Tesla Model 3: Five reasons why we love it… and five why we loathe it

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular electric cars in the world.

While the Model S introduced us to the American brand in the early 2010s, it was the Model 3 that showcased Tesla’s potential and became a global best-seller thanks to its range, efficiency and practicality. 

Towards the end of 2023, Tesla revealed the new Model 3, with the updated version gaining a refreshed exterior and interior look, revised battery tech and more range. So what makes the new Model 3 shine, and where does it fall short of the mark? Let's find out. 

We LOVE the Tesla Model 3 because…

Its range is now class leading in the electric saloon segment. The previous-generation model impressed for its 374-mile range, but Tesla has fettled the battery and motor for the new version, meaning that the Long Range model can now travel up to 390 miles on a single charge.

Opt for the smaller 18in wheels and Tesla claims the Model 3 can travel up to a whopping 421 miles between charges. 

We LOATHE the Tesla Model 3 because…

The indicators are annoying to use on the move. For its latest update, Tesla decided to remove the stalks from behind the steering wheel, and add buttons for the indicators instead.

What makes things worse is that they’re not actually physical buttons, they’re haptic, touch-sensitive buttons positioned one above the other on the left hand side of the wheel. This means you have to look at the wheel every time you want to indicate - and because of how they’re positioned it’s harder to use on roundabouts.

We LOVE the Tesla Model 3 because…

It has the agility and handling to match its searing performance. The steering is quick, which means there’s a good level of bite from the front wheels when you turn into a corner.

The Model 3 is quite sensitive to steering inputs, but it changes direction faster than a BMW i4, which makes it engaging and fun to drive. 

We LOATHE the Tesla Model 3 because…

Despite changes to the car’s suspension for 2024, it doesn’t isolate bumps and road imperfections as well as some rivals. The Model 3’s firmer suspension set-up makes it more fun on a B-road, but this is at a cost of ride comfort, with the body unsettled by rougher road surfaces.

We LOVE the Tesla Model 3 because…

It has savage acceleration that can’t fail to put a smile on your face and that of your passengers, especially on the performance models. The new Model 3 Performance, which gets a 453bhp dual-motor powertrain, can sprint from 0-60mph in just 2.9sec – that’s the same as a Ferrari 296 GTB which has 819bhp. 

We LOATHE the Tesla Model 3 because…

The Autopilot function isn’t quite up to the mark, and has improved over the last version. The system requires you to have your hands on the wheel at all times, but even the merest of inputs can deactivate the autopilot function altogether. 

It can be struck dumb by the presence of the cars, causing the car to move around in its lane, and when you want to take back control of the car, there is little warning from the system. 

We LOVE the Tesla Model 3 because…

Buyer one gives you access to one its greatest assets: the Supercharger network. The firm’s dedicated charging stations are fast, frequent and generally reliable, which means owners can undertake long-distance journeys knowing that if they need to charge up on the way, they can top it up easily and efficiently. 

We LOATHE the Tesla Model 3 because…

There are too many functions within the touchscreen and trying to operate the tablet-like infotainment display on the move is a challenge. In fairness, the screen is large and well laid out, but some extra buttons or stalks for things like the wipers would make life easier when driving. 

We LOVE the Tesla Model 3 because…

The firm has made improvements to rolling refinement. Tesla has fitted acoustic glass, quieter tyres and revised rubber suspension bushes, which have helped to lessen road and wind roar. 

At higher speeds it’s quieter than its predecessor.

We LOATHE the Tesla Model 3 because…

Is there a car coming? Isn’t there a car coming? Or, perhaps more worryingly, a bike, or pedestrian. For some drivers of some heights (that’s us) the front pillars on the Model 3 make for some very interesting departures from junctions.

We shuffle forward, we crane back and sometimes we open the window and stick our head out just to be sure. Cameras make parking a doddle, but they don’t help when you’re pulling out of junctions.