Tesla Model 3 Standard has a job to do

After what can only be described as a tumultuous year, Tesla is facing up to the task of fighting its way back to top spot in the EV world. Growing competition from Chinese EV brands has seen Tesla overtaken in terms of global EV sales in 2025. The most dominant EV brand over the last few years is now under pressure to respond in an ever-busier marketplace. And that response is a new addition to the range: the Tesla Model 3 Standard.

Following on from the Model Y Standard announced in December, Tesla is continuing down the same road with the introduction of a more affordable version of its entry-level Model 3 saloon.

The strategy appears quite straightforward.

List prices for the new Model 3 Standard knock £2,000 off the price of the outgoing entry-level model and create a whopping £7,000 gap compared to the price of the next cheapest Premium specification. These are the same savings applied to the new Model Y as well, so it’s reasonable to conclude that Tesla is lowering the entry point to broaden its appeal across a wider range of budgets.

But what does that mean if you decide to lease a Tesla Model 3 Standard? In reality, probably not that much that you’re going to worry about.

The new Model 3 Standard will replace the current Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive in the brand's vehicle line up, and in terms of looks, there’s nothing to choose between them other than a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, faux-leather upholstery has been swapped for cloth, the centre console has been replaced with an open storage area, and the rear passenger touchscreen has been removed. The sound system also loses its subwoofer, and the steering wheel adjustment is manual rather than electric. Other than that, specifications remain the same as in the outgoing model, which means it’s pretty much got everything you’ll need.

The only other thing to mention, and it seems a bit strange but that’s probably just us getting old, is that Tesla won’t give you the key. Not to be mean, but because there isn’t one. Instead of a regular key fob, access to the new Model 3 Standard will come exclusively via Tesla’s mobile app on your phone.

Trimming the specification is only part of the potential cost saving though

Alongside the lower servicing and road tax costs associated with an EV, Tesla has also tweaked the performance of the new Model 3 Standard to ensure it sits in a lower insurance bracket too.

A lower top speed and slower acceleration - the Model 3 Standard is limited to 110mph and goes from 0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds (which is still pretty quick) – help keep the insurance cost down, and with a range of just over 330 miles, you might even find yourself needing to recharge the battery less often as well.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard is available to lease right now, with deliveries expected to start towards the end of February.