Tesla Model 3 review 2026 – price, interior & boot space

To keep the Model 3 in fighting shape, Tesla gave its entry-level car a mid-life facelift, but the improvements weren’t isolated to a new bumper and a fresh set of headlights. The Tesla Model 3 Performance briefly disappeared when the line-up was updated, but it has since been reinstated. It’s much more than simply the programmers turning up the wick on a regular model, because not only are there model-specific forged 20-inch wheels shod with Michelin rubber, but the Performance gets adaptive suspension (a first for the Model 3), thicker anti-roll bars, unique suspension bushes, a customisable Track mode, plus a sub-3-second 0-60mph time. 

Equipment is generous on every Model 3, with standard kit including 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a glass roof, wireless charging pads for two smartphones, ambient lighting, a basic version of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system, that massive central display and a smaller touchscreen for back-seat passengers to control the rear cabin temperature, or stream videos and music. 

The Model 3 is a popular car, but newer competitors are arriving thick and fast. In order to determine whether or not the Tesla can keep up with the younger generation, we pitted it against the latest Mercedes CLA in a twin test. While its performance and tech are still highly impressive, the Model 3 fell short of the Mercedes in areas like real-world efficiency and refinement. They’re both appealing electric executive cars, but we named the Mercedes CLA as our winner here.

Tesla Model 3 prices and latest deals

Pricing for the Tesla Model 3 starts from around £38,000 for the base Rear-Wheel Drive spec, but moving up to the more lavishly-equipped Premium trim pushes this up to £45,000. You’ll need to add another £5,000 to this if you want the all-wheel drive powertrain, while the fiery Performance model sits around the £60,000 mark.