Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD is the brilliant all-rounder in the lineup, perfectly blending rapid performance with a massive real-world range. Positioned as the sweet spot for most buyers, it delivers the dual-motor all-wheel-drive grip and tech-forward experience Tesla is famous for. With its fresh "Highland" update bringing a more premium feel and sleeker looks, it's a compelling package. Starting at a competitive $47,490, it offers a serious amount of car for the money, making it a benchmark electric sedan that's tough for rivals to beat.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Model 3 gets a massive glow-up, codenamed "Highland." The exterior is sharper and more aerodynamic, but the biggest changes are inside. The cabin is now seriously plush, with higher-quality materials, wraparound ambient LED lighting, and new ventilated front seats. It’s also significantly quieter thanks to acoustic glass all around. Tech gets a boost with a new 8-inch rear screen for passengers to control climate and media. The controversial move to a stalkless steering wheel means turn signals and wipers are now button-operated.

Design & Exterior

The updated Model 3 looks leaner and meaner. The front end features super-slim new matrix LED headlights and a smoother bumper for better aero, while the rear gets slick C-shaped taillights with "TESLA" spelled out across the trunk lid. It's a clean, modern, and unmistakably Tesla design that looks more expensive than before. This premium sedan measures 185.8 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and a low-slung 56.7 inches high. The Premium AWD trim typically rides on sharp 18-inch Photon wheels, with 19-inch Novas available for extra style points.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the minimalist cabin feels more luxurious than ever. The design is dominated by a crisp 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls nearly everything. Material quality is way up, with soft-touch fabrics and real aluminum trim. There's plenty of space for five adults, and cargo room is immense for a sedan. You get a generous 21 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, plus a handy 3.1 cubic-foot frunk under the hood for extra storage. There's no Apple CarPlay, but the native infotainment is fast and intuitive.

Performance & Driving Experience

This thing is seriously quick. With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup—an induction motor up front and a permanent magnet motor in the rear—it launches from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. The combined 366 kW of power and 364 lb-ft of instant torque provide effortless acceleration at any speed. While it's a rocket, the revised suspension makes for a much comfier, more refined ride than older models. The strong regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving, making city commutes a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

Range anxiety is a non-issue here. The Premium AWD is equipped with a 79 kWh usable battery pack that delivers an impressive real-world range of 359 miles, as calculated by Green Cars Compare. Its incredible efficiency of 4.54 mi/kWh helps maximize every charge. For charging, it uses the standard NACS port. At home on a Level 2 charger, the 11.5 kW on-board unit can fully recharge the battery overnight. On a road trip, it can zap up to 250 kW at a DC fast charger, adding well over 150 miles of range in about 15 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla has a strong reputation for safety, backed by a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard Autopilot is included, providing excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to ease highway driving. All trims come equipped with essential active safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. For those wanting more, Enhanced Autopilot or the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta can be added as an option, unlocking features like automatic lane changes and Navigate on Autopilot.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla's warranty provides solid peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles. More importantly, the battery and drive unit are protected for a lengthy 8 years or 120,000 miles, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention during that period. Being an EV, there are no oil changes or traditional engine maintenance to worry about. Over-the-air software updates frequently add new features and improvements, meaning the car literally gets better while it sits in your driveway.