I recently spent a week in the cheapest Tesla available in the UK market - the Model 3 Standard Range. Priced at £38,990, it's an attractive option for those on a budget who still want to own an electric vehicle (EV). However, my experience highlighted some significant omissions from this base model.
The most noticeable absence is navigation. While the car comes with a touchscreen display, it does not have built-in GPS or SatNav functionality, which may be inconvenient for those reliant on these features. This omission is particularly galling given that more expensive Tesla models come equipped with integrated mapping systems.
Another notable feature missing from this model is a premium interior. The Model 3 Standard Range's cabin is utilitarian at best and lacks the luxurious materials and finishes found in higher-end Teslas. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it does detract from the overall driving experience.
Despite these limitations, the Model 3 Standard Range still manages to deliver decent performance with its 50kWh battery pack providing a respectable range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. However, potential buyers must carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.