The Tesla Model 3 Keeps Getting Cheaper While Rivals Catch Up
All three reviews arrive at a similar place: this remains a genuinely compelling electric saloon, and the new entry-level version makes it more competitive on price than ever — even as the field around it gets stronger every year.
Still Setting the Pace, Just With More Company Now
This was the car that forced legacy manufacturers to take electric cars seriously. Reviewers keep noting that the current market it helped create — BYD Seal, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 6, BMW i4 — now genuinely challenges it on the qualities it once owned outright.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric saloon |
|---|---|
| Versions | RWD, Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, Performance AWD |
| 0–60mph | 6.2 sec (RWD) to 2.9 sec (Performance) |
| Claimed range | Up to 466 miles (Long Range RWD) |
| Price range (new) | From around £37,990 |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar rated the entry-level RWD version as sensationally good value, blending competitive saloon practicality with striking performance and reasonable handling dynamism even in its cheapest form. They welcomed the reintroduction of a physical indicator stalk and a wiper control button after both had briefly been removed in favour of touchscreen controls, and were pointed that the £6,800 "Full Self-Driving" option performs inconsistently within UK regulatory limits and isn't worth the money as things currently stand.
What Car?
What Car? measured the entry RWD version's 0-60mph at 6.2 seconds, quicker than an equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 6 and on par with an entry-level BMW i4 or BYD Seal. They rated interior build quality as a genuine improvement over early Teslas, describing it as more than a match for the Seal and roughly on par with the pricier VW ID.7, and noted Tesla placed a respectable 7th out of 30 brands in their 2025 reliability survey.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the Supercharger network as the standout advantage over rivals, letting owners reverse in, plug in and go without apps or payment friction, though found the automatic wipers genuinely struggle with British drizzle and the steering-wheel-mounted indicator controls awkward around UK-style roundabouts and tight turns. Despite reservations about polarising styling and driving dynamics they called merely adequate rather than memorable, they rated it one of the most interesting, compelling cars currently on sale.
Strengths
- Excellent value, especially the entry-level RWD version
- Access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network
- Genuinely improved build quality over early Model 3s
- Strong reliability survey placement
Weak points
- Automatic wipers struggle with light UK rain
- No Apple CarPlay compatibility
- "Full Self-Driving" option performs inconsistently and isn't worth the cost yet
- Nearly all controls routed through the touchscreen
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely competitive, well-priced electric saloon with access to reliable rapid charging. Skip the Full Self-Driving option for now, and be prepared to adapt to a touchscreen-first approach to nearly every control.