Tesla has made the Model 3 a better value for 2019 by dropping the price on all three of the variants listed below by $2000. The Model 3 Performance also now comes standard with the the previously optional Performance Upgrade package, which includes 20-inch wheels with summer tires, upgraded brakes, a carbon-fiber spoiler, aluminum pedal trim, a lowered suspension, and a 10-mph increase in top speed (to 155 mph).
Pros Quick acceleration and nimble handling, real-world-usable driving range, lots of future-is-now technology.
Cons More affordable variant may never arrive, driving range doesn't hold up on the highway, stark interior layout.
Pros Explosive acceleration at any speed Class leading in-car technology and driver assistance systems Easy to drive with established charging infrastructure availability
Cons Charging infrastructure in Australia lags behind the USA Some build quality issues Handling not quite as sharp as we expected
A less expensive battery pack is expected to debut later in the year. Aside from a few ergonomic issues, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric vehicles on sale today.
Pros Tesla prestige at a lower price Class-leading performance and handling More technologically advanced than rivals Supercharger network access for long-distance driving
Cons Touchscreen interface design can lead to driver distraction No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support Limited cargo capacity and interior storage
The Volkswagen ID 4 is a decent electric car with a practical interior, an excellent safety score and a good range (especially with the 77kWh battery). However, the best rivals are faster, smarter inside, have much better infotainment systems and take less time to charge. The Pro Performance Style is our pick of the range, and we'd avoid the pricey Max and GTX versions.
Pros Lots of space in the back and a big boot Excellent Euro NCAP safety score Well equipped
Cons Poor infotainment and dashboard usability Not fast by class standards Heavier depreciation than many rivals
Pros Modern-looking interior Spacious in the back Comfortable to drive
Cons Boot has annoyingly high lip Top versions quite expensive Some tech seems glitchy
