers would have liked more adjustability in the level of brake energy regeneration, as you’ll find on the Ioniq 6, because you only get one setting, and it’s very strong. The Model 3 does have a very precise accelerator pedal, which enables you to drive with chauffeur-like smoothness at low speeds.
On A- and B-roads
Ride and handling for the standard rear-wheel drive and Long Range models aren’t quite up to the same awe-inspiring standards as the straight-line acceleration, but are still very impressive. The Model 3’s steering is quick and somewhat hyperactive compared to rivals, and doesn’t give any feedback. There’s plenty of grip, though, and body control is tight, so the Model 3 can maintain a great cross-country pace.
On the motorway
Tesla has worked hard to improve refinement in the Model 3 as part of the car’s mid-life facelift, adding 360-degree acoustic glass, improved suspension bushes, seals and various other sound-dampening materials. The brand claims it’s achieved a 30 per cent reduction in wind noise compared with the previous version, and it’s certainly helped to make the Model 3 one of the quietest cars in its class, with only the bassy rumble of tyre noise at motorway speeds holding it back against the likes of the highly refined BMW i4.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 manages 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 140mph thanks to a single electric motor that produces 242bhp. The Model 3 Long Range adds a second electric motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive and a combined power output of 346bhp. 0-60mph in the Model 3 Long Range takes 4.2 seconds, while the top speed stands at 145mph.
We’re yet to try the upcoming Model 3 Performance, but we’ll update this section as soon as we have. It’ll have a dual-motor set-up, with Tesla claiming that the new drive unit will provide over 460bhp to give it a blistering 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 163mph.
Range, charging & running costs
The Tesla Model 3 has always boasted hugely impressive range figures, especially for the price, but the facelifted version goes a step beyond, officially offering close to 400 miles of range for less than £50,000. Props to the team at Tesla for pulling that off.
The Tesla Model 3 has always boasted hugely impressive range figures, especially for the price, but the facelifted version goes a step beyond, officially offering close to 400 miles of range for less than £50,000. Props to the team at Tesla for pulling that off.
Tesla hasn’t told us about any upgrades to the Model 3’s battery or drivetrain, but the new, slipperier front end has reduced the drag coefficient to 0.219 – the lowest of any Tesla to date. As a result, the base Model 3’s range has increased from 305 to 318 miles, while the aptly named Model 3 Long Range can now cover up to 390 miles on a single charge – up from 374 miles previously. The Performance version has the least range at 328 miles – a drop of 12 miles compared with the previous version. That’s still good compared with the likes of the M50 version of BMW i4, which only gets 312 miles on a charge.
You’ll only get the maximum electric range if you stick with the smaller 18-inch wheels with their aerodynamic covers. The larger 19-inch rims look more stylish but knock roughly 30 miles off the Model 3’s claimed range. It’s worth bearing this in mind when you’re playing with the online configurator.
Just as important as the official range is how efficient an EV is on the road, and we’re pleased to say the Model 3 has proven itself to be extremely efficient in our evaluations. When we tested a pre-facelift Model 3 Long Range against the Polestar 2 and BMW i4, the Tesla returned 4.4 miles per kilowatt-hour. That works out to a real-world range of around 330 miles, which was about 10 per cent off the claimed figure. A post-facelift Long Range model also impressed us in cold weather, managing 3.8 miles per kilowatt-hour (or 285 miles) – the best figure managed during our company car group test.
Of course, the Model 3 isn’t the only electric car to boast a range of around 400 miles – others include the facelifted Polestar 2, both of which cost similar money to the Model 3.
| Model | Battery size | Range | Insurance group |
| Model 3 RWD | 60kWh | 318 miles | 36D |
| Model 3 Long Range RWD | 79kWh | 436 miles | 38D |
| Model 3 Performance | 79kWh | 328 miles | 48D |
Electric range, battery life and charge time
A big advantage the Model 3 has over rivals is access to Tesla Superchargers in the UK. Yes, the rapid-charging network has slowly been opening up to all electric car owners, but most of the locations are still exclusive to Teslas, at least for the moment.
You don’t have to use Tesla’s rapid chargers though, as the Model 3 features Type 2 and CCS charging ports so you can use other public charging points, too. The charging port is located just next to the left-hand rear light and opens with the push of a button in the car or via the Tesla smartphone app. Alternatively, you can tell the car to “open butthole” – though, that’s probably not the best thing to say if your in-laws are in the car with you!
The base Model 3 has a maximum charging speed of 170kW, while the Model 3 Long Range can reach 250kW. You can replenish the battery in both versions from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in under half an hour, or add up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes if you use the right rapid charger. When it comes to charging at home or overnight, it’ll take a regular 7.4kW home wallbox just over nine hours to fully recharge the base Model 3, or you’re looking at about 12 hours if you get a Long Range model.
Tax
Electric cars continue to offer lower running costs than their internal combustion counterparts, and not just in terms of fuel. Like all EVs, the Model 3 is exempt from road tax (VED) and the London Congestion Charge until 24 Dec 2025, while company-car users also currently benefit from a 2 per cent Benefit-in-Kind rate.
Insurance groups
Insurance group ratings for the facelifted Model 3 are an improvement over the previous generation. The standard rear-wheel drive model now starts in group 36, and the Long Range four-wheel drive is in group 41. That puts the Model 3 on par with the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and between the Volkswagen ID.7 in group 38. The bonkers performance also contributes to its rather group 48 rating, but that’s typical for a car with a 3.0 second 0-62mph.
Unfortunately, industry testers Thatcham Research rated both ‘D’ for 'doesn't meet requirements', while most of its rivals, bar the BYD Seal, get an ‘E’ rating for exceeding requirements. This means Tesla needs to do more in terms of the security devices it fits on its cars in order to bring the Model 3 up to the standards of its rivals.
Depreciation
Our latest expert data projects that the Tesla Model 3 line-up will retain between 42 and 53 per cent of its original value after a typical three-year/36,000-mile ownership period. The entry-level rear-wheel drive version is expected to retain the most, while the most expensive Performance is expected to lose the most.
In comparison, the Polestar 2 is expected to retain 38 to 43 per cent, and the BMW i4 is predicted to maintain 43 to 47 per cent over the same period.
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Design, interior & technology
The Tesla Model 3 is probably not the most attractive car on the road, but we think it still manages to look upmarket without appearing overly flashy. The facelifted Model 3, with its slightly sharper front end, may well draw a few more admiring glances than the original. The latest Model 3 also gets a thinner set of headlights, while at the rear, there are C-shaped tail-lights, ‘Tesla’ badging across the bootlid, and a reprofiled bumper.
Those looking for a more aggressive-looking Model 3 should take a look at the high-performance, erm, Performance model. It’s got a big splitter and larger air intake in the front bumper, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, a tweaked rear bumper, and forged 20-inch alloys to set it apart from the rest of the range.
The Model 3 sits on what’s known as a ‘skateboard’ chassis, with the drivetrain and batteries mounted as low in the car as possible. This creates more interior space than similarly-sized combustion-engine cars and decent storage areas at both the front and rear.
Ordering a Tesla Model 3 is an incredibly simple task: just pick which version you want, then the paint (Ultra Red looks good, but is an eye-watering £2000), the interior colour, and finally, which set of wheels you want. You can also add a tow hitch, or one of two upgraded versions of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system, but that’s your lot. Where the alternatives tend to have complex options lists, Tesla gives you most of it as standard.
What is the Tesla Model 3 like inside?
Take a seat inside, and the Model 3’s relatively conservative exterior is contrasted by a fastidiously minimalist interior. Tesla says the cabin of the all-electric saloon was ‘fully redesigned’ as part of its facelift, although it doesn’t look all that different from the original version to us. It’s still almost entirely dominated by a central 15.4-inch infotainment screen that controls all major (and minor) functions, and displays your speed and other vital driving information, while the air vents are tucked away neatly behind an otherwise plain dashboard.
That giant display now has more usable space due to a thinner bezel, the front and rear seats are now ventilated and heated as standard, plus there’s ambient lighting along the top of the dash and doors.
One very obvious change is the steering wheel, which features buttons for the indicators in place of the traditional steering column stalks. For what reason? We’re not sure, and when we tested the setup ourselves, we found it was frustrating in certain situations, like when exiting roundabouts, or when you have to activate the indicators when the steering wheel isn’t in the straight-ahead position. It seems that Tesla might be admitting defeat on that front because the updated Tesla Model Y retains its indicator stalks, so hopefully, this will come back to the Model 3.
The updated Model 3 also ditches the gear selector stalk, using the central screen for gear selection instead, or preemptively putting you in the gear it thinks you’ll need, such as engaging reverse if the nose of the car is facing a wall.
We wish there were some physical buttons for the climate controls rather than Tesla forcing you to use the touchscreen to adjust everything from the heated and cooled seats to the direction of the airflow. At least those in the back no longer have to ask someone up front to adjust the temperature, as Tesla has added a small screen that gives them access to the rear climate controls. If passengers connect some Bluetooth headphones, it can also be used to watch YouTube and stream music on the move.
What is the interior quality like?
Tesla has worked on the Model 3’s interior quality as part of the facelift, and we’re pleased to say there’s been a marked improvement inside. The interior doesn’t feel quite as solid as the flawless cabin of the BMW i4, but it’s more on par with the other premium EVs it counts as rivals.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
Tesla often has the feel of a tech firm first and a car company second, and the Model 3’s super-slick infotainment setup is at the cutting edge of what you’ll find in modern cars today.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen has the processing power to match its hi-res graphics. Loading times when plotting a route are rapid, and there’s minimal latency when responding to touches, pinches and swipes. Its precision with those inputs is impressive, too.
Roughly a third of the screen is reserved for driving information. Some will prefer to have a readout in front of them on a separate screen, but the numbers are large, so they’re not that hard to spot out of the corner of your eye.
There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, with Tesla preferring to use its own method of smartphone integration. We had no problems with Tesla's on-board system, however, and the sat-nav system is particularly impressive with its ability to plot charging spots on route, and also communicate with the car to tell it to prepare the battery to accept its maximum charging rate as soon as you plug in – something many rivals struggle with.
Boot space, comfort & practicality
The Tesla Model 3 is intended to tempt buyers away from three-box saloons like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4, so it makes sense that it also takes a similar approach to housing its occupants and luggage. It’s a four-door saloon with an ample boot, plus a separate storage area under the bonnet – one of the benefits of doing without a traditional internal combustion engine.
Visibility is also excellent due to a low scuttle that gives an unobstructed view forward, plus there are parking sensors front and rear (which measure in inches how far away you are from an object) and a high-resolution camera system makes the Model 3 easy to place when parking in a tight car park.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,720mm |
| Width | 1,850mm (2,089mm inc mirrors) |
| Height | 1,441mm |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Boot space | 594-977 litres |
Dimensions and size
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,441mm tall. In other words, it’s slightly shorter and wider than a 3 Series or the fully electric BMW i4. It’s also smaller than the Tesla Model S flagship saloon, and feels far better suited to British roads as a result.
How practical is the Tesla Model 3?
Seats & space in the front
The Model 3 is designed to carry four adults, and it manages that task well: there’s loads of space in the front, and its minimalist design helps add a sense of airiness. It’s easy to get comfortable in the driving seat thanks to 12-way electric adjustment, while the more heavily bolstered sports seats fitted to the Performance version provide excellent support in corners.
There’s plenty of storage in the front, with the centre console featuring wireless charging pads for two phones and two enormous cubbies: one under the large armrest and the other a little further forward below a sliding cover. The door bins are also generously sized, with two cup holders for those in the front. Our biggest issue with the glovebox isn’t the size – though it is pretty slim – it’s the lack of a physical release, so you must use the touchscreen or voice commands to gain access.
Seats & space in the back
If you have to carry five people at once, the Model 3 can handle it. A completely flat floor in the rear provides space for everyone’s feet, plus there’s enough head and legroom to enjoy longer journeys. The rear seats are heated as standard, which is a nice touch because that’s often an option on rival cars.
The Model 3 isn’t perfect, though, as the low-mounted seats push passengers’ legs upwards, giving them only limited under-thigh support. The larger Volkswagen ID.7 is much better for carrying passengers in the back, with its extra width providing even more shoulder room for three adults sitting next to one another.
Two ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are provided on the outer positions of the rear bench. An ID.7 provides an additional point on the front passenger seat, making the arrangement of child seats a little more flexible.
Boot space
The Tesla Model 3 has an impressive 594-litre boot that’s larger than what you'll find in the Polestar 2 and has an extremely deep under-floor storage area. However, the Model 3’s narrow boot opening makes loading items trickier than with the BMW i4, Polestar 2, or ID.7, because these all feature more versatile hatchback tailgates.
The ‘frunk’ under the bonnet is accessible either using the car’s touchscreen or the Tesla smartphone app. Its 88-litre capacity is big enough for two small soft bags or general odds and ends, but you'll need to adhere to a weight limit of 50kg. You can also lower the Model 3’s split-folding rear seats if you need to haul longer items.
Towing
If you want to use a Model 3 to tow anything, you can order yours with a tow bar for an extra £1,300. Although the Model 3’s maximum towing capacity of 1,000kg, falls short of the BMW i4’s 1,600kg maximum capacity, and the 1,500kg the Polestar 2 can tow.
Safety & reliability
The Tesla Model 3 has proven to be a hit with owners, according to the latest 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. The Model 3 has jumped from 22nd place in 2023, to second overall out of 50 models in the 2024 list of the best cars to own. Owners have ranked it seventh out of 50 for day-to-day reliability, but the brand still has some work to do, because it featured amongst the bottom 10 positions in the categories regarding the quality of exterior finish (50th out of 50), and the quality of the interior (44th out of 50).
Crash safety experts Euro NCAP put the Tesla Model 3 through its paces in 2019 and awarded it the maximum five-star rating, along with very impressive 96 and 84 per cent scores in the adult and child occupant protection categories, respectively.
The Model 3 also received a rating of 94 per cent in the safety assist category. Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot technology did not contribute to this rating, but the system incorporates autonomous emergency braking and sophisticated adaptive cruise control, among other systems.
Every Model 3 features a basic version of Autopilot, but buyers can upgrade to either ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ or the misleadingly named ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’. The former allows – provided the driver is paying attention to the road ahead – the car to maintain lane position with steering, acceleration and braking, and it can also change lanes. It has several features yet to be activated, such as auto parking tech and an ‘Actually Smart Summon’ feature, which should allow the car to navigate to you in a car park. For now, it does feature something called ‘Dumb summon’ where you can drive the car via the Tesla App on your phone or the car’s key out of a tight parking space. However, that feature, self-parking, and highway driving assistance are standard on the Ultimate trim Hyundai Ioniq 6, and not a nearly £3,500 option as in the case of the Model 3.
The mislabelled Full Self-Driving builds on this by recognising and reacting to traffic lights and speed limit signs. However, it still needs the driver to pay attention and be ready to take over, and it doesn’t have the autosteer feature activated for driving on city streets. Until these additional features become available, it isn’t worth spending nearly £7,000 for a suite of assistance systems you can’t use at the moment, especially when these can be added to the car later.
| Key standard safety features | Euro NCAP safety ratings |
|
Warranty
The Model 3 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. This beats the industry standard three-year warranty, and should provide plenty of cover for those planning to lease a Model 3. However, it can’t match the mileage allowances of other premium manufacturers like BMW.
The battery pack is covered by a separate warranty of eight years or 120,000 miles.
Servicing
There are no set servicing intervals for the Tesla Model 3, with the car itself alerting the driver as and when a service is required. Over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics help make some smaller maintenance jobs more convenient, as do Tesla’s Mobile Service technicians.
Fixed-price Tesla Maintenance Plans are available and can be transferred from owner to owner when required.
Tesla Model 3 alternatives
While Tesla was one of the leaders of the electric car revolution, mainstream manufacturers have been quickly catching up, as is clear by the number of talented rivals the Model 3 now has to go head-to-head with. There’s the engaging and exceptionally well-finished BMW i4, the space-age Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the effortlessly stylish Polestar 2 to start with. You also have traditional executive cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class that still demand respect in the compact saloon space, and can be had with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power so you can take advantage of some of the tax benefits of an electrified vehicle, but be able to continue your journey on petrol power without having to stop to charge on trips away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars on sale today; practical, high-tech, and boasting great performance and range, all for a relatively low price.
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