Tesla · Model 3

Model 3 (2017)

Released July 2017

The original Model 3 generation began deliveries in 2017 and reached the UK in 2019. These cars precede the late 2020 heat-pump, powered-boot and centre-console refresh, offering rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor used alternatives.

Body: Saloon
Powertrain: Electric
Power: –
Range: 254–348 mi
Boot: –

Electric

What reviewers say

Edmunds and Car and Driver found the early Long Range RWD quick and enjoyable to steer, with useful passenger and luggage space. Both found the ride less settled on broken roads and too many routine controls on the touchscreen. Their early test cars had some fit issues, though Edmunds found its car quiet and Car and Driver heard more tyre noise and rattles.

From edmunds.com and caranddriver.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric
0–62 mph: 4.6–5.6 s
Top speed: 140–162 mph
Engine or motors: Rear permanent-magnet synchronous motor; dual-motor configurations add a front induction motor. Later 2022–23 RWD power figures belong to the refreshed generation.
Gearbox: Single-speed fixed gear
Drive: Rear-wheel drive (Standard Range Plus, RWD, Long Range RWD) or all-wheel drive (Long Range AWD, Performance)

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 254–348 miles
Fastest charging: 170–250 kW
Range detail: UK 2019–20 WLTP figures from exact EV Database records: Standard Range Plus 254 miles, Long Range AWD 348 miles and Performance 329 miles. These are distinct from later refreshed-generation ratings. Original US Long Range RWD uses EPA testing; no EPA figure is placed in the structured WLTP field.
Charging: EV Database lists 11 kW AC and up to 170 kW DC for UK Standard Range Plus, 250 kW DC for UK Long Range AWD and Performance. Battery usable-capacity estimates are omitted.
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

Practicality

Body: Saloon
Seats: 5
Length: 4,695 mm
Width: 1,850 mm
Boot: Contemporary UK launch sources quote 542 litres combined luggage space; this includes front and underfloor storage, so it is not assigned to the seats-up rear boot field. The updated 2017–23 owner manual lists 561 litres rear plus 88 litres front for later cars; those figures belong to the refreshed-generation record.
Size: 4,695 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,445 mm high; 2,875 mm wheelbase; 11.6 m turning circle (Tesla owner manual; dimensions vary with options)

Tech and safety

Infotainment: 15-inch centre touchscreen; no driver display; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Cars built before approximately October 2020 lack the later heat pump according to Tesla’s North American manual.
Safety rating: Euro NCAP 5 stars (2019): adult occupant 96%, child occupant 86%, vulnerable road users 74%, safety assist 94%

Pros and cons

Pros

UK Long Range AWD rated 348 miles WLTP
DC charging up to 250 kW on Long Range and Performance
Performance top speed 162 mph

Cons

Almost every control is on the centre touchscreen; no driver display
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Tesla doesn't publish usable battery capacity or combined AWD power

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
PorscheTaycan	Saloon	Electric	429–1,019 bhp	347–434 mi	407 l	Dec 2019
TeslaModel S (2016)	Saloon	Electric	315–605 bhp	–	–	2016
TeslaModel 3 (2020 refresh)	Saloon	Electric	–	278–396 mi	561 l	Nov 2020

Newer model: Model 3 (2020 refresh).

Sources

Photo: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

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