Brits Can Finally Order A Right-Hand Drive Tesla Model 3

Early-adopters and business fleet managers in the UK are having a busy morning, after Tesla quietly announced that orders for right-hand drive Model 3s are now open.

After Tesla website this morning appeared to offer the chance to order a car for the first time, people who paid to reserve an early build slot will get the first chance to spec and order their cars.

Their choice spans three models, starting with the rear-driven Standard Plus, with a single motor and a 258-mile range, and a dual-motor, all-wheel drive Long Range version that can cover 348 miles per charge.

The Standard Plus will crack the old imperial 0-60mph launch in 5.3 seconds, which drops to 4.5 for the Long Range car. For more speed you’ll need Performance spec, which with twin motors will do the same sprint from rest in a supercar-chasing 3.2 seconds at the cost of about 20 miles of charge range. All models pack a pretty mighty 542 litres of luggage space.

The two mainstream models are priced at £38,900 and £47,900 respectively, putting the entry point on a par with a BMW 330i M Sport saloon. For the 162mph Performance model it’s £56,900 plus options.

Tesla has set the UK warranty for all Model 3s at four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. In the hands of a typical sales rep that mileage will evaporate in a couple of years, but we can see private buyers appreciating the four-year max.

Owners will be able to recoup 170 miles of range in 30 minutes when plugged into the Supercharger network, as long as conditions are ideal. Unlike early Model S drivers, those with Model 3s will pay to use Superchargers.

On the options list is ‘full self-driving’ autonomy. It’s not cheap at £4900, and nor are we convinced that it’s foolproof enough to be worth it, but it can also be retro-fitted by future owners for £6800.