After collecting the latest Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive from Tesla’s Sandyford headquarters, it quickly became clear that the coming week would highlight just how far this car has evolved! First launched in Ireland in 2019, the Model 3 has been a familiar sight on our roads for several years now, but this latest version shows a car that has quietly and confidently come of age. Tesla’s “better over time” philosophy is evident in the latest updates. A new front-facing camera improves visibility at low speeds and in tight spaces, while integrated heating and a washer system help keep it clear in all conditions. A newly engineered indicator stalk also enhances usability, offering more precise and natural control.
Over the course of a week, the Model 3 Long Range was put through the kind of use most Irish drivers will recognise. Daily commutes, motorway runs and longer weekend journeys all revealed a car that feels genuinely easy to live with. It combines sharp styling, intuitive technology and a noticeable step forward in overall quality, reinforcing why it continues to be such a strong seller in this market. Visually, the Model 3 looks much better than its predecessor. The design remains sharp and modern without trying too hard, and its low stance and minimalist lines still give it real road presence. That sense of refinement carries through to the interior, where material quality and overall feel are clearly improved compared to earlier examples from a few years ago. Tesla’s pared-back cabin design remains a talking point and will not suit everyone, but after a short adjustment period it begins to make sense. Everything feels deliberate, uncluttered and focused on usability.
Space is another strength. Four adults fit comfortably, with plenty of headroom and legroom, while the combination of a generous boot and front storage makes the Model 3 more practical than its sleek silhouette suggests. Rear passengers also now have a screen for climate and infotainment which, goes down particularly well with small ones! Tesla’s driver assistance systems are also well judged, offering support without becoming intrusive. Crucially, they are easy to adjust or switch off, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their own preferences with ease!
On the road, the Model 3 continues to impress. It is quiet, smooth and remarkably easy to commute in, even over poor or broken surfaces. Despite colder winter temperatures during the test week, battery performance remained strong, underlining Tesla’s ongoing expertise in efficiency and energy management. Real-world range proved consistent and reassuring, and range anxiety never entered the conversation, even when making full use of the car’s performance.
The recent range improvements across the Model 3 lineup only strengthen its appeal. Higher-density battery packs mean the rear-wheel-drive version now delivers over 520 kilometres of WLTP range, with even greater figures achievable on smaller wheels. Long Range variants comfortably exceed 700 kilometres, while the Performance model also sees a useful increase, making it more usable day to day.
A highlight of the week was a Sunday morning drive from Kildare to Glendalough. On the winding Wicklow roads, the Model 3 felt planted and composed, with sharp steering and excellent body control. The instant torque delivery makes overtaking effortless and reinforces the idea that one of the Model 3’s greatest strengths is how enjoyable it is to drive. This is where the appeal of full autonomy upgrades begins to feel questionable. Standard Autopilot is more than sufficient, and the engagement behind the wheel remains a core part of the experience.
With competitive monthly pricing from €329 plus deposit and a stronger sense of refinement throughout, the Model 3 represents excellent value in the electric saloon segment. After a week behind the wheel, it feels more mature, more confident and more complete than ever. Tesla may no longer trade on novelty alone, but with the Model 3, it continues to set a benchmark for how an electric car should drive, perform and fit seamlessly into everyday life.
