One of the biggest factors in electric cars becoming mainstream is Tesla Model 3. When Euro NCAP put it through its paces last year, it beat a Skoda Superb, VW Passat and even a Volvo Polestar 2 to a five-star rating.
Now that it’s been given a facelift, it’s more of a genuine rival to premium compact executive favourites. However, it does still suffer from software glitches and battery degradation.
Price
Despite the furious ire of Muskophiles and haters alike, the Tesla model 3 is still a relatively competitively priced electric car. Its nearest rivals — like the BMW i4, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Volkswagen ID.3 — start significantly higher, even in their cheapest variants.
Even the base rear-wheel drive Model 3 is impressively well equipped, with all versions featuring heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and a glass roof. Options include a tow hitch, a pair of charging pads and an upgraded version of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a single 15.4-inch infotainment screen that controls every major function. It takes some time to get used to, but the system is a pleasure to use once you have.
Range
The rear-wheel drive Model 3 Long Range will cover around 261 miles on a charge. It's a bit more expensive than the outgoing, cheaper Standard Range but it does come with most premium interior features and dual-zone climate control.
It also comes with Tesla's Supercharger network and a home-charging station included in the price, as well as a suite of safety and driver assist features that helped it score a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024.
The more powerful all-wheel drive Performance version can accelerate from 0-60mph in an impressive 2.9 seconds and boasts a more muscular 460hp. It's considerably more expensive and comes with the most premium interior options as well as a power-folding heated steering wheel.
Performance
The Tesla Model 3's engine and battery pack are mounted low to make it feel nimble and responsive. Despite being so light, it feels planted through corners and has one of the sharpest steering ratios in the business. It also has a wide range of adjustability for the steering wheel and driver's seat.
On a racetrack, the Performance model smokes cars that cost several times as much. But it doesn't really feel like a sports sedan in the way that a BMW M3 or Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio do.
It's a car that makes the most of its electric powertrain, and it offers the best value in an all-electric vehicle. But if you actually enjoy driving, it's better to spend more and get a true sports sedan.
Interior
Rather than relying on a minimalist look, the 2024 Model 3 features a wraparound ambient lighting strip that’s color customizable. Cloth trim replaces fake wood, and a thinner bezel on the single central infotainment display allows for a slightly larger picture.
Like all long-range EVs, the Model 3 is quick away from the lights and feels stable as it changes direction. It also has impressive brakes, which pull the car to a smooth stop.
There’s plenty of rear head and leg room, as well as a surprisingly large cargo hold. The split-folding rear seats fold flat for more space, and there’s an additional 88 litres in the frunk under the front of the car. All Highland models get a second-row touchscreen that provides rear passengers with entertainment options and climate control. They can even use the screen to move the power front passenger seat.
Exterior
The Model 3 is a bit larger than the compacts you might expect based on its exterior dimensions, so interior roominess is a pleasant surprise. It’s right at the edge of midsize for American sedans, and Tesla’s smartly designed layout allows for a spacious back seat and plenty of cargo.
For 2024, Tesla tweaked the dashboard’s design, dropping a fake woodgrain look in favor of soft textiles. Sturdy cupholders and a large center console provide plenty of storage space. A 15.4-inch touchscreen acts as your control hub, and a flat menu structure with crisp, quick toggles cribs Apple’s approach.
Gone is the turn-signal stalk, replaced by touchpads on the steering wheel that activate your left and right blinkers. You can also manually select drive mode by tapping up or down on the infotainment screen’s display strip.
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