Tesla Model 3 review

Even the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 can do 0-60mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. That's much faster than the equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 6 or a similarly priced petrol or diesel rival, such as the BMW 3 Series. 

The Long Range and Performance versions have four-wheel drive, and two electric motors, so they're even quicker. Indeed, we've timed the Performance pinging from 0-60mph in just 3.3sec, so it'll comfortably see off a Porsche 911 Carrera S in a drag race – as well as its closest rival, the Polestar 2.

The range-topping Performance version has (even firmer) sports suspension and big 20in wheels as standard. Around town, you feel more of bumps as they pass beneath the car than in lesser versions, but things smooth out nicely on a motorway.

In range-topping Performance guise, the Model 3 handles better than most other electric cars. It stays remarkably upright through turns and the amount of speed you can carry through a series of corners is seriously impressive.

It’s still a heavy car because of the batteries it needs to carry around, so it doesn’t feel as light on its toes as, for example, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio but it grips with real tenacity once settled into a bend. The Model 3's steering is quicker and more precise than the Polestar 2's somewhat vague set-up, and you can change its weighting to suit your tastes. You don't get a lot of feedback streaming to your fingertips, but you don't in most electric car rivals, either.