Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is the refreshed "Highland" version, solidifying its place as the benchmark for premium electric saloons. This rear-wheel-drive model is the sweet spot in the range, perfectly balancing epic range with engaging driving dynamics and a tech-laden, minimalist cabin. It’s smarter, quieter, and more stylish than ever before. With a starting price in Europe of around €45,970, it offers a compelling package for anyone looking to make the switch, delivering a futuristic experience that competitors are still trying to catch.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 "Highland" update is a game-changer. Externally, you get a sleeker, more aerodynamic design with sharp new headlights and taillights. The real revolution is inside; the cabin is now library-quiet thanks to acoustic glass all around. A new wraparound ambient lighting system elevates the premium feel, while rear passengers get their own 8-inch touchscreen for climate and entertainment. Most notably, the steering wheel stalks are gone, with indicators now on steering wheel buttons and the gear selector moved to the main touchscreen, a bold move towards minimalism.

Design & Exterior

This EV looks properly sharp and sophisticated. The "Highland" facelift gives the Model 3 a lower, wider stance with razor-slim matrix LED headlights and a smooth, uncluttered front bumper that cuts through the air more efficiently. The side profile remains sleek and coupe-like, while the rear features new C-shaped LED tail lights with "TESLA" spelled out across the boot lid. It measures 4720 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and a low-slung 1440 mm in height, giving it a sporty, purposeful presence on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside and the minimalist cabin feels more premium than ever. The new wraparound design, featuring plush materials and customisable ambient lighting, creates a stunning cockpit. A brilliant 15.4-inch central screen controls everything, now including gear selection. It's incredibly responsive but lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Passenger space is great for five adults, who will appreciate the quieter ride and rear control screen. For luggage, you get a huge 594-litre boot that expands to 977 litres, plus a super-handy 88-litre frunk under the bonnet for extra storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is no slouch. The single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, making it properly quick off the line with a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 5.2 seconds. The driving experience is classic RWD fun—agile, responsive, and engaging. The refreshed suspension is a huge improvement, offering a much more comfortable and compliant ride than the old model, soaking up bumps beautifully. Adjustable one-pedal driving via strong regenerative braking is incredibly intuitive, making city driving a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

This is where the Premium RWD really shines. It’s fitted with a 79 kWh usable battery pack, delivering an outstanding real-world range of 605 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare. Its efficiency is a cracking 7.66 km/kWh. For charging, its CCS Type 2 port handles up to 11 kW on an AC home charger, for a full charge in around 8 hours. On the road, it’s a beast, capable of pulling a maximum of 250 kW from a DC fast charger, zapping the battery from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount, and the Model 3 boasts a top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Every car comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot, which includes excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to ease motorway journeys. It’s also packed with active safety tech like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, which now displays a live camera feed on the screen when you indicate. For more advanced features, you can opt for the Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability packages as paid upgrades.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla’s warranty package provides solid peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first. More importantly, the expensive bits—the battery and drive unit—are covered for an impressive 8 years or 192,000 km, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention. Running costs are low, as there are no scheduled annual services. Maintenance is done on an as-needed basis, with recommendations for simple checks like cabin filters and brake fluid every few years.