Should you buy a Tesla Model 3?

If you’re in the market for a mid-size and family-friendly electric car, the Tesla Model 3 should definitely be one of the cars you consider most highly. The Model 3’s most recent updates have been very successful for a myriad of reasons – the quality has been improved, while refinement and efficiency has taken a step forward. And as before, the Model 3 is capable, likeable and is extremely good to drive.

Then there’s the advantage of Tesla’s Supercharger network being baked into the car’s navigation system. It means the Model 3 is still the best EV to live with day in, day out. It’s also the best out there for long, unplanned journeys.It’s not perfect, though. The quirky styling and love-it or hate-it interior divides opinions and, although the quality is better than before, the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 are more nicely made.

But Tesla’s aggressive pricing strategy in offering a better car than before for significantly less money is the biggest news here. Rivals such as the Hyundai and BMW had overtaken in the Model 3 in a number of areas, but they are more expensive. Price rivals for an un-optioned Model 3 are the Vauxhall Astra Electric and Peugeot e-308. That really says it all. The Model 3 is on an entirely different level to those.

What we like

The central screen’s navigation and effortless integration with Tesla’s Supercharger network is still an object lesson on how infotainment should be done. The improved refinement has lowered overall noise levels making it an excellent long-distance tourer, too, allowing you to really exploit its impressive battery range. In addition, the Performance model offers supercar-slaying acceleration for entry-level BMW 5-Series money.

What we don’t like

The build quality might be better than before, but it’s still not in the same league as BMW’s, while the over-dependence on the central touchscreen can be intimidating for those stepping out of an older vehicle. Autopilot works well, but you have to be sensitive to get the best from it – and, in busy traffic, it can be too glitchy.