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Tesla Model 3

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Tesla Model 3

(2019 - present)

    Summary


    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.

    As of June 2023, the Tesla Model 3 has an Expert Rating of 86% based on 39 reviews, which puts it ahead of the BMW 3 Series and comfortably beyond the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and most other rivals.

    Model 3 highlights

    • Comes with a heap of on-board tech
    • Long battery range
    • Practical and comfy interior
    • The brand’s charging infrastructure
    • Punchy performance

    Model 3 lowlights

    • Some all-electric rivals are quieter
    • Rather rigid ride comfort
    • Controls are a bit fiddly
    • Expensive, entry-level and up
    • The brand’s questionable reliability

    Key specifications


    Body style: Mid-sized saloon
    Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
    Price: From £42,990 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2019
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Daily Mirror

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    Discover EV

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    Electrifying.com

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

    +

    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which EV?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: July 2019
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 96%
    Child protection: 86%
    Vulnerable road users: 74%
    Safety assist: 94%

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    Model tested: 208 kW Electric RWD Automatic

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: November 2022
    Read the full Green NCAP review

    Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
    Energy Efficiency Index: 9.6 / 10
    Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.8 / 10

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    As of June 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Tesla Model 3 to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Model 3, we’ll publish the score here.

    Security rating

    Thatcham Research 600x300

    Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

    Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
    Relay Attack: Pass

    Date: March 2020

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model 3 has received

    2023

    • Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances
    • What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car + Efficiency Award

    2022

    • What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car
    • What Car? Electric Awards – Best Executive Car + Best Used Executive Car

    2021

    • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Families
    • Electrifying.com Awards – Technology Award + Efficiency Award
    • News UK Motoring Awards – Best Electric Car
    • What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car
    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Electric Executive Car

    2020

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car + Best Premium Electric Car
    • Auto Trader AwardsNew Car of the Year + Best Electric Car
    • Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
    • Parkers New Car Awards – Best Large Electric Car
    • What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car + Best Executive Car over £40K
    • What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Electric Executive Car

    2019

    • Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Premium Electric Car
    • carwow Awards – Game-changer Award
    • News UK Motor Awards – Green Car of the Year
    • Parkers Awards – Car of the Year + Best Electric Car + Best Company Car + Safety Award

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Tesla Model 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series | Hyundai Ioniq Electric | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jaguar XE | Kia e-Niro | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Polestar 2 | Volkswagen ID.3 | Volvo S60

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    Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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    The Tesla Model 3 has been highly praised by the UK media for its performance, driving dynamics and minimalist style, with criticism for some ergonomic issues.Tesla Model 3