Item: Tesla Model 3
Rating: 82
Author: Stuart Masson

The Tesla Model 3 is a mid-size premium saloon and the third model in the Tesla family. Like all Tesla models, it is only available with an electric motor supplied by a battery pack.

The Model 3 was first unveiled in 2016, but enormous American demand combined with numerous production problems meant that it only arrived in the UK in Spring 2019.

The Tesla Model 3 has received unanimously positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with most scores indicating very good or outstanding results. It doesn’t have any directly comparable rivals, as there are no other compact executive saloons available as fully-electric models. Some, like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class, have plug-in hybrid options, while other similarly-priced electric cars include the Kia e-Niro.

The Model 3 has received particular praise for its performance, driving dynamics and minimalist style. Criticisms mainly relate to the questionable ergonomics of some of the functionality required by having everything controlled by a central screen, and the usual electric car concerns over range and charging time.

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Body style: Mid-sized saloon
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £36,490* on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA

* price includes £3,500 government plug-in car grant

MEDIA REVIEWS

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Long Range AWD
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is in a class of one at the moment, but that shouldn’t detract from Tesla’s achievement with its first ‘more affordable’ model. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it’s a car that drives brilliantly, looks great, seems to be built just as well as other cars at the price and is full of the most advanced tech. That all adds up to make it just about the coolest car you can buy right now.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“This is the Tesla to buy, full of EV pep and at a more affordable price. It competes well with other sports saloons around the same price point and looks future-proofed when it comes to self-driving tech.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is not the perfect car, but what is? After two days in it, I rather liked it. And that’s my gig: to separate the metal from the noise.”
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Model reviewed: Model 3 Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“The Model 3 Performance easily answers that question about suiting British drivers and roads – it’s made for them.”
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Car

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 feels like a breakthrough car.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 brings world-beating performance, range and tech to the mainstream executive class.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Long-range
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no official measure on the Tesla Model 3’s range, but we’ve been achieving more than 200 miles on a single charge.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Undeniably special to drive and sit inside, the Tesla Model 3’s statistics make impressive reading, although the ‘affordability’ of this car is highly debatable and it simply isn’t built as well as it should be.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything Tesla has done up to this point has built towards the Model 3… and it’s been worth it.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is great to drive, packed full of tech, is fast and even reasonably practical. Yes, it is firmer than some of its rivals, but it’s never uncomfortable even on beaten-up UK roads.”
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