Tesla Model 3 Review

The Model 3 has a gear selector (which will be familiar to Mercedes drivers) on the right-hand side of the steering column. Apart from the steering wheel and a stalk for the indicators, there are no other physical controls on the dashboard. All other controls, along with driving information, are accessed via the touchscreen - allowing Tesla to carry out over-the-air updates for virtually all car controls.

You would expect satnav mapping to be on the touchscreen, but you may not expect the screen also to be used to control items such as the adjustment of the steering wheel position and the mirrors, and even the windscreen wipers.

You can also adjust items such as the accelerator response, the degree of brake regeneration and the steering weight via the touchscreen.

The Tesla Model 3 features Autopilot, which is an industry-leading system to enable the car to drive itself - as far as the law allows. The various cameras, sensors and radar allow the touchscreen to provide three-dimensional graphics of vehicles and other objects around the car while you’re driving, which provides reassurance that the car knows what’s surrounding it.

Two factors that are key influences when people choose a Model 3 are the driving range and the ease of charging. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive has an official WLTP driving range of 374 miles. In real-world driving it’s possible to achieve well over 300 miles on one charge, and Teslas maintain their range at motorway speeds better than most other EVs.

Over recent years it has been a challenge for drivers of EVs to guarantee finding fast, reliable public charging – except for Tesla drivers, who have had no problems thanks to the excellent Tesla Supercharger network. The Model 3 can ultra-rapid charge at up to 250 kW. This translates to the potential of gaining 172 miles of charge in just 15 minutes. We say the ‘potential’ because all EV charging, including for Teslas, starts off at a rapid rate but then tails off as the battery gains an increasing level of charge.

Tesla came from nowhere and disrupted the car industry with the Roadster, the Model S and the Model X. It’s done the same thing again with the Model 3, a car which, unlike the brand’s previous offerings, is a key mainstream product. The Model 3 is all-electric, with excellent performance, a long driving range, and access to the Tesla Supercharger network. These factors alone have been enough for many people to take the plunge and order a Model 3, and that’s why we all see so many on our roads. If you want more space and a hatchback, then there’s always the Tesla Model Y.