Tesla Model 3 Review 2024

Tesla Model 3 At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Great electric car backed up by a superb charging network.

+Spacious, minimalist interior. Relatively affordable. Range of up to 348 miles. Fun to drive.

-Build quality lacking compared to mainstream rivals.

New prices start from £41,000

In this Tesla Model 3 review, you'll read the American firm's BMW 3 Series rival has the range, performance and charging network needed to make it one of the best electric saloons currently on sale amongst rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW i4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

You don’t have to be an eager early-adopter to consider the Model 3. It’s a genuinely usable electric car with a relatively affordable price tag, generous range and minimalist cabin.

The Model 3 is available in three guises: the Standard Range Plus, the Long Range model and the range-topping Performance. The cheapest is the Standard Range Plus, which will make the most sense for the majority of buyers. It makes do with a single electric motor powering the wheels, providing impressive acceleration (0-60mph in 5.3 seconds) and an official WLTP range of 254 miles between charges.

While the Standard Range Plus is powered by an electric motor powering the rear axle, the Long Range and Performance versions have an extra electric motor driving the front wheels, making them both all-wheel drive. As their names suggest, the Long Range focuses on range, capable of covering 348 miles between charges (and accelerating to 60mph in 4.4 seconds), while the Performance is all about chasing supercars. This will reach 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric cars around, and cover 329 miles between charges.

Driving the Model 3 takes a little acclimatisation compared to other cars. Pretty much everything is operated through the large, tablet-like infotainment display that's situated at the centre of the dashboard. This seems excessive at first, but the truth is that the majority of features you’ll access when parked up, at which points it’s simple and intuitive to use. Once on the move, anything you do need is easy to access and no more confusing than infotainment systems used in rival vehicles.

There are a few quirks - the flashing indicator lights on the central screen, for example, and the lack of conventional dials above the steering wheel (again, information such as your current speed are shown on the infotainment display). 

Once you’ve got your head around these features, the Model 3 is a wonderfully easy car to drive. Just the two pedals, obviously, and probably the best all-around visibility of any car on sale. Acceleration is instant thanks to its electric drive, and even the most affordable model feels ultra quick.

Is it entertaining? Yes. Even if you’re used to a BMW 3 Series - traditionally the driver’s car of this price point - you’ll enjoy driving the Model 3. Probably more so. The steering is direct and, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels on the standard model, you can feel the Model 3 being pushed rather than pulled through the bends.

One advantage of a Tesla over other electric cars is access to the firm's Supercharger network. This is a network of rapid chargers located at convenient locations across the country (usually motorway services) and only open to Teslas. Unlike other models, this isn't free to use with the Model 3 - but you're looking at about £15 to fully charge a Standard Range Plus.

Whether you're a Tesla fan or not, the Model 3 is objectively a very convincing electric car. It's priced right to make it a competitive alternative to other EVs, as well as mainstream petrol and diesel models. Not only will it travel far enough before charging to quash any range anxiety concerns, it's also fun to drive and has a trendy, minimalist cabin.

Tesla Model 3 handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Model 3 makes electric car ownership workable for almost everyone thanks to its impressive range and access to the Tesla Supercharger Network – it's shocking accleration is just a bonus.

Tesla Model 3 2024: Handling and ride quality

If you've never driven an electric car before, the Model 3 will be a revelation. It's easy to drive - just like a conventional automatic car, there are two pedals and steering wheel, but there's no need to start the engine or select a gear. You just select drive, press the accelerator and go.

Like any other electric vehicle, acceleration is instant thanks to Tesla's single-gear electric motors. Even the standard model is a lot of fun to drive, with more than enough performance for the majority of drivers. It'll very quickly build up speed on a motorway slip road and overtaking is easy.

With one electric motor powering the rear axle, the entry-level car feels very agile - you can tell the car's being pushed through bends rather than pulled through them, allowing the steering to feel direct and sporty (if a little lifeless). The more expensive models add an extra electric motor to the front axle, providing extra traction and even faster acceleration.

The batteries are located under the floor, helping to lower the car's centre of gravity, although you're always aware that the Model 3 is a rather heavy car. As such, the ride is firm (we'd recommend the 18-inch wheels if you're concerned about ride quality), but it tackles bumpy roads fairly well despite this. 

Around town, the Model 3 is a lot of fun, with its excellent visibility and instant acceleration giving you the confidence to drive assertively. Features like the standard reversing camera and light steering makes it an easy car to park, too.

Tesla Model 3 2024: Engines

Even the basuc Tesla Model 3 is one of the quickest electric cars on sale. Even the basic car will get from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Long Range does it in 4.2 seconds - quicker than a BMW M340i performance saloon. The big daddy, though, is the Performance model – it gets from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds (or faster than a Lamborghini Huracan). 

 

Tesla Model 3 2024: Safety

The Tesla Model 3 got a five-star safety rating when it was crash tested in 2019 and you can boost safety still further by choosing from two packs.

Enhanced Autopilot (£3400) means the car can follow its own sat-nav directions (to a point), change lane automatically and can be summoned to meet you using an app on your mobile phone.

Spec the £6800 Full Self-Driving Capability instead and you get all the functions of Enhanced Autopilot, plus the car can brake automatically for stop signs and red lights, and steer itself in town. 

 

Tesla Model 3 2024: Towing

It's worth noting that the Model 3 is rated for towing. With the factory-fitted tow hitch, the Standard Range Plus and Long Range models can tow up to 910kg. The Performance model is available with a towing capacity of up to 500kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
Long Range 4WD - 4.2 s -
Performance 4WD - 3.2 s -
Standard - 5.3 s -

Tesla Model 3 interior

Interior Rating
With an attention grabbing infotainment screen and white vegan leather seats, the Tesla Model 3 looks every inch the modern electric saloon, and it has the space needed to deal with family life.
Dimensions
Length 4694 mm
Width 2088 mm
Height 1443 mm
Wheelbase 2875 mm

Full specifications

Tesla Model 3 2024: Practicality

The Tesla Model 3's dimensions are 4694mm long, 1849mm wide and 1443mm tall – making it roughly the same size as a small executive saloon like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Model 3 is on of the best electric family cars on sale. spacious enough, with the driver finding a comfortable seating position easy to find and plenty of space for adult passengers in the front and rear. While legroom is comparable to a BMW 3 Series, it feels much less claustrophobic in the back thanks to the standard panoramic sunroof. The flat floor helps with legroom, too, while there are ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats for fitting child seats.

Up front, there's a generous amount of storage, including a large centre console with a surprising amount of space. There's a decently-sized cubby box, too - although only accessible via the touchscreen system.

As a saloon, access to the boot is a little tight, but the Tesla Model 3's 425-litre boot is about average for this size of car. There's also a useful second boot in the front (another advantage of not having a conventional engine), while the rear seats can be dropped easily on all models should you need to carry bigger loads.

Tesla Model 3 2024: Quality and finish

Alongside premium alternatives from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, interiors of other Tesla models have fallen short with poor build quality and brittle materials. But, while the Model 3 still isn't as cosseting as it could be, it feels well screwed together and we love the minimalist approach.

Tesla Model 3 2024: Infotainment

There's a huge 15-inch landscape media screen in the centre of the dash providing access to most of the car's features. Whether it's turning the lights on, adjusting the temperature or accessing your music, almost everything is done via this screen. Not everyone will appreciate this - some drivers still prefer a dash filled with knobs and buttons - but it's something you'll soon get used to.

Tesla likes to do things its own way, so it's no surprise that there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Fortunately, the Model's 3 navigation and entertainment system is easy to use, although the entry-level model doesn't come with live traffic updates. You can access features like Spotify, though, giving you access to your music on the move. 

Tesla Model 3 value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Tesla Model 3 is well priced, well equipped and comes with the backing of the best charging network currently available.

Tesla Model 3 2024: Prices

You get three versions of the Tesla Model 3 to choose from.

The basic model called simply the 'Model 3' is priced from £45,990, has a 305mile range, gets from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. While a basic Ioniq 5 is cheaper (£39,840) it can't match the Tesla's performance or range.

Sitting in the middle of the line-up is the £54,990 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which gets from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, has a 145mph top speed and a range of 374 miles. It's one of the best long range electric cars currently on sale. 

Finally, there's the £59,990 Performance model, which has a 340mile range, gets from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 162mph. 

Tesla Model 3 2024: Running Costs

The basic Tesla Model 3 has a 50kWh battery, while the rest of the range has a 75kWh battery. As a result, charging times vary from more than 24 hours (using a three-prong plug at home) to less than an hour using a public fast charger.  Charging the battery could cost less than £10 if you have a cheap energy tariff and charge at home. Charging using a fast public charger will cost double that or more. 

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Tesla Model 3 models and specs

All Tesla Model 3s come with a basic autopilot system that can accelerate and brake the car independently and Sentry Mode – which keeps an eye on your car when it's parked, filming hit and runs and vandalism. More humdrum standard fittings include a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel and front seats. All models also get a 15-inch portrait display that has Bluetooth and sat-nav but not Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

The Model 3 Long Range model adds heated front and rear seats, premium audio (14 speakers, one subwoofer, two amps and immersive sound), premium connectivity for one year (including live traffic updates, in-car internet streaming music and media, internet browser, more frequent over-the-air updates), LED fog lights, interior floor mats.

The Model 3 Performance features 20-inch alloy wheels, performance brakes, carbon fibre spoiler, lowered suspension, aluminium alloy pedals, and a track mode.

Dimensions
Length 4694 mm
Width 2088 mm
Height 1443 mm
Wheelbase 2875 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1612–1847 kg
Boot Space -
Warranty 4 years / 50000 miles
Servicing 12500 miles
Costs
List Price £41,000–£52,499
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands Exempt
Official MPG -
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Long Range 100Dkwh Dual Motor Auto 4dr - - -
Performance P100Dkwh Dual Motor Auto 4dr - - -
Standard Range 4dr - - -

On sale until May 2024

Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Long Range 100kwh RWD Auto 4dr £46,935 - -
Long Range Auto AWD 4dr £49,000 - 4.2 s
Performance Upgrade Auto AWD 4dr £52,499 - 3.2 s
Standard Plus Auto RWD 4dr £41,000 - 5.3 s

Model History

May 2019

UK orders open for Tesla Model 3

Priced from £38,900, the entry-level Tesla is available in three different variants, with a range of up to 348 miles.

With its sub-£40,000 price tag, the Standard Range Plus can cover up to 258 miles under electric power. The rear-wheel-drive model reaches 60mph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

With two electric motors, the all-wheel-drive Long Range version starts at £47,050 and can achieve the 348 mile headline figure, according to official WLTP tests. It'll sprint from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 145mph.

The range-topping Performance model is priced from £56,050 and accelerates to 60mph in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is 162mph.

Tesla's Autopilot feature is standard on all models, allowing the car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically under driver supervision. Like with other Teslas, the Model 3 will continue to receive updates with new features and added functionality over time.

The Standard Range Plus model comes with what Tesla describes as 'Partial Premium Interior', featuring 12-way power adjustable heated front seats, premium seat material and trim, a premium audio system, navigation, and LED fog lights.

The Premium Interior package - standard on Long Range and Performance models - adds satellite-view maps with live traffic visualisation, premium audio with 14 speakers, in-car internet streaming music & media, internet browser and a location-aware automatic garage door opener.

Buyers can choose from five colour choices, with solid black included as standard. Metallic Midnight Silver or Deep Blue are available for £950, while Multi Coat Red and Pearl While will cost £1900. Standard Range Plus and Long Range models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, while 19-inch wheels are available as a £1450 option. The Model 3 Performance comes with 20-inch wheels.

Deliveries expected from June 2019.

Model 3 specs at a glance:

Standard Range Plus

Long Range AWD

Model 3 Performance

0-60MPH

5.3 seconds

4.5 seconds

3.2 seconds

Top Speed (Km/h)

140 mph

145 mph

162 mph

WLTP KM/Miles

258 miles (est)

348 miles

329 miles

Starting Price

£38,900

£47,900

£56,900

Wheel Options

18”Aero or 19” Sport

18” Aero or 19” Sport

20” Performance

Drive

Rear-Wheel Drive

Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive

Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive

Vehicle Warranty

4 year / 50,000 miles

4 year/ 50,000 miles

4 year / 50,000 miles

Battery and Drive Unit Warranty

8 year / 100,000 miles

8 year / 120,000 miles

8 year / 120,000 miles

Curb Weight

1645 kg

1847 kg

1847 kg

Interior Cargo Volume

542 Litres including front trunk, rear boot and underfloor storage

Length

4.69 metres

Wheelbase

2.88 metres

Width

2.08metres (1.93metres with mirrors folded)

July 2019

Price drop for Tesla Model 3

The entry level Model 3, Rear-Wheel Drive Standard Range Plus, now starts at £37,340 (pricing includes VAT and the £3,500 UK Plug-In Car Grant) or £395 per month.

Model S and Model X now come in two trim variants: Long Range and Performance. All Model S and Model X Performance vehicles will be delivered with Ludicrous Mode – which enables 0-60mph in as little as 2.4 seconds for Model S or 2.7 seconds for Model X.

November 2019

Survey reveals Model S will lose just one per cent of battery capacity a year

Full report here.

February 2020

Tesla Model 3 voted Best Executive Car in 2020 UK Car of the Year Awards.

What to watch out for

14-08-2019:

Report from owner who just took delivery of a new Tesla Model 3: "I placed £1k deposit some 3 years ago. Finally got car last week. On collection was left unhappy as car had several scratches and these were pointed out to them and recorded; also some paint blemishes. Was told if didn’t take car my name would return to bottom of list. Sent email of Complaint listed all included pictures, etc. Over weekend had fault on car 'brake fluid light' after 120 miles. Couldn’t use car. Helpline number not answered, etc. Later tired again and warning light cleared. Received email from sale manager agreed exchange following telephone conversation. Now saying if rejected can’t have another and policy doesn’t allow, etc. etc. Have to deliver car tomorrow. Also had charge point fitted £700 and can’t use now either. If they touched up all panels the. Paint will look crap. Also brand new car should be faultless? £60k"

03-12-2019:

Report of Tesla Model 3 delivered in August 2019 "with a myriad of body work issues, twisted seat belts and a few squeaks. Day 5 of driving the car, it failed to start. The screen was blank and would not engage reverse or drive. After an hour, the car came back to life. This happened 3 times before lessee decided to take the car into the service centre. He was was provided with a courtesy car which also broke down. 3 weeks later the Model 3 was back with the paintwork issues resolved and claimed to be fixed via a software update. One month after the service visit it happened again: twice. The car was towed to the service centre and a petrol car was provided as a courtesy car. After spending 4 weeks in the service centre the car was returned to lessee with very little empathy, with the claim a loose connection had been causing the fault. Lessee discovered they had not replaced half the trim in the front boot (which was promptly resolved). 4 days after having my car back the fault occurred again.The fault was reported to Tesla at 8am on 3-12-2019, and, at 6pm 3-12-2019, the car is still sitting on lessee's driveway with no courtesy car in sight. Lessee spoke to lessor who has not cvome back to him regarding replacing the car and Tesla has refused to replace it." Lessee says: The car is brilliant when it works, but he can't play a daily lottery of it not starting and regardless what they do to the car he will never have any trust in it."

 

 

 

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