Tesla’s bringing its cheapest Model 3 yet to the UK market. The automaker confirmed the Model 3 Standard will arrive by the end of next month with a starting price of £37,995 or £249 monthly through PCP financing.
The move creates a clear hierarchy in Tesla’s UK lineup – the regular Model 3 now carries the ‘Premium’ designation. That Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Premium version costs £7,000 more than the new Standard trim.
Undercutting the Competition
Tesla’s pricing strategy puts significant pressure on rivals in the electric sedan market.
The Standard trim undercuts key competitors by substantial margins. The entry-level Polestar 2 starts at £45,160, while the BYD Seal begins at £45,705. BMW’s cheapest i4 carries a £51,370 price tag.
Despite the lower cost, the Tesla still delivers a 332-mile equivalent range.
What Gets Cut
Tesla stripped several Premium features to hit the Standard’s price point. The full faux-leather interior makes way for a cloth and vegan leather combination. Ventilated front seats disappear entirely, along with heated rear seats.
The audio system loses its subwoofer and FM/AM radio tuner capabilities.
Rear passengers won’t find the touchscreen that’s standard in Premium models. Tesla also removed the latest-gen Model 3‘s wrap-around interior lighting. Active dampers aren’t part of the Standard package, and the steering wheel requires manual adjustment rather than electronic positioning.
The Standard model eliminates traditional physical keycards – buyers can only unlock and start the car through Tesla’s mobile app.
Core Features Remain
Tesla kept most essential features intact despite the cost reductions. Both Standard and Premium models share the same 15.4-inch central touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and electronically-operated tailgate.
Two wireless charging pads come standard, along with 18-inch ‘Photon’ aero wheels.
The Standard sits in insurance group 32 – the lowest classification for any Model 3 variant. Performance takes a modest hit with a 6.2-second 0-60 time compared to 5.8 seconds for higher-spec versions. Top speed drops from 125mph to 110mph.
Charging Access Included
Standard buyers get full access to Tesla’s Supercharging network. The UK network includes 1,400 charge points nationwide, with off-peak pricing as low as £0.30 per kilowatt hour.
Tesla will also launch a £41,990 Model Y Standard alongside the Model 3 when both vehicles reach UK showrooms next month.
