By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, MOTORING REPORTER
Tesla is continuing its cut-price car approach to 2026 by bringing out a new Model 3 Standard - a more affordable version of its entry saloon car.
Following in the tyre tracks of the Model Y Standard announced in December, the Model 3 Standard aims to 'further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles amongst a broader audience'.
It comes after a tumultuous year of sales for the US car maker, which seen its market dominance eaten away by Chinese rival BYD - which has officially overtaken the American brand in terms of global EV sales in 2025 - and customers wanting to steer clear of associations to Elon Musk.
The Model 3 Standard hopes to rectify this by making Tesla products more attainable than ever. It will start from £37,990 - £7,000 less than the next cheapest Model 3, the Premium. This is the same saving the new Model Y Standard offers buyers.
The Model 3 Standard will replace the current Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive EV in the brand's vehicle line up.
Available to order now, deliveries are expected to start towards the end of February - here's what we know.
Tesla has put its Model 3 Standard on sale for £37,990 - £7,000 less than the next cheapest Model 3, the Premium. Here's what we know
Like with the Model Y Standard, Tesla has once more reduced the trim level and performance to drag down the price.
Changes include a lowered top speed and slower acceleration - the Model 3 Standard is limited to 110mph and goes from 0–60 mph in just 6.2 seconds compared to the next step up Model 3 Premium which does it in 4.9 seconds.
These changes also means the Model 3 Standard sits in a lower insurance group – 32 - which is the lowest Tesla insurance group to date.
The Model Y Standard received the same treatment but places slightly higher in group 34.
Group 32 insurance also means Tesla can offer a £249 a month PCP offer (£9,100 down payment, over 60 months and 10,000 miles) - it's best value option to date.
Additionally, Tesla vehicles aren't subject to annual servicing, further aiding with a lower cost of ownership.
Model 3 Standards also have new 18-inch Photon wheels - picked specifically for the UK market - which not only help reduce consumption and help the rubber to last longer, they crucially help maintain a strong residual value.
The Model 3 Standard sits in group 32 for insurance - the lowest of any Tesla and bringing down the cost of ownership
It's cheaper but has the same screen, remote mobile access, Sentry Mode, Dog Model and the Arcade features to name a few as the normal Model 3 Standard
Updated Model 3 features such as replacing the indicator stalk have been maintained as well
The efficiency of the Model 3 Standard means it can achieve a range of 332 miles on a single charge with consumption of just 20.9kWh per 100 miles.
Inside, it doesn't lose any of the tech, with the same screen, remote mobile access, Sentry Mode, Dog Model and the Arcade feature (to name a few) that appear in the existing Model 3 line-up.
Practicality is retained too with the 594-litre boot and 88-litre frunk, and towing up to 1,000kg.
The efficiency of the Model 3 Standard means it can achieve a range of 332 miles on paper and a consumption of just 20.9kWh/100mile - extra miles to the charging pound
Customers who opt for the Standard still get all the latest updates introduced to the Model 3 range in late 2025: the wide angle front-facing camera (complete with fluid washer and built-in heating to prevent fogging and icing) and the reintroduced indicator stalk.
Adaptive headlights come as standard too.
The main interior has new durable vegan leather and textile seats, the front seats are heated, and the panoramic glass roof stays.
It also comes standard with Autopilot and is hardware-ready for Full Self-Driving (Supervised), which will be enabled remotely on applicable vehicles once approved by regulators.
Drivers can place orders for UK models now, though first deliveries won't be in the country until next month at the very earliest.
