First Drive: Tesla Model 3 Standard Plus

It has been a long wait for Tesla and electric car fans but the brand’s cheapest model is now on sale in Australia and it set to change the mind of even the most red-blooded petrolhead.

Tesla hands over the “keys” to its Model 3 by asking for your email address.

After all, the Tesla Model 3 does not come with physical keys, only a digital link to your smartphone and a credit card-sized plastic backup for friends or emergencies.

It’s fair to say Tesla does things differently.

A minimalist cabin features a small steering wheel and huge 15-inch centre touchscreen that does everything from navigation to video games, opening the glove box or operating climate controls.

The Tesla Model 3 has arrived in Australia.

The sole readout does a fine job of replacing driver instruments, but it is distracting and inconvenient to tap, swipe and pinch to move air vents.

There’s plenty of room in the front and back, and a comfortable — if slightly high — driving position is met by flat but accommodating seats.

It’s a light and airy space with cavernous storage to match impressive cargo areas under the boot and bonnet.

Pitched as a medium-sized luxury sedan to rival the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Model 3 starts at $66,000 plus on-roads for the Model 3 Standard Range Plus tested here, running to $91,200 for the top-end Model 3 Performance.

The Standard Range Plus can add about 270km of range in 20 minutes.

While it’s not as brisk as the Supercar-baiting Model 3 Performance, the standard 225kW sedan already offers the quickest acceleration in its class thanks to a 5.6 second dash to 100km/h. The basic version is also sharp to drive, with quick steering responses, a well-judged ride leaning toward poise over plushness and sound body control on tricky roads.

Brake feel isn’t as good as it could be, as Tesla needs to balance mechanical brake discs and calipers with harvesting energy through the rear electric motor to keep the battery topped up.

Keen drivers shouldn’t dismiss the standard Model 3 out of hand, as a 240 kilogram weight advantage, more comfortable ride (on 18-inch wheels) and better steering feel compared to the top version make it a delight on winding back roads.

The Tesla Model 3 has arrived in Australia.

Highway driving is even easier thanks to its Autopilot suite. Recently recognised as the highest-scoring driver assistance pack by ANCAP, Tesla says it is “more capable than the regulatory environment allows”, and will offer “full self-driving” when legal.

Full self driving costs $8500 and may never be approved for road use, which has raised more than a few eyebrows.

The interior isn’t as luxe as its rivals.

For now, the car will steer itself for around 20 seconds at a time on highways, or much longer if you leave a lazy hand on the wheel. It works well in traffic jams, able to go, stop and steer within its own lane — though it does require a firm hand when confused by roadwork or intersections.

Drivers who roam over long distances are well served by Tesla’s Supercharger network which includes more than 30 fast-charging sites around Australia.

The entry-level Model 3 is priced from $66,000.

The Model 3’s claimed 460 kilometre range can receive a 270km boost in 30 minutes at Supercharger stations, with charging rates slowing as the 50kWh battery nears capacity. Our test example took on more than 150km in around 20 minutes at a cost of $8.82, or $0.42 per kWh.

Charging at home outside peak hours could cost half as much but take much longer.

Without a wall box installed (which owners get for free), the Model 3 needed more than 17 hours to go from a 45 per cent charge to a full battery using a household power point.

Aussie customers first put down a $1500 deposit more than three years ago.

Importantly, the Model 3 is cheaper to run than rivals. BMW’s $70,900 330i sedan uses 6.4L/100km of premium unleaded, with 150km of range costing about $14 at the bowser, or about $5 more than the Tesla. BMW service plans priced from $1,565 to $4,107 over five years are likely to prove much more expensive than the electric alternative.

But traditional luxury car fans might take issue with a plain cabin and sub-par fit-and-finish in the Tesla.

Verdict 4/5

Truly innovative, brilliant to drive and practical, the Tesla Model 3 makes a strong case for electric car ownership.

Tesla Model 3 vitals

Price: From $66,000 plus on-roads

Engine: 225kW electric motor

Range: 410km (WLTP)

Storage: 425 litres

Safety: 5 stars, eight airbags, AEB, active cruise control, lane keeping assistance, piloted driving