The refreshed Tesla Model 3 RWD solidifies its position as the benchmark for premium electric sedans. It's the most accessible entry into the lineup, offering a brilliant blend of tech, style, and class-leading efficiency. This rear-wheel-drive variant is the smart choice for daily driving, delivering that futuristic Tesla experience without the premium price tag of the dual-motor versions. On the used market, it represents cracking value, with European prices for this updated model hovering around €35,550. It’s a compelling package that’s hard to ignore in the current EV landscape.
The 2025 model continues the significant 'Highland' update, completely transforming the driving experience. The exterior gets a slick, aerodynamic facelift for a quieter ride and more range. Inside, it’s a whole new world with a wraparound design, higher-quality materials, acoustic glass all-round, and trick ambient lighting. Controversially, Tesla has ditched the indicator and gear selector stalks in favour of steering wheel buttons and a screen-based shifter. Front seats are now ventilated, and rear passengers get their own 8-inch screen for climate and entertainment controls.
Looking sharper than ever, the updated Model 3 features a cleaner, more aggressive front end with slim new matrix LED headlights and a revised lower bumper. The minimalist aesthetic is enhanced by its sleek profile, measuring 4720 mm long, 1850 mm wide, and a low-slung 1440 mm high. This RWD version typically rolls on 18-inch 'Photon' wheels designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to its slippery shape. The rear gets new C-shaped taillights with the 'TESLA' name spelled out across the boot lid, giving it a more premium look.
Step inside and the cabin is a revelation. The upgraded interior boasts soft-touch materials, a stylish fabric-wrapped dash, and customisable ambient lighting. It’s a seriously premium-feeling space. Dominating the dash is a brighter, more responsive 15.4-inch central touchscreen, now joined by an 8-inch screen for rear passengers. While it still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Tesla’s native system is superb. Practicality is excellent, with a massive 594-litre boot, an 88-litre frunk up front, and a total of 977 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Don’t let the ‘entry-level’ tag fool you; this car is seriously nippy. The single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends 208 kW and 420 Nm of instant torque to the rear wheels, propelling you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.1 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 201 km/h. The 'Highland' update massively improved ride comfort and refinement, making it a serene cruiser. Yet, it retains that classic Tesla direct steering and agile handling, making it a joy to pilot on a twisty road. One-pedal driving is seamless.
The RWD is the efficiency king of the range. Its 57.5 kWh usable battery pack delivers a fantastic real-world range of 426 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare, thanks to its stellar efficiency of 7.41 km/kWh. Charging at home on its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will top it up overnight. Out on the road, it uses a CCS Type 2 port and can pull a maximum of 170 kW from a DC fast charger, zapping the battery from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.
Safety is a top priority, with the Model 3 earning a 5-star rating from both Euro NCAP and NHTSA. Every car comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, making motorway driving a breeze. All safety features are now powered by the camera-based 'Tesla Vision' system. This includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with a live camera feed, and automatic emergency braking. For more advanced features, you can purchase the Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability packages as an over-the-air upgrade.
Tesla’s warranty in Europe provides solid peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 80,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. The crucial battery and drive unit are warrantied for a much longer 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention. There are no mandatory annual services; the car tells you when it needs attention for items like brake fluid or cabin air filters. This makes running costs predictably low, though there's no complimentary maintenance included from the factory.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (2019-2021) 
Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) 
