Tesla Model 3 review - Electric motor, drive & performance

We've sampled both the pre-facelifted Long Range AWD and the base Model 3 on British roads, as well as the newly facelifted Model 3 Standard Range. Faster versions continue to offer Teslas’ now-legendary ability to push you back into your seat with a flex of your right foot. This isn't just the Model 3's party piece, it also makes for relaxed progress with the knowledge you can easily overtake slower traffic when necessary.

With large 18-inch (or optional 19- and 20-inch) wheels fitted, the Model 3's ride is definitely on the firm side, but it's also not ruinously uncomfortable on either motorways or back roads, with a more supple ride than the Polestar 2.

There’s plentiful grip, so the Model 3 is certainly a car you can trust in corners, but sadly, there’s little steering feedback to savour, even in Sport mode which adds some weight to the steering. If you spend a lot of time on A and B roads, the BMW i4 offers a bit more sensation from behind the wheel.

0-62mph and top speed

Thanks to their instant torque and a single forward gear, every Tesla Model 3 is fast off the mark. Even the entry-level base Model 3 with rear-wheel drive can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, making it as quick off the line as a BMW 330e. In real-world driving, the entry-level model offers substantial amounts of acceleration on demand, making easy work of overtaking and getting up to speed on motorways. Because it's around 200kg lighter than dual motor versions, the entry-level Model 3 also feels quite agile, making the most of its low centre of gravity. 

However, the real fun begins with the dual-motor Long Range model because it has an electric motor over both axles for truly gobsmacking acceleration. It spears from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and its ability to tear away from the line makes it feel even faster.

The pre-facelift Model 3 Performance could get from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds, humbling not just everything in the executive class, but most sports cars, too.

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Like most EVs, the Model 3 features a regenerative braking system that helps top up the battery when you’re driving. There are two modes; in one of them, the car slows significantly when you lift off the accelerator, which feeds more energy back to the battery. This is one of the best 'one pedal' setups we've tried, bringing the car to a smooth stop if you ease off the accelerator. Drive the Model 3 carefully and it’s possible to match the claimed range in the real world.

Of course, you don't necessarily have to do all of the driving. In the UK, the Model 3 comes with Autopilot as standard, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. You still have to rest a hand on the steering wheel, but the Model 3 will accelerate, brake and steer while monitoring the vehicles around you so long as the road is clearly marked. Indicate left or right and Autopilot will also judge if it's safe to change lanes and complete the manoeuvre for you. It's regularly improved thanks to wireless internet updates.