Your definitive guide to the new 2024 Tesla Model 3

The new 2024 Tesla Model 3 - your definitive guide

The Model 3 “just got even better” according to the team at Tesla. In a previous blog, we have already noted that the Project Highland model was well underway and was due to launch later in 2023. And true to form, Elon Musk’s team have delivered everything they promised, by allowing UK customers to place their order for the updated version of the Model 3 on the Tesla website. As at 18 October 2023, you simply need to click on the dedicated section  and choose from one of two key options:

•  Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) - which starts from £39,990; and
•  Model 3 All-Wheel Drive Long Range (AWD)- which starts from £49,990. 

But what has changed with the new M3 saloon? Some of the obvious changes relate to the exterior, which is where the Tesla has previously received critique. In particular there are more angular and refined features, like the lights and viewing angles, which move the car away from the more soft “bubble” shape the previous option had.

In the UK, much of the car leasing market has been historically fixated on premium German brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes. With style, finesse and quality finish, it was somewhat unsurprising that these brands were so popular for our demographic.

But from 2020, the Model 3 dominated on the basis of the battery performance, range and the Tesla charging network. But that wasn’t to say that all customers were overly happy with the build quality and design; indeed Tesla moved production from the US to China in order to combat some of these prevalent issues.

However, the 2024 Model 3 will possess higher quality materials to bring these in-line with the BWM i4, Mercedes EQE and Audi e-tron GT, so not to leave the car behind on aesthetics. Like it or not, the EV market demands high standards from the manufacturer and not just in terms of battery - UK customers do want to enjoy their cars.

The Tesla Model 3 looks better but will UK leasing customers be happy with the specification? Where EVs really do shine is not just on the performance (acceleration and speed) but with the technology and comfort they offer. As many company car and business drivers are now at the forefront of the green revolution, they are more likely to cover higher mileage and necessitate greater level of specification to ensure the journey is a pleasant one.

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In the 2024 Tesla Model 3, the 15” screen will guide the driver while an 8” screen in the back of the vehicle will allow the passengers to enjoy their own unique experience. Seating will be for 5 passengers, with the boot (with the rear seats down) still a spacious 682L.

And the audio systems will be a 9-speaker in the RWD with the 17-speaker subwoofer and amplifier appearing in the LR mode. And on the colour palette, UK customers can elect to go for the new choice - the Stealth Grey.

In terms of other key specification drivers can enjoy - the phone as key, walk-away door locking, powered rear trunk, the 88L “frunk”, dual wireless phone chargers, heated and ventilated seats, driver lumbar support, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power folding and heated door mirrors, rear camera, Dog Mode, navigation, climate control, dashcam, sentry mode, lane assist, speed assist, cabin camera, collision avoidance, traffic-aware cruise control, premium connectivity (on request) and two charging cables.

But how will the 2024 Model 3 perform - is the battery / charging and range better?

Well, the answer depends on the option you choose with two key selections so far:

•  RWD - the £39,990 model will have a 57.5 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.1 seconds, 125 mph top speeds and 208 kW (or 279 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 215 miles with warmer weather allowing for 305 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 6 hours and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 170 kW DC maximum allowing 25 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 594L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 183 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1000kg (braked).  This EV will have no Bidirectional charging; and
•  AWD - the £49,990 model will have a 75 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.4 seconds, 125 mph top speeds and 366 kW (or 491 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 260 miles with warmer weather allowing for 365 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hours and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 250 kW DC maximum allowing 27 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 594L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 170 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1000kg (braked).  This EV will have no Bidirectional charging.

The Pros of the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 are:

1.  Great value - the sub-£40k starting price makes this one of the most affordable in the class. And also allows the RWD to sit below the “expensive vehicle supplement” which is a VED surcharge on more expensive cars;
2.  Range - with the RWD at a 260 mile overall range (combined) and the AWD at a 315 mile overall range (combined), these are truly functional options for company car and high-mileage leasing customers;
3. Charging - charging capability (and time) is key! The 170 KW DC in the RWD and the 250 kW DC in the AWD make this a sub-30 minute rapid charging session, which is where EVs need to be.

Both the RWD and AWD options are due for delivery between January and February 2024. Simply place your order on the Tesla website and allow our expert e-car lease team to provide you with a personal or business leasing quotation, then let us take care of the rest. While the Tesla Model Y is the 4th best-selling car in 2023, with 28,177 units, could we see the update Model 3 being the UK’s favourite in 2024

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