Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 at a glance

Tesla planned a smaller, cheaper car from its early business plan of 2006–2007, after the Roadster and the Model S. The Model 3 was meant to compete with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class at a much lower price than a Model S. More than 325,000 reservations arrived in the first week after the reveal, and about 455,000 were outstanding by August 2017. The car was first meant to be called Model E, a name Ford objected to.

The company behind it is covered in the history of Tesla.

Motors, batteries and performance

The rear-wheel-drive versions use one permanent-magnet motor at the rear; Long Range and Performance add a second motor at the front. Batteries changed many times: the first Standard Range had about 50 kWh, Long Range packs about 74–82 kWh, and Shanghai-built standard cars switched to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells from CATL. LFP cells hold less energy for their weight but are cheaper and can be charged to 100% regularly.

In the US the facelifted rear-drive car reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and the Performance in 2.9 seconds. After the 2023 facelift Tesla limited the top speed of the standard car to 201 km/h, partly to suit its low-rolling-resistance tyres. Long Range cars charge at up to 250 kW on a Supercharger. Fuel costs are replaced by electricity costs; you can compare them with a petrol or diesel saloon in the fuel cost comparison.

Dimensions and luggage space

The 2023 facelift made the car about 3 cm longer and cut the drag coefficient from 0.225 to 0.219, which together with other changes added about 10% to the range. The cabin is dominated by a horizontal 15-inch touchscreen; the facelift removed the stalks for indicators and gears, added ventilated front seats on some versions and an 8-inch rear screen. At 4.72 metres, the Model 3 is about 1 cm longer than a BMW 3 Series G20, but its two boots hold more luggage than the BMW's 480 litres.

Running costs and charging

Tesla's battery warranty runs for eight years with 160,000 km for the standard versions and 192,000 km for Long Range and Performance, with at least 70% capacity retained. A heat pump arrived in late 2020 and noticeably reduced winter range losses. Servicing is less frequent than on a petrol car, but tyres wear quickly on the heavy dual-motor versions. Prices have changed often: in April 2024 Tesla cut the price of the rear-wheel-drive version in Germany from 42,990 to 40,990 euros.

Equipment and Autopilot

All versions have a glass roof, heated front seats, a premium audio system, keyless entry through a phone app or key card, and Autopilot, Tesla's lane-centring and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot and "Full Self-Driving" are paid software options whose availability and legal use differ by country. Over-the-air updates add features and fixes during the car's life.

Euro NCAP and safety

Euro NCAP tested the Model 3 in 2019 and gave it five stars: 96% for adult occupants, 86% for children, 74% for vulnerable road users and 94% for safety assist. In the US, the IIHS rated it Good in most crash tests and Superior for front crash prevention.

Reliability and what to check

1. Build quality of early cars: panel gaps, paint flaws and water leaks were common on 2018–2019 cars; inspect seals and the boot.
2. Suspension: front control arms on early cars could creak or wear; listen over bumps.
3. Battery health: check the displayed range at 100% charge against the original figure.
4. Tyres and brakes: heavy wear on Performance cars; brake discs can rust because regenerative braking does most of the work.
5. Software: confirm which paid features, such as Enhanced Autopilot, transfer with the car.

Rivals: how the Model 3 compares

The Model 3 combines long range, a dense fast-charging network and a low price for its class, while rivals offer more physical controls and, in the BMW's case, better ride and finish. Its larger relatives, the Tesla Model S and the Model X, cost much more. Compare sizes with any rival in the 1cars comparison tool.