We’ve just spent some proper time behind the wheel of the brand-new Tesla Model 3, and it’s fair to say, it’s left quite the impression.
The Model 3 first hit UK roads back in 2016, so it’s nearing a decade old now. In that time, it’s gone through two major refreshes and one lighter update. Having owned a 2019 model myself, I can confidently say that this latest version feels worlds apart. The silhouette is familiar, yes, but the details and refinement show just how far Tesla has come.
Design and first impressions
It’s still instantly recognisable as a Model 3, but the sleeker nose, slimmer headlights, and tighter rear end give it a more athletic stance. It looks more mature, better proportioned and, dare I say, more premium. The aerodynamic improvements aren’t just for show either; you can feel the car slicing through the air more smoothly, with less road and wind noise than before.
On B-roads, it holds its line well. There’s still that tell-tale EV weight if you push hard into a corner, but it feels balanced and confident. For a rear-wheel-drive car, traction is excellent, and it delivers a surprisingly engaging drive, something that’s often lacking in electric cars.
Cabin comfort and tech
Step inside, and it’s clear Tesla has been paying attention to the finer details. The minimalist layout remains, but the execution feels much more polished. The materials are softer, the stitching neater, and the cabin more cocoon-like. The 360-degree acoustic glass, new seals and suspension mounts work wonders in keeping the outside world out. At motorway speeds, you can hold a calm conversation without raising your voice, something the older Model 3s couldn’t boast.
The front of the cabin feels lighter and more welcoming than ever, with subtle ambient lighting wrapping around the dash, doors, and footwells. It’s a big leap forward from the older white strip and gives the interior a proper premium vibe, especially at night. The lighting can be customised to any colour through the touchscreen. You can pick a shade that matches your mood, sync it to your music for a bit of fun, or even set it to reflect your album art, changing hues with every track.
The new ventilated front seats are not only heated but also cooled, which makes a big difference on longer drives. The improved seat materials feel softer and more supportive, and the driving position feels more natural thanks to subtle changes to the steering wheel and seat adjustment.
The 15.4-inch central screen is still your command centre, handling everything from climate control to navigation and entertainment. The latest software update has made it slicker and more responsive, and the customisable shortcuts make daily use far easier. Paired with Tesla’s premium 9-speaker audio system, the sound quality is outstanding. During our test, adding our Spotify account revealed just how dynamic and full the new sound setup is, it’s like discovering your favourite music all over again.
Rear interior and lighting
In the back, things have become far more inviting too. Rear passengers now get an 8-inch display mounted between the front seats, which allows them to adjust climate control, seat heating, and even stream Netflix or YouTube. This feature used to be available only through aftermarket options, but Tesla’s own version is perfectly integrated and far more responsive. It’s a feature that instantly elevates the experience for passengers and gives the rear of the car a much more modern and tech-filled atmosphere.
The ambient lighting continues through to the back doors, subtly highlighting the contours of the panels. At night, it creates a relaxing, lounge-like setting that’s a world away from the harsher lighting found in many other EVs. The glass roof, which stretches the full length of the car, adds to the sense of space, making the cabin feel open and airy even on darker days.
Rear seat comfort has improved too. While legroom is slightly reduced compared to older models, the seat shape and cushioning are far better. The recline angle feels more natural, and the quieter ride means rear passengers can easily nap or enjoy the built-in entertainment in peace.
Practicality
The Model 3 has always punched above its weight for practicality, and that continues. The boot offers 425 litres of space, or 682 litres when including the front compartment. The rear seats fold flat, and on a recent trip to North Wales we managed to fit in a small family’s worth of luggage, a pushchair, and camera kit without breaking a sweat.
Rear legroom may be slightly tighter than before, but overall comfort and usability are both improved. It feels like a more mature, thought-out design rather than a minimalist experiment.
Range and performance
This latest Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version offers up to 436 miles (WLTP) on a full charge, making it the longest-range Model 3 ever. It’s also Tesla’s most efficient car to date, using just 20.1kWh per 100 miles.
For comparison:
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Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: 323 miles
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Model 3 Long Range RWD: 436 miles
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Model 3 Long Range AWD: 410 miles
As a former Performance owner, I’ll say this, unless you’re chasing bragging rights, the Long Range RWD is the smarter buy. It’s fast enough, cheaper to run, and you gain that crucial extra mileage.
On our North Wales trip, which included rain, wind, and temperatures around 14°C, we arrived just 4% below the car’s predicted range. On the return leg, motorway cruising saw only a 1% deviation. That’s genuinely impressive and goes a long way to calming any lingering range anxiety.
Living with it
Charging remains Tesla’s ace card. Whether you use home charging or the ever-expanding Supercharger network, it’s the most convenient EV ownership experience out there. The Model 3 continues to make electric life feel easy, not compromised.
Key improvements over the old model
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Sleeker exterior with slimmer headlights
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Bigger, more efficient battery
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Improved aerodynamics and lower noise levels
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Higher-quality materials inside
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Fully customisable ambient lighting throughout the cabin
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Ventilated front seats
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Enhanced infotainment responsiveness
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Sharper camera tech for reversing and side views
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Improved soundproofing
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Rear touchscreen for passengers
Verdict
Is this the best Tesla Model 3 yet? Absolutely. Tesla has refined every area that needed it. From design and comfort to range and quality. The changes might seem subtle on paper, but in person, they transform the car.
With stronger efficiency, sharper looks, and a far more luxurious cabin, the 2025 Model 3 reasserts Tesla’s dominance in a crowded EV market. Others may have caught up, but this shows Tesla still leads the way in making electric cars desirable, practical and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
For:
Class-leading range and efficiency, improved cabin quality, excellent sound and lighting, quiet and refined ride
Against:
Still lacks a head-up display, rear legroom slightly reduced, steering wheel indicators take time to master
Fast facts
- Model: Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
- Price: from £44,990
- Max power: 250 kW
- Efficiency: 12.5 kWh/100 km
- Max speed: 125 mph
- 0–60 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Range: 436 miles (WLTP)
- Insurance group: 38
- CO₂ emissions: 0
- BIK rating: 3%
- Warranty: 4 years / 60,000 miles (battery and drive unit: 8 years / 120,000 miles)
- Size: Width 82.2”, Height 56.7”, Length 185.8”
- Bootspace: 682 litres total
- Kerbweight: 1,747 kg
