Tesla Model 3 Review 2024
The Tesla Model 3 has been a staple in the electric saloon market since its inception in 2017. Finally receiving an update in late 2023, the Model 3 has a sleek exterior design, a boosted electric range, and an affordable price tag.
Rivals to the Tesla Model 3 include the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Polestar 2, BYD Seal, and BMW i4.
Our Tesla Model 3 review covers:
- Sleek and sharp exterior design
- Minimalist interior with huge 15-inch infotainment screen
- 598-litre boot and 88-litre front boot
- Three powertrains available
- Three trim levels
Pros:
- Sleek and smart exterior design
- Massive boot
- Good electric range
Cons:
- Interior might be too minimalist
- Infotainment system could do with a few buttons and dials
- Rivals offer more interior quality
The Tesla Model 3 is still in its first generation but received an update in late 2023. This is a welcome update as the Model 3, although a trailblazer when it came out, was falling slightly behind. The update includes subtle style changes, including a sleeker front end, a flowing body from front to back, and a bulky rear end.
Inside, Tesla has taken its minimalist approach to another level with the Model 3. The layout is absent of anything bulky and bold, which means there's plenty of space. Thanks to plenty of head and legroom throughout, you should have no issues fitting four adults in the cabin.
Once you wrap your head around the ultra-minimalist design inside the Model 3, you'll find a well-built cabin with a decent range of materials. While it's not as premium as the BMW i4 or Polestar 2, it's certainly a nice place to be for a long journey.
The interior's main feature is the whopping 15.4-inch infotainment system, essentially the car's central nervous system. You can control pretty much everything through it, from the air conditioning to whether you're in drive and reserve. Although an impressive bit of kit, a few dials wouldn't go amiss.
Three trim levels are available for the Model 3: Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range, and Performance.
Rear-wheel drive comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, climate control, and faux leather upholstery.
Long Range has 18-inch or optional 19-inch wheels, enhanced autopilot, a wall-mounted charger, and all-wheel drive and a range of up to 390 miles.
Performance has 20-inch wheels, sports suspension, a premium audio system, electric adjustment for the front seats, and heating for all seats. It's also the fastest version of the Model 3, going from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Tesla has kept the engine range pretty simple; each trim gets a different powertrain. The entry-level trim comes with a rear-wheel drive powertrain that returns 245bhp and goes from 0 to 60mph in 6.1 seconds. Available with a smaller battery and a single electric motor, it returns an official range of 318 miles.
The next choice, the Tesla Model 3 long-range, is our pick of the bunch. Adding an additional motor to make it all-wheel drive, it returns 351bhp and reaches 60mph in just 4.4 seconds. It offers the best range for a Model 3 with 390 miles.
For those looking for speed, go for the performance version. It returns 460bhp and will go from 0 to 60mph in a ridiculous 2.9 seconds! Its electric range comes in at 328 miles.
All can charge at speeds of up to 170kW. When using a supercharger, it can add up to 175 miles in just 15 minutes!
The Model 3 is an enjoyable car to drive, offering a relaxing ride and superb acceleration when needed. In town, it's easy to drive thanks to light handling and a suspension that handles potholes well. You also get a range of driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors.
Getting onto a slip-road in the Model 3 is quite exciting. It's a bit like being on a plane on the runway before taking off! Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but the Model 3 has no issues getting up to motorway speed.
Once there, it's quiet and comfortable at cruising speed, and the adaptive cruise control and optional autopilot system will drive the car for you as long as you keep a hand on the wheel.
On a country lane, the Model 3 is decent to drive and will provide a bit of fun, but it doesn't quite live up to the likes of the BMW i4 or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Prices for the new Tesla Model 3 start from £39,000.00 OTR* or to lease from £247.25 per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Tesla Model 3? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.
