Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a battery-electric mid-size sedan that arrived in 2017 as Tesla's first truly mass-market car. Designed under Franz von Holzhausen to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, it stripped away traditional gauges and buttons in favor of a single 15-inch touchscreen that controls everything from climate to navigation. That minimalist approach divided opinions at first, but the car's combination of range, performance, and over-the-air software updates won over buyers fast.

It became the world's best-selling plug-in electric car for three straight years starting in 2018, and in June 2021 it became the first EV to surpass 1 million global sales. The Model 3 didn't just sell well; it reshaped public perception of electric cars. Suddenly, an EV could be practical for road trips, quick enough to thrill enthusiasts, and affordable enough for families. Tesla's Supercharger network sealed the deal, making long-distance travel genuinely painless.

A major refresh code-named Highland landed in late 2023 for Asian markets and early 2024 for North America. It brought a sleeker front end, quieter cabin with more acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, and an 8-inch rear touchscreen. The steering wheel lost its stalks for turn signals and gear selection, though Tesla later added stalks back on some versions after customer feedback. As of 2026, pricing starts at $38,380 for the Standard trim, with the Performance model reaching $57,500. [edit]