Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus

Overview

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) was the accessible gateway into Tesla's groundbreaking electric sedan line-up. Discontinued but highly sought after, it masterfully blended zippy performance, decent range, and cutting-edge tech, making it a popular choice in Europe. Its key appeal lay in offering that premium Tesla experience at a more attainable price point. On the used market in Europe, you might snag one for around €21,950, representing fantastic value for a car that reshaped the EV landscape with its minimalist charm and impressive efficiency.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, the Model 3 SR+ received some tasty upgrades, particularly for European roads. A big win was the introduction of a heat pump, boosting real-world range, especially when the mercury drops. Externally, it ditched the chrome for sleek satin black trim and often sported refreshed 18-inch Aero wheel designs. Inside, the centre console got a welcome redesign with wireless charging pads, and double-glazed front windows arrived to hush road noise, making the cabin a more serene place to be. These tweaks made an already compelling package even sweeter.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 Model 3 SR+ boasts that signature slippery, minimalist Tesla design that still turns heads. Its smooth lines, flush door handles, and panoramic glass roof contribute to its futuristic appeal and impressive aerodynamics. For 2021, the SR+ featured satin black trim instead of chrome, giving it a stealthier look. Key dimensions are a length of 4695 mm, width of 1850 mm (mirrors excluded), and a height of 1445 mm, making it a well-proportioned and agile-looking sedan, often rolling on 18-inch Aero wheels.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Model 3 SR+, and you're greeted by Tesla's radically minimalist cabin, dominated by a massive 15-inch central touchscreen controlling almost everything – no standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, just Tesla's slick system. Material quality is decent, with seating for five. For luggage, there's 561 litres in the boot, expanding to 1235 litres with seats down, plus an 88-litre frunk. It can even tow 1000 kg (braked). The 2021 update brought a revised centre console with dual wireless phone chargers, adding to the techy vibe.

Performance & Driving Experience

The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 SR+ is no slouch, zipping from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.6 seconds and hitting a top speed of 225 km/h. This is thanks to its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 239 kW and a punchy 420 Nm of torque. It’s genuinely fun to drive, with that instant electric shove, sharp steering, and a planted feel due to the low-slung battery. One-pedal driving via its strong regenerative braking is a highlight, making city driving a breeze and boosting efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2021 Model 3 SR+ packs a 52.5 kWh usable battery, delivering a 'real-world' range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 393 km – plenty for most daily drives and even some longer trips. Its efficiency is impressive at 7.49 km/kWh. For charging, its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will fill it up in roughly 5-6 hours. When you’re out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 170 kW via its CCS Type 2 port (located left-rear), meaning you can zap in significant range in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big Tesla strength, and the Model 3 SR+ proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It comes loaded with standard driver-assistance kit under the 'Autopilot' banner, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. This provides a reassuring co-pilot on long journeys and in tricky city traffic. For those wanting even more, Enhanced Autopilot or the Full Self-Driving Capability package were available as optional software upgrades, unlocking more advanced features over time.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, new Tesla Model 3s typically came with a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 80,000 km, whichever came first. Crucially for an EV, the battery and drive unit on the SR+ were covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% battery capacity retention. Tesla ditches traditional fixed maintenance schedules; the car tells you when it needs attention. While generally reliable, especially with over-the-air software updates constantly improving things, consistent build quality was a focus area for early Model 3s.