The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best EVs around: practical, high-tech and boasting great performance and range. Understated styling hides a sophisticated electric drivetrain and an ultra-modern interior that’s dominated by a huge touchscreen.
The Model 3 is the cheapest car in the Tesla range but doesn’t feel too far off the larger Model S in terms of quality or practicality. It’s big enough for four adults to travel in comfort; combined with fantastic refinement, the Model 3 is a relaxed car in which to spend time. It's fast too – the Performance model can give most supercars a run for their money.
If you aren’t intimidated by the amount of cutting-edge technology, the Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars on sale today. For a few thousand pounds more than a Kia e-Niro you get a product that feels more special.
The Tesla Model 3 is the smallest, most affordable car in the American manufacturer’s range of EVs. It’s built to take on the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, but Tesla also has one eye on the arrival of the BMW i4 and upstart executive EVs from the likes of Polestar and Lynk & Co.
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Following on from the success of the Model S saloon and Model X SUV, the Model 3 shares those cars’ combination of clever battery technology, powerful electric motors and high-tech onboard systems. Outside, the Model 3 also shares its siblings subdued styling, which easily flies under the radar – a stark contrast to the remarkably minimalist interior that’s all but bare save for a very large infotainment screen used to control virtually everything.
Tesla Model 3 - rear20
The Model 3 range is very easy to get to grips with as there are just three versions to choose from. The entry-level car is the Standard Range Plus, which uses a single electric motor to power the rear wheels and returns a claimed 267-mile range. Performance is good - 0-60mph takes 5.3 seconds and its top speed is 140mph.
The second is the Long Range AWD, which uses a larger battery for a claimed WLTP range of 360 miles; performance is still impressive, with 0-60mph taken care of in 4.2 seconds.
The most expensive option is the Performance model. It has a second electric motor to provide four-wheel drive and improved performance, along with an increased range of 352 miles. The Performance version will get from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and go on to a top speed of 162mph.
Standard and Long Range cars come as standard with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a tinted panoramic glass roof, 18-inch alloys and a slick 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s used to control just about everything.
Performance trim adds an 20-inch wheels, an uprated stereo, one year’s premium connectivity, LED fog lights and heated front and rear seats, amongst other luxuries.
For an alternative review of the latest Tesla Model 3 Saloon visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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Engines, performance and drive
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NEW CAR DEALS
Which Is Best
Cheapest
Name
Standard Plus 4dr Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
Price
£42,500
Most Economical
Name
Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
Price
£49,000
Fastest
Name
Performance AWD 4dr [Performance Upgrade] Auto
Gearbox type
Auto
Price
£55,500
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In this review
1
Verdict - currently reading
The Tesla Model 3 offers impressive performance, great range and a unique take on car design. It’s a relatively expensive EV, but certainly one of the best.
2
Engines, performance and drive
The Model 3 is one of the best EVs around to drive – it’s fast, fun and refined.
3
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
Impressive range, fast charging times and zero emissions all bode well; residuals should be good for an EV.
4
Interior, design and technology
An inoffensive exterior is contrasted by a show-stopping interior, packed with tech.
5
Practicality, comfort and boot space
Lots of room for passengers and two luggage areas make the Model 3 a practical proposition.
6
Reliability and Safety
Tesla has built a reputation for making cars that accelerate quicker than just about anything else on the road; the Model 3 follows suit, regardless of the specific powertrain.
The entry-level, rear-drive Model 3 is lighter than its more powerful counterpart thanks to a lack of a second electric motor, so the Standard Range Plus should feel a little more agile. Performance stats are impressive and should make sure the cheapest Model 3 is still faster than most EVs of similar size.
Those looking for the ultimate driving experience will be best served by the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Performance version. Acceleration is breathtaking, with incredible off-the-line performance and effortless overtaking. There’s enough power on tap to make short work of some of the fastest performance saloons around in most everyday situations.
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Ride and handling aren’t quite up to the same awe-inspiring standards but are still very impressive. The Model 3’s steering feels quite meaty in all its modes and is accurate if not terribly communicative. The suspension feels firm but not uncomfortable, with good damping that manages to deal well with lumps and bumps. The Model 3 can’t quite match the BMW 3 Series for ride/handling balance or outright driving fun, but it’s not too far off.
Tesla Model 3 - dash20
Elsewhere, the Model 3’s brakes are powerful, smooth and progressive – not overly grabby as in some other EVs – and the car’s considerable weight is kept under control thanks to low-slung batteries and well judged chassis tuning. Overall, the Model 3 is a great steer – just don’t expect the last word in sporty dynamics.
Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed
The entry-level Standard Range Plus model performance puts it ahead of most EVs of this size on the market. This model can get from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds and go on to a top speed of 140mph thanks to a single 180kW motor.
The Model 3 Performance uses two electric motors to produce 335kW of power - the equivalent of 449bhp. That’s enough for a supercar-rivalling 0-60mph dash of 3.1 seconds and a 162mph top speed.
The Long Range AWD model still uses two motors but sacrifices a little performance in the name of an increased range: 0-60mph takes 4.2 seconds, but there's a claimed range of 360 miles.
The Tesla Model 3 achieves full marks for safety, with initial quality issues hopefully now resolved
Electric cars traditionally offer lower running costs than their internal combustion counterparts and the Model 3 won’t be an exception. You’ll need to pay to access Tesla’s network of Superchargers to enjoy the fastest charging times, but for the first time on a Tesla you’ll be able to use standard public chargers too.
Road tax is free thanks to the Model 3’s lack of emissions, while company-car users will also benefit from a 0% Benefit-in-Kind rate in 2020/21. The Model 3 is also exempt from the London Congestion Charge and London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge.
Electric range, battery life and charge time
We are yet to test the Model 3’s range in our own real-world tests, but Tesla claims impressive numbers for all three versions. The 60kWh battery in the Standard Range car is good for a range of 267 miles, while the 88kWh battery in the Performance version manages a claimed 352 miles on a single charge. The Long Range model boasts a claimed 360-mile range.
Owners can pay for access to Tesla’s own Supercharger network, which affords the fastest possible charging options, but the Model 3 gets extra flexibility thanks to the inclusion of Type 2 and CCS ports to allow the use of generic public chargers. The charging port is located just next to one of the car’s rear lights and opens with the push of a button on the charging cable.
Externally, the Tesla Model 3 looks much like a shrunken Model S thanks to simple, unfussy lines, curvy bodywork and a grille-free front end. It’s a design that manages to look upmarket without appearing overly flashy. In fact, those who don’t know cars probably won’t take a second look. The car features a short bonnet that’s facilitated by its ‘skateboard’ chassis – the drivetrain and its batteries are mounted as low as possible in the car, creating more interior space and decent storage areas both front and rear.
Step inside and the Model 3’s conservative exterior is brought into sharp contrast by a futuristically minimalist interior. It’s almost entirely dominated by a central 15-inch infotainment screen that controls all major (and minor) functions, while even the air vents are tucked away neatly behind an otherwise plain dashboard. The only physical buttons are those for the windows and on the steering wheel, with the latter two being used to control much of the functions displayed on-screen.
Limited trim options keep things simple in what seems to be a well built interior filled with decent-quality materials. Its simplicity also bodes well for longevity too – squeaks and rattles shouldn’t be an issue.
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.
The Tesla Model 3 is pretty spacious inside and its minimal design helps add a sense of airiness. It’s easy to get comfortable in the driving seat thanks to 12-way power-adjustment options and visibility is excellent; big windows all round and an unobstructed view forward add to the car’s easy-to-drive nature.
Size
Measuring in at 4,690mm long and 2,080mm wide including mirrors, the Model 3 is slightly shorter and wider than a BMW 3 Series. It feels far better suited to British roads than its Model S and Model X siblings as a result.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The Model 3 is designed to carry four adults in comfort and it manages that task well: there’s loads of space in the front, while rear-seat passengers get enough head and legroom to enjoy a longer journey – though foot space is lacking slightly.
Tesla Model 3 - boot20
Boot
The Model 3 boasts a total of 425 litres of boot space when both front and rear storage areas are added together – shy of the BMW 3 Series’ storage space by around 55 litres. The rear boot seems large but a relatively small opening limits its flexibility when compared to hatchback EVs. The front boot is big enough for two small soft bags but can’t quite swallow suitcases like one on the Model S.
Flexibility is enhanced by split-folding rear seats and an extra storage compartment under the rear boot floor, while the power tailgate can be operated via a button at the rear of the car, on the touchscreen or by using the Tesla app.
Towing
Most electric cars aren’t rated for towing but Tesla sells the Model 3 with the option to add a two-hitch for around £970 pounds. Tesla states that this cannot be added to the car retrospectively, however. Tesla claims that the Model 3 can tow ‘up to 910kg’.
The Model 3 has been mechanically reliable, although owners have experienced some issues with paint and overall build quality - with unacceptably large panel gaps and loose trim on certain production models.
Tesla did not feature in our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but with increasing sales it will be interesting to see how customers view their Tesla experience next time around. We can say, however, that our test car felt solidly put together.
Euro NCAP crash-tested the Model 3 and awarded it five stars, along with the all-time highest rating of 94% in the safety assist category. Tesla’s ingenious semi-autonomous Autopilot technology did not contribute to this rating, but the system incorporates autonomous emergency braking and sophisticated adaptive cruise control, amongst other systems. An optional ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ pack can do just that (with active driver supervision) – the Model 3 can effectively drive automatically on the motorway, including changing lanes and overtaking. This system also includes automatic parking.
Tesla Model 3 - front detail20
Warranty
A four-year, 50,000-mile warranty is standard on the Model 3. This beats key rivals on outright length but can’t match the mileage allowances of other premium manufacturers. The car’s batteries are subject to a separate eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
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.
