This electric exec has taken the new car market by storm, and it’s now whipping up a hurricane on used forecourts. Here’s what to look for
Oliver Young oliver.young@haymarket.com
BUYING GUIDE
In production 2019-present Price from £19,000 Our favourite version Standard Range Plus
MARKETERS ARE CLEVER people: to catch your attention, they throw around adjectives like ‘game-changing’, ‘revolutionary’ and ‘ground-breaking’, even when the product isn’t. Say those things about the Tesla Model 3, though, and we wouldn’t revolt.
Since its arrival, the Model 3 has remained a class leader; it’s received both new and used car awards from us, partly because it offers exceptional performance and range in any form.
The first Model 3s in the UK, in entry-level Standard Range Plus form, sprint from 0-60mph in 6.1sec and have an official range of 254 miles. Next up is the Long Range, which shifts those figures to 4.4sec and 348 miles respectively. It’s this version of the Model 3 that, in our summer and winter real-range tests, has consistently beaten the vast majority of electric cars we’ve put it up against.
The Model 3 Performance trades some range (329 miles, officially) for more (you guessed it) performance. Against our stopwatch, it raced from 0-60mph in 3.4sec, making it quicker than a Ferrari California T. Every version received around 10 miles of extra official range during 2020.
Whichever version you go for, you get faux-leather seats (heated front and rear), a heated steering wheel, climate control, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry.
As an electric executive car, the Model 3 had no direct rivals until the BMW i4 arrived in 2022; that car is worth a good look for its refined driving experience and intuitive infotainment system, but depreciation hasn’t had much time to bring its price down.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Being electric, acceleration is instantaneous: the Model 3 gives you all its might from the moment you put your foot down. Of course, the Performance wows the most, but even the Standard Range Plus is more than satisfying.
Every Model 3 is good to drive, with quick, well-weighted steering and taut body control. It achieves its keen handling via firm suspension; the newer Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers a more cushioned ride, but the Model 3 is comfier than the rival Polestar 2.
The Model 3 is also, like many electric cars, whisper-quiet at town speeds. However, there is some noticeable road and wind noise on faster r
