Battery size: 55 – 75kWh
Miles per kWh: 5.2
E-Rating™ : A++
Max charge rate: 250 kW
Range: 318-390 miles 
Pitted as the ‘affordable’ Tesla when it was revealed in 2016, the Tesla Model 3 arrived in the UK three years later as a genuine alternative for premium compact executive favourites like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. And in terms of sales, it’s well and truly taken the fight to those established Germans. Is it still on top of the EV tree?
The first question any buyer swapping out of a conventional petrol or diesel car will ask is about the range and charging. There are three different versions of the Model 3, but since a facelift in 2023, even the entry-level model has an official range of 318 miles. The Model 3 Long Range AWD will be the big seller, though, and increases its reach to 421 miles (390 miles if you go for the more popular 19-inch alloy wheels). If you do need to charge in the middle of a journey, there are now thousands of compatible fast and rapid chargers throughout the UK, including Tesla’s own superb super-fast Supercharger network of almost 1,000 charging points at almost 100 locations.
At the top of the line-up is the Model 3 Performance, which will do 328 miles to a charge according to WLTP figures, despite also being able to execute 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds! I mean, that's cool, but frankly unnecessary...
Where the Model 3 really sets itself apart from rivals is with its tech. The minimalist interior might take some getting used to as almost all of the functions are controlled by a central ‘tablet’ screen, leaving the rest of the dashboard clear and uncluttered.
Unlike most conventional cars, the Tesla gets smarter the longer you own it; updates sent to the car over the internet add extra technology and upgrade features while you sleep.
Hidden deep in the menus are all sorts of interesting features, from the ability to make the car drive itself on some roads to Tesla’s infamous and unique ‘Easter eggs’. These are fun features you won’t find in the owner’s manual and include the ability to change the touchscreen into a retro games console, or you could even surprise one of your passengers by placing a virtual whoopee cushion under their seat. These Tesla toys are also updated over the air, so you never know what’s coming next, which can inject some fun into a miserable Monday morning.
Safety is also top-class. In the independent Euro NCAP safety tests and its equivalent in the US, the Model 3 has gained some of the highest scores ever, thanks to its excellent protection in impacts and clever technology which could help you avoid a crash in the first place.
Verdict
So what’s the catch? Well the Model 3 isn’t quite perfect. It’s only available with a separate boot rather than a hatchback, which will limit its appeal for some as it’s not so easy to carry bigger loads, or a dog, for example – the bigger Tesla Model Y would be a better choice here. The rear seats are oddly-shaped too, and sitting in them can be uncomfortable for taller passengers as the floor feels unnaturally high. There have also been plenty of reports about build-quality issues cars and parts supply problems. These - and the performance - mean the insurance can be an issue for younger and inexperienced drivers.
Having said all of that, the Model 3 remains a benchmark when it comes to the value it offers for tech, range and charging convenience. It's a pretty remarkable car for the money, and it's not hard to see why it is such a global success - and a firm favourite at Electrifying.
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