Tesla Model 3 Electric Standard Range Plus RWD 50 kWh (A) Review

We've all seen the Facebook videos, right? Teslas rocketing off at a traffic light, leaving even supercars in their dust. That electric party trick is a pretty well-established one, what with the Model 3 Performance's 660Nm of instant electric torque.

What if you want a slightly tamer experience, then? Well, you can opt for this model - the Model 3 Standard Range Plus.

Pared down

This is the base model Tesla, not that you'd really know by looking at it. It looks basically identical to the Performance model. Is it a pretty car? That's up to you. It reminds me of the robots from the Will Smith I, Robot movie, and while I admit it's certainly distinctive, I don't find it particularly nice to look at.

The interior is very minimalist, and that certainly has advantages. It feels spacious, light and airy, with no feeling of clutter at all. The gigantic centre screen is where you control close to all of the car's functions. For drivers who are used to having multiple buttons and controls, it can initially be confounding trying to find the various functions (like adjusting the mirrors, unlocking the doors and so on). It is a purposefully simplified design with the consideration that most features (like your steering wheel and mirror positions) are set and forget, so in that regard I think it works. Just make sure to give yourself a little bit of time to figure out where everything is.

Another benefit of this minimalist interior is that there's a lot of storage space, including two big ones in the centre console. There's also a glovebox, though it has to be opened via the screen. The wireless charging pad can also charge two phones at a time (handy).

Tesla's lack of car-building experience shows, though. Build quality isn't the greatest. Some of the door seals are a tad flimsy, the two stalks behind the steering wheel are a little clunky, and overall the car lacks the sense of polish you'd get in a German-branded model, for example. And, when you are driving at speed, wind noise is apparent, and you can also occasionally hear some rattling noises.

One motor way

There's obviously been a ton of hype about Tesla's self-driving capabilities. However, the truth is the Autopilot system is a Level 2 system, which primarily means that you still have to keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention.

As a result, you will actually be doing a lot of the driving. And here, there's a lot to like. This Standard model makes do with just one electric motor, but there's still ample pace, with 321bhp and 420Nm of torque to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds. The ride is very good - smooth, well-damped, and well-controlled. Through corners, the car also holds itself admirably well, with a good sense of dynamic sharpness aided by the rear-wheel drive setup.

One thing to note is that unlike the Performance model, this car is strictly one-pedal drive only. You don't have the option to switch off the regenerative braking when you come off the throttle. And, the braking is pretty strong, which definitely takes a little adjusting to.

Also, Tesla famously uses a camera-only system when it comes to its safety and assistance systems. In general, it is quite effective, especially in the way it can detect and display the surrounding vehicles. I will note that the front camera tends to beep a fair bit (it's constantly going off when coming down the seven floors worth of winding down ramp in my office building), and the blind-spot view display could be better located on the screen (it's on the bottom right, which tends to be blocked by your left hand). 

As far as efficiency goes, I managed 6.3km/kWh, not too far off Tesla's claimed 6.9 figure. And, it's a testament to Tesla's battery technology that is a fair bit better than most other EVs in the market right now. 

There are, however, two specific things that I don't like. The first is the steering - even in the Comfort setting, it is too heavy for my liking. Especially when going through a carpark at low speeds, it can be really tiring. I wish there was an even lighter setting.

Secondly, the low-speed throttle modulation is not very good, especially if you use the Hold function (which is my preference). Because the throttle is quite spiky and the regenerative braking quite strong, trying to modulate the throttle when reversing into a parking space is honestly frustrating. Furthermore, you can't turn the creep function on unless you first shift the car into 'P'. This is a car where I would say you'd have to turn the creep function perpetually on.

Standardised

This base Model 3 is about $42,000 (as of 24 December 2022) cheaper than the Performance model. And that's a big number. And when it comes to choosing between the two, it chiefly comes down to whether you like or can live with the somewhat stark one-pedal feel (some people vehemently hate it). If you can, then I think this is certainly the Model 3 to have. Yes, you won't be winning as many traffic light races as the Performance, but honestly, the fascination and exhilaration of that rabid acceleration will wear out over time.

This is a sensible and feasible entry into the world of Tesla and electric motoring. It's got all the relevant furnishings as the Model 3 Performance, like the cool, futristic cabin and massive touchscreen. And, once you take some time to learn the various ins-and-outs of the car, it's relatively easy to live with.

This variant also still does many of the important things that a Tesla should - you get access to the Supercharger network, the (hopefully) growing capabilities of the Autopilot system, and perhaps most importantly, you can tell people that you own a Tesla.

Isn't that currently what it's all about, eh?
 
 
In the market for a four-door electric sedan? Here are some other choices in this segment to consider:

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is uniquely different, with power aplenty and a clever autopilot system

The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor makes a strong impression with its capable drivetrain, premium cabin and keen attention to detail

The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor proves that less can indeed be more