Tesla Model 3 2023: Range, Performance, and Price of the Sedan

Reference electric sedan and automotive star, what does the Tesla Model 3 offer in terms of technologies, range, autonomy, and performance?

Unveiled by Elon Musk in 2016, the Model 3 allowed Tesla to move from a small manufacturer to a global automotive giant.

Arriving in the United States in 2017 and then on the European market in 2019, it has since been flooded with orders thanks to an unbeatable price-performance ratio among family sedans with a premium vocation. Before its arrival, Tesla was nearing bankruptcy.

However, since its launch, the company’s market capitalization has continuously grown, and the Model 3 often surpasses the best German sedans in sales rankings.

Tesla Model 3 Dimensions

The Tesla Model 3 measures 4.69 meters in length, 1.93 meters in width, and 1.44 meters in height. It falls into the D-segment family sedan category, with a size comparable to the BMW Series 3, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4. Currently, only one other electric sedan among its direct competitors: the BMW i4. There is also the Polestar 2, if it were sold in France (due to legal logo conflicts with Citroën).

With a rear trunk capacity of 561 liters and a front trunk of 88 liters, the Model 3 outperforms most internal combustion sedans. As for the 5-seat interior, it initially leaves one speechless. Its only interface is the massive central touchscreen. Navigation, radio, climate control, dashboards, and even… video games; Tesla’s system is still ahead of its time, thanks to its versatility and responsiveness. A true computer on wheels.

Three Versions, Including Two All-Wheel Drive

In terms of motors, there are three options. The basic Model 3 “standard” in entry-level trim, equipped with a single electric motor of 239 kW (320 hp) at the rear. This version has recently received some technical updates, with a new battery capacity slightly larger (about 60 kWh versus 55 previously).

The “Long Range” Model 3 adds a second electric motor of 121 kW (162 hp) and 163 Nm at the front. It reduces the rear to 203 kW but combines for 350 hp thanks to larger batteries, around 82 kWh. The Performance version, the most powerful and sporty, uses the same powertrain as the Long Range but with a maximum output boosted to around 480 horsepower. Specifically, the front motor increases to 158 kW and the rear to 219 kW.

In an effort to make electric cars appealing and even performant, even the base Tesla Model 3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The Long Range drops this to 4.4 seconds, and the Performance to just 3.3 seconds. The most athletic BMW i4, the M50 version with 544 horsepower, can’t beat 3.9 seconds.

Tesla Model 3 Range and Charging

Not only does the Model 3 have large batteries, but its excellent management system allows for leading-range figures. Expect about 510 km for the base version with standard 18-inch wheels, 602 km for the Long Range variant, and 547 km for the Performance model.

In real-world driving, as usual, these range figures will significantly decrease if you drive on the highway at 130 km/h. It can even drop sharply if you decide to play with the Model 3 Performance’s supernatural capabilities, especially when using its Track mode for dynamic miracles.

The Model 3 can charge on AC power up to 11 kW via the Type 2 connector. Fully charging the basic version at this rate takes just under 6 hours. The Long Range and Performance variants will take around 7 hours or more.

Using DC Fast Charging, the vehicle accepts up to 170 kW in the basic version and even 250 kW in Long Range and Performance variants. Coupled with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, this provides a significant advantage during trips.

Meanwhile, the BMW i4 can’t exceed 205 kW on fast charging and does not have access to the full Tesla Supercharger network. Not yet, at least, as the brand is shifting its approach and may open access to other brands. The American batteries are backed by an 8-year or 192,000 km warranty.

What Is the Price of the Tesla Model 3? Brace Yourself…

We know that prices evolve throughout a car’s lifecycle, but at Tesla, updates are sometimes rare over two years, sometimes frequent in a short span. When we wrote this, the base price of the standard Model 3 increased by over €10,000 in one year.

As of March 16, 2022, it was €49,990, having been €46,990 on the 11th, €44,900 the week before, and €43,800 since 2021. The entry price stabilized at €53,490 at the end of 2022, before dropping back to €44,990 at the start of 2023! The overall cost advantage remains compared to competitors: the BMW i4 starts at €57,550, and the Model 3 Long Range is priced at €58,990 (up €3,000 as of March 16). Leasing options start at around €458/month over 36 months/30,000 km, with an initial payment of €11,900 excluding bonuses.

The German rival offers a more comfortable and better-finished interior, but the American provides better performance and a sportier driving experience. In its Model 3 Performance version, it remains unrivaled with astonishing acceleration and impressive dynamic efficiency.

Tesla Model 3 and Ecological Bonus

Due to the price increase in March 2022, Tesla lost eligibility for the maximum eco-bonus in its entry-level version. You would then receive the €6,000 allocated to electric models costing less than €45,000. Now, the basic and Long Range versions are eligible for a €2,000 bonus.

Be aware, however, that this is also conditional on avoiding options, as the bonus is null for vehicles costing over €60,000. Also, pay attention to delivery times, which range from 2 to 11 months depending on the versions and options. The flagship Performance model, priced at €62,990 (up €3,000 in March), is not eligible for any aid.

Model 3: No. 1 in America and Europe, But Not Worldwide

Initially manufactured in the United States in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has also been produced in China since December 2020. However, like the Model Y, it does not come from the Gigafactory Berlin in Germany.

Joined in the lineup by the SUV Model Y in 2021, this Model 3 currently dominates the global electric vehicle market. Together, they account for nearly all Tesla’s worldwide sales. By early 2023, they surpassed 3 million units sold—a record for electric models. It was also number one in Europe and France in 2021, surpassing the Renault ZOE with 25,000 units.

Almost unchanged since its launch, this Model 3 could see significant updates in 2023, similar to the major updates to the Model S and Model Y in 2022.

Tesla Model 3 Photo Gallery

Tesla Model 3 vs Rivals

Tesla Model 3 Technical Specifications 2023

Also read: Comparison: Should You Prefer a Tesla Model 3 or a Model Y?