In association with Pod
Electric Car Awards 2025: Best electric executive car
With fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes, we’ve named the best new and used buys in every class. Here we look at the best electric executive cars...
Tesla Model 3 RWD
Some brands ARE definitive when it comes to a particular product. Who really wants an interlocking brick construction
toy that isn’t Lego? And in how many households the world over does beanz not mean Heinz?
Well, the Tesla brand makes global headlines for all kinds of reasons; its CEO is, shall we say, politically divisive. But like it or not, everyone knows what a Tesla is. And frankly, the Tesla Model 3 is the definitive electric executive car. In fact, it has been for years.
Not only is it a rival for the BMW i4, Volkswagen ID 7 and a host of other models, but it actually pioneered the electric executive car breed. And it has never been beaten by a newcomer.
True, there are a few ergonomic eccentricities – most obviously the fact that the indicators are activated by buttons on the steering wheel instead of a stalk of the kind that’s almost universally agreed to be ‘a good idea’.
In addition, the speedo is on the central touchscreen instead of directly in front of you. But that screen is at least one of the best around, because it’s very responsive and packed with features, plus everything is beautifully presented.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Tesla should be very flattered indeed, because countless rivals have mimicked its approach of doing away with traditional buttons and switches. However, few do it as well. And likewise, it would be nice if more would imitate the Model 3 in the areas where it really excels.
One of those is practicality; it’s very spacious in the front and is beaten for rear leg room only by the longer ID 7. What’s more, despite being bigger, that car can’t hold a candle to the Model 3 for luggage space.
The Model 3 is great to drive, too, matching plenty of petrol-powered execs when it comes to agility and steering accuracy. Yet it’s also comfortable; the ID 7 tackles bumps with more aplomb, but the Model 3 isn’t far behind, and it’s more controlled.
Every version has an impressive official range, while our tests confirm that real-world efficiency is second to none. And don’t forget, you get preferential rates when using Tesla’s fast and reliable Supercharger charging network.
On top of all this, our favourite Model 3 – the RWD – is the cheapest, offering a great blend of performance and standard kit for a whisker under £40k.
Best used electric executive car
Tesla Model 3 (2019-present)
Price from £12,000
Not as well finished inside as the newer Model 3, but earlier versions are still impressive to drive and ride in. Plus, supply is plentiful and they’re cheap as chips to buy.
Used Tesla Model 3 buying guide >>
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