Tesla's all-electric Model 3 executive saloon took the American brand into volume territory for the first time. Now it's been significantly improved. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Model 3 is the car that's really put Tesla on the map and the brand has really worked on it in recent times, with a wide-ranging mid-term update, a top Performance version and the introduction of a super-efficient Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive volume variant. If you haven't tried a Model 3 for some time, you'll find this current version more avant garde inside, quieter to drive and better to ride in, plus there's more equipment despite the fact that the entry-level version has a useful price advantage over its rivals. So, your next executive saloon? Middle managers who are early adopters of new technology should form an orderly queue.

Background

At its launch back in 2017, the Model 3 was the most significant car Tesla had introduced in its history, but even this ambitious US brand couldn't have predicted just how successful it would be. In the first six years of production, over 2 million were sold and the car was frequently the European continent's best seller. It was an accessible, high-performance and technologically advanced contender that appealed to a broad audience and it helped shift perceptions about electric vehicles into the mainstream. By Autumn 2023 though, the EV competition was catching up, hence the need for the heavily revised version of the Model 3 we look at here. It got a sharper look, greater refinement, improved media connectivity and a smarter cabin. And was followed up in 2024 by the introduction of a top Performance flagship derivative; and a super-efficient Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant with up to 436 miles of range. It all sounds promising.

Driving Experience

There's a lot to get used to behind the wheel of a Model 3 - particularly in this updated version. For this enhanced design, Tesla has decided that it's no longer necessary to provide the column stalks that used to control gear shifting and the indicators. Forward or reverse motion is now activated via a swipe on the right hand side of the central screen that, as before, houses all the main drive instruments. While indicating is now dealt with by buttons on the left hand wheel spoke. Model 3 owners have usually chosen the Dual Motor version rather than the base rear-driven model because of that AWD variant's bigger battery and longer EV mileage. Well now Tesla has introduced a 'Long Range' version of the Rear-Wheel Drive derivative too, which boosts the base version's 318 mile range figure to a far more satisfying 436 miles (though at quite a price premium). As before, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version offers 390 miles, while the top AWD Model 3 Performance manages 328 miles. All variants offer eager performance, with the base Rear-Wheel Drive model making 62mph in 6.1s, a figure the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version improves to just 4.4s. The top 'Performance' Dual Motor variant has 453bhp, which makes 62mph in 2.9s en route to 153mph. With that, you get adaptive damping and a 'Track Mode' package for sharper handling. Across the range, with the 'Project Highland' mid-term update of early 2024, lots of work was done on refinement (not a strongpoint of the original model), Tesla introducing 360-degree acoustic glass and adding improved suspension bushings, seals and sound-deadening materials. Otherwise, the drive experience here is much as before. Which means superbly accurate steering, lacking only the final really feelsome element that's integral to a good European rack. And very well modulated set of brakes. There's also firm-ish damping that contributes to excellent body control through the turns, but doesn't crash too much through pot holes or over speed humps. You could actually enjoy yourself driving this car, which is quite a rare experience in an EV. The smooth linearity of the throttle helps -though it's still prone to lurch the car forward like a startled rabbit if used without due care. As before, there's no driving mode system of the kind a combustion-engined competitor in this segment would offer - just three steering settings ('Comfort', 'Standard' or 'Sport') and two acceleration modes ('Standard' and the rather cringily-named 'Chill'). You can activate a 'Slip Start' setting that eases the car away if you happen to be stuck on snow, mud or sand. As for regenerative braking, well you can't control it in the way you can with rival EVs. A Model 3 also dispenses with other driving control features you might be familiar with - a wiper stalk, a handbrake, an ignition key and a start button for instance.

Design and Build

The key difference with this evolved Model 3 lies with its sleeker exterior design, which sees sharper body lines and aero-optimized surfaces reduce drag, improve wind noise and increase range. The headlamps now have a totally new aesthetic and the tail lamps have been restyled too, with super bright colours. Otherwise, things are much as before, so the batteries run along the floor and there's a body made of a mixture of steel and aluminium. The suspension design uses double wishbones up-front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, with coil springs all-round. Breaking from the hatchback body configuration of other current Tesla cars, the Model 3 is a five-seat saloon that measures in at 4.7m long - fractionally more than a BMW 3 Series. A little disappointingly, the door handles are conventional, rather than automatically popping out to greet you as they do with larger Teslas. As before, to get in and start the car, you don't need anything as old fashioned as a key - or even a key fob. When you take delivery, simply download the appropriate app to activate everything - or use the provided RFID card. Inside this revised model, interior ambiance has taken a noticeable step towards 'premium-ness' (as it needed to), with upgraded materials (real aluminium, textiles and so on) and customisable ambient lighting wrapping around the full cabin. There's re-designed aluminium-covered centre console with dual wireless 'phone chargers. The heated front seats are now ventilated and Tesla has installed a new studio-quality next-gen audio system, with either 9 or 17 speakers, depending on whether you choose a rear-driven or AWD variant. The previous wheel stalks have been replaced with steering wheel controls for a more uncluttered driving experience, including both haptic switches and physical buttons. The super bright and responsive 15.4-inch centre-dash display is the same size as before, but offers a more usable screen area thanks to thinner bezel. It features customizable UI and gets better over time with OTA updates. As before, it's certainly very airy inside thanks to an uncovered sunroof at the front and a rear window that stretches up into the roof. That gives excellent rearward visibility too. In the back, there's an 8-inch rear display with integrated climate control, ventilation, and entertainment. As before, there's 425-litres of luggage space, that figure including both boot capacity and the 117-litre under-bonnet 'froot'.

Market and Model

Model 3 pricing has actually become a little more affordable in recent times, the figures now starting from around £40,000 for the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive version; it's around £45,000 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model; and around £50,000 for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant. Think around £60,000 for the top Performance flagship derivative. If even the entry-level figure is still a little on the high side for you, the various improvements made to this car since the 'Project Highland' mid-term update of early 2024 might take some of the sting out of these prices. Enhancements like the customisable ambient lighting system, the ventilated front seats, the more premium cabin trimming, the two-phone wireless charging station and the smarter 8-inch rear seat climate display screen. Media connectivity has been improved too, with dual-band Wi-Fi capability (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz). Then there's the improved Tesla-designed premium audio system. It features 17 speakers, dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers for Long Range vehicles; and 9 speakers, a single subwoofer and amplifier for Rear-Wheel Drive vehicles. It includes native support for Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal. Additional and more capable microphones deliver improved call quality too. there are also two rear USB-C charging ports, each with up to 65W of power. You'll be able to seamlessly connect it all with Bluetooth to sync everything from your contacts to your music. The 15.4-inch centre screen takes software downloads from Tesla every few weeks (once you've approved the same via your ownership app) which means that, as with other Teslas, you'll get into your car one morning and find it can do something it couldn't do yesterday - which is rather cool. The navigation mapping is by Google maps, so traffic mapping is very interactive. All of this does mean though, that as soon as you want to change something, you have to delve around in menus and sub-menus to do it, which requires intimate familiarity with the way the monitor works. This isn't one of those cars you can just get in, drive and use to the full without a second thought.

Cost of Ownership

Tesla hopes the introduction of the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant will rejuvenate Model 3 sales - and that derivative's 436 mile EV range figure is certainly impressive. It's the most efficient Tesla vehicle built to date, with quoted consumption of 20.1kWh per 100 miles / 12.5kWh per 100km. And the US brand says that it would save up to £1,800 a year over an equivalent petrol vehicle, with a projected four year saving of £6,380. Though there's quite a difference in battery size between the Rear Wheel-Drive and Dual Motor models, both DC charge in about the same time (10-80% in about 25 minutes) because the Rear-Wheel Drive version's 58kWh battery can only charge at up to 170kWh, while the Dual Motor variant charges at up to 250kW. As before, a major selling point lies with the Tesla Supercharger network, which now features over 1,000 charging points spread across over 100 locations throughout the UK. As for AC home charging, with an EV electricity tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go at 7p per kWh, an owner charging at home driving 10,000 miles per year would spend less than £150 a year on charging, approximately £140.82 for the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (as of the time of this Review in Autumn 2024). And particularly with that Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3, a single charge should sustain more than a week of commutes. Charging from home using a 7.4kW wallbox from empty to full takes 9 hours 15 minutes with the 58kWh rear-driven model - or 12 hours with the 70kWh Dual Motor version. The car responds best to nightly recharges, but will happily sit for a couple of weeks at an airport while you holiday without losing significant charge, though over longer stationary periods, the cells will slowly lose their charge. Owning a Model 3 is of course very different from owning a conventionally powered executive saloon. There's no fuel bill and service is minimal. The annual service fee covers an annual inspection, replacement parts like brake pads and windscreen wipers, 24 hour roadside assistance, system monitoring, remote diagnostics, software updates and new features sent through the touchscreen. As with other EVs, you'll make big savings over a combustion competitor in terms of your tax, VED and maintenance liabilities.

Summary

A lot of people have a lot to say about Tesla and its co-creator Elon Musk. Here though, our job is to talk about the cars it makes, specifically this one, which to begin with caused the brand more headaches than any other in its history. But then perhaps you'd expect that. It's one thing to build relatively low volume cars that sell in the £75,000 to £125,000 bracket, as Tesla did with the Model S when it started off. But quite another to make one for the volume market where per-unit profits are lower and product scrutiny much greater. The Model 3 was that car and in the years since, it's gone on to redefine its brand. But the EV market has moved on since 2017, so it's just as well that the Model 3 has moved with it, creating this heavily revised design. If you didn't already want a Model 3, the improvements made here probably won't be enough to convince you over alternatives from more established brands, but if you've always hankered after one of these, then this updated package will please you very much indeed.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Privacy glass

Rear electric windows

Windscreen washer jets

Automatic headlights and wipers

UV index rating

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

ESC - Electronic Stability Control + traction control

Regenerative braking system

Brake disc wipe technology

Automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance warning

Hydraulic brake fade compensation

Hydraulic brake boost compensation

Stopping modes (Creep, hold, roll)

Collision avoidance assist with multi collision braking and obstacle aware acceleration

Communication

Smartphone connectivity

Dual wireless phone charger

Voice control for media, navigation, climate control, contacts, app and settings

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Lane keep assist

Custom driver profiles

Traffic-aware cruise control

Autosteer

3 steering modes (Comfort, standard, sport)

Park assist with visual and audio feedback

Acceleration modes (Chill, standard)

Video recording

Lane assist with Emergency lane departure avoidance

Controlling speed assist with speed limit warning

Self park system

Tesla profile

Driver Convenience

Car wash mode

Powered rear trunk

Adjusting opening height of powered trunk

Interior emergency trunk release

Driver Information

Navigation system

Trip computer

e-Call (emergency call)

Software updates over WiFi

Brake wear indicator

Calendar and web conferencing

Automatic blind spot camera

Blind spot collision warning chime

15" Center touchscreen and 8" Second row display

Cruise control light

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

DAB Digital radio

Media storage

Music, FM radio and media over bluetooth connection

Tesla mobile app

Music and video streaming, caraoke and internet browser

9 speakers and single amplifier

17 speakers, dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers

3 x USB-C ports with each up to 65W

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Panoramic roof

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Interior emergency release for frunk

Frunk cargo volume 88l

Frunk opening hood with no power

Exterior Lights

Parking lights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Rear fog lights

Automated High beam assist

LED 3rd brake light

Side marker lights

License plate lights

Turn signals

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Advanced climate controls (Touchscreen adj front vents, cabin overheat protection, preconditioning, dog and camp mode, rear vents, cabin air filters)

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Overhead console

12V power outlet

Coat hangers

Power adjustable steering wheel

Glovebox with pin

Horn and scroll button on steering wheel

Center console

Rear console

Interior Lights

Dome lights

Customizable ambient lighting

Safety

Driver airbag

Front passenger airbag

Seatbelt pretensioners

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Electric child locks

Pedestrian warning

3x3 point rear seat belts

Knee airbags

Seat belt reminder

Locking rear windows

Window left open notifications

Adjustable shoulder anchor height

Airbag status indicator

Airbag warning indicator

Front passenger occupant detection

Smart garage connectivity

Cabin camera determining driver inattentiveness and view cabin from tesla app

Seat mounted far side airbag

Seats

Easy entry system

Folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Isofix child seat anchor points

Single front passenger seat

Adjustable rear center seat head support

Heated and ventilated seats with individual controls integrated into HVAC

Power adjustable front seats with driver lumbar support and integrated head support

Heated rear seats with individual controls

Integrated rear head support

Security

Keyless entry and keyless start

Valet mode

Hands free key card

Auto drive away locking

Dashcam

Driver door unlock mode

Car left open notifications

Unlock on park

Tilt/Intrusion system

Pin to drive

Sentry mode

Phone key with ultra wideband capability

Interior locking and unlocking

Walk away door lock

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Scheduled charging

Energy app

Scheduled departure

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 454

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 107

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 36

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 120

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 27

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 250

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 120000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 79

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 702

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 702

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 640

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 12.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 436

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 397

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 436

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 250

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: N

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 4

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38D

Service Interval Mileage: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 89

NCAP Safety Assist %: 87

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 320

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.9

Top Speed: 125

Engine Power - BHP: 320

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 235

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: PHOTON

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4720

Width: 1933

Wheelbase: 2875

Width (including mirrors): 2089

Height: 1440

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1747

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 594

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 977

Driver Aids

Full self-driving capability

Enhanced autopilot

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Special metallic paint

Multi coat paint

Metallic paint

Additional premium paint

Interior Features

Additional vegan uphlostery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Deep blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Black

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Quicksilver

Premium - Stealth grey

Premium - Ultra red

Multi coat - Pearl white

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Cloth

Vegan leather - Black and white/Black and white interior

Vegan leather - Black/Black interior

Wheels - Alloy

19" Nova alloy wheels