In a significant leap for electric vehicles, Tesla's updated Model 3 Long Range is making a bold claim: the ability to travel over 400 miles on a single charge. Launched in January 2026, this model promises to alleviate range anxiety for good. But does this figure translate to reality on British roads, especially in winter? We spent a week with the car to find out.
The New Model 3 Line-Up: Simplicity with a Long Reach
Tesla has streamlined the latest Model 3 offerings. The entry point is the Standard Range model with a 57.5kWh battery, while the performance-focused variant sits at the top. The middle ground, and perhaps the most compelling, is occupied by two Long Range versions. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) model, priced from £44,990, boasts a WLTP range of 466 miles. Its all-wheel drive (AWD) sibling, costing £49,990, is rated for 410 miles. While real-world conditions always differ, breaking the 400-mile barrier is a genuine possibility, marking a crucial milestone for the EV market.
This new Model 3 represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor. It features sharper styling, enhanced aerodynamics, more efficient batteries, and notably better build quality. Despite these advances, its signature minimalist interior remains, which is both a point of contention and a unique selling point.
Living with Tesla's Minimalist Philosophy
Stepping inside the Model 3 is an exercise in digital adaptation. The physical controls are sparse. There's only one column stalk for the indicators, and functions like windscreen wipers and headlights are managed via the steering wheel buttons or the central touchscreen—a system that can feel clumsy initially. The gear selector is also on the screen, and there is no traditional driver's instrument cluster; your speed is displayed on the vast 15-inch central touchscreen.
Furthermore, there's no support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring drivers to use Tesla's native software. However, with time, the logic of this digital ecosystem becomes apparent. Over-the-air updates continuously refine the experience, and clever touches like the dual wireless smartphone charging pad add practical convenience. The cabin offers decent rear-seat space, a sizeable boot, and a useful front trunk ('frunk').
The Real-World Range Test: Chasing 400 Miles in Winter
The core question remains: can you actually achieve 400 miles? To test the AWD version, we embarked on a road trip from the Peak District through Cheshire and into Yorkshire, mixing rural B-roads with motorway stretches. In winter conditions, with heating on, wipers working, and hilly terrain, a perfect 410-mile run was always unlikely.
On rural routes, efficiency was impressive, easily achieving 4 miles per kWh. Motorway driving reduced this figure, as expected. After a day of mixed driving in cold, wet December weather, calculations suggested a realistic range of approximately 350 to 370 miles from a full charge. While this falls short of the WLTP figure, it remains a highly impressive result for an EV in adverse conditions, demonstrating that the 400-mile benchmark is within tangible reach for gentler driving.
So, is the AWD worth the £5,000 premium over the RWD? The extra traction is invaluable for UK winters or spirited driving, though it comes with a slight range trade-off. The Long Range model, whether RWD or AWD, feels like the sweet spot in the Model 3 family, balancing everyday usability with exceptional range.
The Verdict: An Appealing EV Prospect
Overlooking the Tesla Model 3 would be a mistake. Yes, its saloon body style bucks the SUV trend, and its minimalist controls require adaptation. However, once acclimatised, the benefits shine through. The seamless smartphone app, the game-changing Supercharger network, and the constant evolution via software updates create a compelling ownership package. The prospect of reliably approaching 400 miles of range is the icing on the cake, making the latest Model 3 Long Range a genuinely appealing and practical electric car for the UK.
