Tesla Model 3 review
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars on sale, delivering great real-world range, tidy handling and a tech-filled interior
Pros
- Great performance and range
- Classy, minimalist interior
- Easy to live with
Cons
- Others are more fun
- Limited rear headroom
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | 305 miles | 9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 25mins (10-80%, 170kW) |
| Long Range | 374 miles | 12hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 27mins (10-80%, 250kW) |
| Performance | 340 miles | 12hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 27mins (10-80%, 250kW) |
The Tesla Model 3 is the entry-level, more affordable model from the American EV manufacturer, following on from the pricey Model S saloon and Model X SUV, and has been one of the UK's most popular electric cars ever since it landed. It shares much of the same technology, design and punchy performance of its bigger siblings, albeit in a smaller, cheaper package – in fact, its starting price was reduced in January 2023 to just over £42,000.
As standard, you get a rear-wheel-drive four-door executive saloon, capable of just over 300 miles on a single charge. There are also two four-wheel-drive options with a larger battery pack and more performance. Late 2020 brought an update to the Model 3 inside and out, with subtle trim alterations and technology upgrades that make it better to live with. This was well timed, considering the Model 3 now faces a host of rivals such as the Polestar 2, BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6.
The Long Range version offers the best driving range, at an official 374 miles, while the Model 3 Performance sacrifices a little of that for its mad-but-brilliant BMW M3-slaying pace. Yet at a more sedate speed it'll still cover 340 miles on a charge – notably better than other big-battery electric cars such as the Jaguar I-Pace.
Even in the entry-level car, the way this Model 3 fires up the road is addictive. You just can't help yourself when there's such instant acceleration a toe-flex away. Chill mode helps to smooth things out, but it never stops you enjoying the build of power and fierce acceleration that puts more expensive machinery to shame. In fact, it makes you question why anyone would need the extra power offered on the Performance model, which has the ability to pin you back in your seat every time you hit the accelerator pedal.
Mind you, the BMW i4 handle with more finesse; the Model 3 never feels delicate or playful, but it grips stoically, turns in precisely and keeps body lean ruthlessly in check. Comfort will be no bother even for those planning high-mileage use or those spending a lot of time on rough city roads, however. Build quality inside can't match its rivals from BMW or Hyundai, but the minimalist cabin is spacious and the infotainment system is one of the best around.
It may have been around since 2017, but the Model 3 still feels like a trailblazer; different, but in all the right ways. It offers something exciting and enticing – notably technology and performance – that's still hard to match elsewhere in this price range. For a more detailed look at the Tesla Model 3, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...
