Tesla Model 3 review
Despite many talented EV rivals, the technology-packed Tesla Model 3 remains one of the very best electric cars around
Our opinion on the Tesla Model 3
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 sweetens 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. All of this provided us with enough reasons to name the Model 3 our Mid-Size Company Car of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards for the second year in a row..
This Tesla is spacious 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, which also 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 of 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.
About the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the smallest and most affordable model to date from the pioneering electric carmaker, sitting below the Tesla Model Y in the brand's UK lineup. 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 £20,925To 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 Tesla Model 3 Performance briefly disappeared when the line-up 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.
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.
The Model 3 is a popular car, but newer competitors are arriving thick and fast. In order to determine whether or not the Tesla can keep up with the younger generation, we pitted it against the latest Mercedes CLA in a twin test. While its performance and tech are still highly impressive, the Model 3 fell short of the Mercedes in areas like real-world efficiency and refinement. They’re both appealing electric executive cars, but we named the Mercedes CLA as our winner here.
Tesla Model 3 prices and latest deals
Pricing for the Tesla Model 3 starts from around £38,000 for the base Standard spec, but moving up to the more lavishly-equipped Premium trim pushes this up to £45,000. You’ll need to add another £5,000 to this if you want the all-wheel drive powertrain, while the fiery Performance model sits around the £60,000 mark.
If you’d like to save on this electric exec, you can build your perfect Tesla Model 3 via the Auto Express Buy a Car service. We also have a wide selection of Model 3 lease deals, and you can even find a number of used Tesla Model 3s that are ready to hit the road.
Performance & driving experience
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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 the fully electric BMW 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. The regular version could still do with a bit more steering feedback, but it’s a massive improvement on what has gone before.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is the best Model 3 we’ve driven so far. While it’s always been quick, the latest version introduces the chassis tech necessary to make it fun as well as fast. Its numerous improvements haven’t quite made it a ‘BMW M3 killer’, but it is still an astonishingly capable performance car at an astounding price.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Model 3 RWD | 245bhp | 5.8s | 125mph |
| Model 3 Long Range RWD | 320bhp | 4.9s | 125mph |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | 351bhp | 4.2s | 125mph |
| Model 3 Performance | 453bhp | 2.9s | 163mph |
Electric motors, 0-60mph 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 125mph thanks to a single electric motor that produces 242bhp. The Model 3 Long Range features 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 125mph.
The Model 3 Performance has a dual-motor set-up providing 453bhp, giving it a blistering 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 163mph.
Town driving, visibility and parking
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 provide good stopping from higher speeds, although we found the pedal to be short on feedback and wasn’t the easiest to modulate. 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 found on the Ioniq 6, because you only get one very strong setting with the Model 3. It does have a very precise accelerator pedal, allowing you to drive with chauffeur-like smoothness at low speeds.
Country road driving and handling
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.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
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.
“The big win for the Model 3 Performance is the suspension, which is the best we’ve felt in any Model 3, or indeed any Tesla yet. It’s not soft, but it is controlled and resolved, helping the car plough through bumps in the road that would have had any other Model 3 crashing or shuddering.” – Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
Range, charging & running costs
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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 over 400 miles of range (provided you go for the smaller and more aerodynamically efficient 18-inch wheels) 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 344 miles (323 miles with 19-inch wheels), while the aptly named Model 3 Long Range can now cover up to 436 miles (398 miles with 19-inch wheels) 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.
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 megatest.
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 and the pricier Volkswagen ID.7.
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 a number of locations are still exclusive to Teslas.
You don’t have to use Tesla’s rapid chargers though, because 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. Alternatively, if you opt for a Long Range or Performance model with the larger capacity battery, you can expect about 12 hours of charging time.
| Model | Battery size | Range | Insurance group |
| Model 3 RWD | 60kWh | 344 miles | 36 |
| Model 3 Long Range RWD | 79kWh | 436 miles | 38 |
| Model 3 Performance | 79kWh | 328 miles | 48 |
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 high group 48 rating, but that’s typical for a car with a 3.0 second 0-62mph.
Tax
Most Tesla Model 3 variants fall short of the revised £50,000 luxury car tax threshold for EVs. However, opt for the Performance or another model with plenty of options, and you’ll be faced with this additional £425 annual cost between years two and six after the car is first registered. Regardless of your chosen model, all EVs are liable for the standard rate of VED road tax.
Company car drivers searching for their next executive cruiser will be pleased to hear that the Tesla Model 3 carries the lowest applicable rate of Benefit-in-Kind company car tax, due to its zero-emission status.
Depreciation
Our market data shows that the Tesla Model 3 should retain between 41 and 49 per cent of its original value after a period of 36,000 miles or three years. The Performance is the worst performer, so this loss will certainly be felt when you consider its near-£60,000 starting price.
The Model 3 is a stronger performer than the BMW i4, though, as this rival only clings on to 41 to 44 per cent after the same length of time. The BYD Seal is a slightly stronger investment, though, as it retains 53 to 54 per cent.
Interior, design & technology
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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 £2,000), 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.
Interior and dashboard design
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 ventilated and heated as standard, plus there’s ambient lighting along the top of the dash and doors.
When the facelifted Model 3 first arrived, Tesla decided to remove the traditional indicator stalks in favour of steering wheel-mounted buttons. We’re not really sure why this was greenlit, because when we tested the setup ourselves we found it to be incredibly frustrating in certain situations, like when exiting roundabouts. Thankfully, Tesla’s engineers have since realised the error of their ways and reinstated this traditional (and ergonomic) control.
One thing that has remained absent, though, is the gear selector stalk. Instead, you’ll have to use either the central screen or a selector pad above your head to choose the direction of travel. The car can also preemptively put you in the gear it thinks you’ll need, such as engaging reverse if the nose of the car is facing a wall. While this is all very fancy, it does feel like a case of technological overkill at times.
We also 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, because Tesla there’s a small screen that gives them access to the rear climate controls. If passengers connect some Bluetooth headphones, they can also be used to watch YouTube and stream music on the move.
Materials and build quality
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.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
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.
“Early models were criticised for their sub-standard finish in places, but this new one can mix it with the class leaders. It maybe doesn’t feel quite as solid inside as a BMW i4, but the defined uplift in quality compliments the super-slick 15.4-inch touchscreen.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor.
Boot space & practicality
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Not only does the Tesla Model 3 face a number of electric executive cars, but it’s also intended to tempt buyers away from traditional options like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. So, it makes sense for it to take a similar approach to housing its occupants and luggage. The Model 3 is a four-door saloon with an ample boot, plus a separate storage area under the bonnet, which is 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 and size
The Tesla Model 3 is slightly shorter and wider than a BMW i4, but while its boot seems much bigger at first glance, Tesla measures this to the roofline rather than the window, unlike pretty much every other car brand. That being said, it still offers a competitive amount of room for your luggage.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Tesla Model 3 | BMW i4 | BYD Seal |
| Length | 4,724mm | 4,783mm | 4,800mm |
| Width | 1,933mm | 1,852mm | 1,875mm |
| Height | 1,443mm | 1,448mm | 1,460mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,880mm | 2,860mm | 2,920mm |
| Boot space | 594 litres (measured to roof) | 470 litres | 400 litres |
Seats & passenger space
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.
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. The ID.7 offers an additional point on the front passenger seat, allowing for a slightly more flexible arrangement of child seats.
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 Volkswagen 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 braked towing capacity of 1,000kg falls short of the BMW i4’s 1,600kg. The Polestar 2 can also manage up to 1,500kg.
“While the Mercedes CLA’s boot is slightly smaller than the Model 3’s, its opening is much larger, which makes it a little more versatile. Both have roomy front boots, though. The Tesla is a little more spacious for rear-seat passengers, but limited foot room under the front seats makes it less accommodating than it could have been.” - Alex Ingram, former chief reviewer.
Reliability & safety
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The Tesla Model 3 is continuing to be a hit with its owners, as it scored a reasonable 25th place finish out of 50 models on the latest Driver Power best cars to own leaderboard. Drivers rated this EV’s safety features, performance and running costs particularly highly. Limited value for money held it back from achieving a higher score, though.
The Tesla brand itself performed reasonably well in the best manufacturer survey, landing in 11th place out of 31 carmakers. This placed it well ahead of BYD (30th), and even some more established rivals like Audi (19th) and Volvo (13th).
Crash safety experts Euro NCAP put the Tesla Model 3 through its paces in 2019 and again in 2025, and on both occasions, it was awarded the maximum five star rating. It didn’t quite do as well as the Skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat or Volkswagen ID.7 in the adult occupant category, but the Model 3 did beat all those rivals in the remaining categories.
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 technology 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, summoning, self-parking, and highway driving assistance are all standard on the Ultimate trim Hyundai Ioniq 6, and aren't a near £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.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Five stars (2025) |
| Adult occupant protection | 90% |
| Child occupant protection | 93% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 89% |
| Safety assist | 87% |
Buying and owning
- Best buy: Tesla Model 3 Long Range rear-wheel drive (18-inch wheels)
While the entry-level RWD model is cheaper to buy, we suggest you go for the Long Range rear-wheel drive because its 400-mile range makes it far more useful on longer trips. Its higher peak charging speed also means that mid-journey top ups don’t take any longer than with the smaller battery. The Model 3 comes very well equipped as standard, so there’s no need to raid the options list.
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. Chinese newcomers continue to make waves, too, with the BYD Seal quickly becoming a common sight on the UK’s roads.
If you’re not too bothered about the fully electric aspect, 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 still take advantage of some of the tax benefits of an electrified vehicle.
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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