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Ever since the company was founded in 2003, it’s no secret that Tesla vehicles have become incredibly popular across the world, with the Model 3 becoming the best-selling car in Europe in 2021.(Electrek) Tesla has led electric vehicles (EVs) into the mainstream car market and it’s clear they’re here to stay.
While there is still some hesitation by the general public to join the electric movement due to the sentiment that electric cars are more expensive (ThisIsMoney), when leasing through a salary sacrifice scheme, electric cars can be much more affordable. When you sign up to loveelectric, you could save up to 50% on your monthly car payments, so now the only question is, which Tesla would you choose?
In order to better compare and contrast the different versions of each model, this article will provide you with a quick overview of the models as a whole before explaining how the various versions of the models differ from one another to help you narrow down what suits your needs best. Also, if you’d like a quick comparison of the key differences, we recommend having a look at the comparison page on the Tesla website where you can compare the key features and figures of up to three different models from Tesla.
Tesla Model 3
This 5 seater, four-door sedan was the most popular electric car in the UK in 2021(Admiral). This may be due to the fact that the Model 3 is currently the most affordable model from the brand, so if you’re on a budget or simply looking to get the best price possible, this might be the best choice for you.
Tesla Model 3 Interior
One of the hallmarks of Tesla's design is how clean and modern it feels, so while it may feel somewhat minimalist to some, there’s no denying it feels high end. Just as with all the vehicles on this list, the Model 3 has very few traditional buttons and instead has a large, landscape infotainment screen through which you can control and adjust almost all the features this model offers.
It’s important to note that if you aren’t a fan of the more high-tech, modern touchscreen and loathe the idea of only using one screen to adjust settings, a Tesla might not be right for you. If this is the case, why not have a look at some of our recommendations based on range, budget-friendly options, or if budget is not a concern, our top luxury picks.
The Model 3 has a good amount of interior storage space including the door bins, glove compartment and in the centre console, so it’s great for storing whatever bits and bobs you’d like to keep in the front with you. Its features also include a great quality reversing camera and the option to heat all of the seats.
As for the passengers in the back seats, three adults will fit comfortably, especially as there is no hump in the floor, so everyone gets a good amount of room for their feet. However, for passengers in the back who are over 6 feet tall, there may not be a tonne of extra headroom (depending on their height) or for people with long legs, it might not be the most comfortable on longer journeys, again depending on how tall you are, as the batteries are just below the seats, you could end up sitting with a more crouched position with your legs.
Tesla Model 3 Boot space
There is 561 litres of boot space in the Model 3, and there’s also 88 litres in the froot (or front boot), so it should be able to fit most bits of luggage or whatever else you may need to transport.
Tesla Model 3 RWD
The claimed range of the Model 3 RWD is 272 miles although the real-world range is estimated to be closer to 235 miles, which is not that far off from the estimate but do keep in mind that range will depend on a number of different factors, check out this post to learn more about why that is the case.
The Model 3 RWD has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds which is the slowest time on this list. However, if you’re not that bothered about its acceleration time or you’re making the switch from a petrol or diesel engine to an electric car, this will still feel pretty fast in terms of acceleration and it has a top speed of 140 mph.
If you choose to get the RWD option, you’ll get what Tesla describes as ‘partial premium interior’ but you can upgrade this to a premium interior if you’d like all the bells and whistles like the premium audio and LED fog lights. (Tesla)
Tesla Model 3 Lease UK
You could get a Model 3 RWD for up to 50% cheaper every month if you’re signed up to loveelectric! If you sign up here, you can get access to live quotes based on your salary.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
If you like the idea of a Model 3 but you need more range than what the standard RWD option offers, the Model 3 Long Range is the perfect choice. This version of the Model 3 has a claimed range of 358 miles in range, with an estimated real-world range of 300 miles, which is the best mileage of all the three Model 3s available.
It also has a quicker 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.2 seconds, although the Model 3 Performance is faster still. There’s not much difference in the top speed, the Long Range version sits at 145 mph which is only 5 mph faster than the standard RWD version.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Lease
If you’d like to get a brand new Model 3 Long Range for up to 50% cheaper every month, sign up to loveelectric and you could make this a reality! If you sign up here, you can get access to live quotes based on your salary. If you’re still unsure of which vehicle you’d like to lease, why not browse our website to have a look at what's currently available.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
Tesla claims the Model 3 Performance has a range of 315 miles, while the estimated real-world range is 285 miles which isn’t too far off the estimate. Do keep in mind that these mileages are simply an approximation and there are a number of factors that can affect the range of your vehicle, including weather and how much you use your AC. If you’d like to get tips on how to maximise the range of your vehicle, check out this article.
The Model 3 Performance has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds, making it the fastest of the Model 3s. It also has a top speed of 162 mph which is significantly higher than the other versions of the Model 3.
This version also has extra features, including a carbon fibre spoiler, vegan leather seats, and you also get the full glass roof as standard, which is absolutely stunning and truly makes the car feel that bit more luxurious.
Tesla Model 3 Performance Lease UK
If you’d like to see how much a Tesla Model 3 Performance could cost you every month using the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme, sign up here to get a live, specialised quote! If you’re still unsure if the Model 3 is right for you, why not browse our website to see what else we have available.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a 5-door, 5-seater SUV which seems to have taken a lot of design inspiration from the incredibly popular Model 3, except this car is both taller and generally larger, along with a hatchback-style, sloped boot. If the Model 3 felt a bit too small for you this might be the best choice from the Tesla line-up, as the model Y is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a good all-round, spacious family SUV.
Tesla Model Y Interior
Just like the exterior design, the interior of the Model Y feels similar to the Model 3, although there are some key differences. One of these differences is there is no digital driver display, instead everything can be viewed and controlled from the large landscape, 15-inch infotainment screen. As with all the other models available from the brand, the screen is incredibly sharp and responsive and once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to use. Although this looks aesthetically pleasing, as with all Teslas this might not suit everyone as some may find it cumbersome to have to use the touchscreen for every setting change, so if you prefer physical buttons, Tesla might not be the best brand for you. Tesla has really pushed the boundary with only having one screen so the Model Y feels more minimalist in style compared to the other vehicles on this list. It’s a beautiful design choice but might not be the most practical in terms of usability.
Another difference between the Model 3 and Model Y is that you sit higher up in the Model Y, so it doesn't feel quite as sporty but it does feel like you get slightly better visibility in the Model Y.
If the back seats in the Model 3 feel a bit too cramped for you, the Model Y may just be the solution to that problem, as these back seats feel more spacious and taller passengers have more legroom, perfect for longer journeys. Overall, the materials feel really great quality and there’s a good amount of interior storage space including the glove compartment, door bins and centre console.
Tesla Model Y Boot space
The Model Y has an incredible amount of boot space, with 854 litres in the boot, or up to 2041 litres with the back seats folded down, so you should be able to transport whatever you need.
Additionally you also get some more space in the froot (or front boot), in the Model Y you have another 117 litres. However, if that’s not enough room for you, the Model X has even more space.
Tesla Model Y Long Range
A key difference between the Long Range and the Performance model of the Model Y is the number of seats. The Long Range has the option of 7 seat configuration, making it the perfect car if you have a big family or if you often have additional passengers accompanying you.
The Model Y Long Range has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed 135 miles per hour. The claimed range of the Model Y Long Range is 331 miles, however the real world range is likely to be closer to 270 miles but please note that range is subject to a number of different factors including weather conditions. If you’d like to learn more about how range can be affected, click here.
Tesla Model Y Lease
If you’re considering a Tesla Model Y, why pay full price when you could lease one, saving you up to 50% on your monthly car payment. If you’re interested and you’d like to get started on the process of getting this amazing car at a better price, click here to sign up to our salary sacrifice scheme.
Tesla Model Y Performance
As mentioned above, the Model Y Performance has 5 seats so if you like the look of the Model Y but don’t need the additional seats, this might be the car for you!
Tesla claims the range of the Model Y Performance is 319 miles although in real-world range it’s probably closer to 260 miles in range. It does have a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds so it’s pretty quick, plus it has a top speed 155 mph.
One of the differences between the Model Y and the Model Y Performance is the suspension, the Performance has a slightly lower suspension compared to the Model Y, and it also has some more options for wheel sizes.
Tesla Model Y Performance Lease
If you’re interested in getting a brand new Model Y Performance for 50% of the average monthly leasing cost, click here to sign up to the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme, or click here to browse other vehicles.
Tesla Model S
The Model is a 5-door, sleek sedan with 5 seats and Tesla have recently updated this car to feel even more luxurious. To put this car into context compared to where it fits in the Tesla lineup, this car is the more luxurious, refined version of the Model 3, almost like the Model S is the ultimate performance version of the popular family car. Tesla have stated the new versions of both the Model S and Model S Plaid will become available to UK customers by the end of 2022. (CarBuyer)
Tesla Model S Interior
As is custom with the rest of the vehicles in Tesla's lineup, this model has a sleek and minimal design. Both cars have three screens, the main infotainment screen, a driver’s display and a third screen at the back of the centre console designed to entertain passengers in the back seats.
The main infotainment screen is what we’ve come to expect and love from the brand, it’s a 17-inch wide, landscape screen that’s slightly tilted towards the driver, so it’s easier to see and won’t have as much glare reflecting back on you.
The second screen in the car is the driver's display, which is great quality and you now have a completely unobstructed view of this display as both versions of the Model S now have a steering yoke instead of a traditional steering wheel. It’s a very bold design choice by Tesla and although it might turn some people off this model, there’s no doubt it stands out. When driving either of the Model S cars, it feels slightly as though you’re driving a go-kart or flying a plane and while this might not be to every consumer's taste, it’s definitely an experience. Instead of traditional physical buttons, the yoke steering wheel has a number of touch-sensitive buttons which may take some getting used to but they do add to the more luxurious feel.
The third display screen is on the back of the centre console which was created specifically for gaming, making it perfect for entertaining children on long journeys. Although keep in mind it’s a bit too low down for adults, who may find they strain their necks when looking down for an extended period of time.
As for the seats, the front seats feel very spacious, adults will fit comfortably at the front and while the back seats may feel slightly more cramped and might not be the most comfortable for taller adults on long journeys, adults under 6 feet tall and children should fit comfortably.
Tesla Model S Boot space
The Model S has 793 litres of boot space which should be plenty of room for the average family, however, if you need more space to transport items, the Model X might be a better option.
Tesla Model S
Tesla estimates the range of the Model S to be 405 miles, however, in real world-range it may be closer to 360 miles. It also has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds which is impressive, but not quite as fast as the S Plaid, and the top speed is 155 mph.
Tesla Model S Lease
If you’re considering getting a new Tesla Model S, why not lease one for up to 50% less than the average monthly cost? When you’re signed up to the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme, you can get a personalised quote once the Model S is available to see how much you save every month.
Tesla Model S Plaid
The claimed range of the S Plaid is 396 miles, however, this is likely to be closer to 350 miles, but one of the most exciting claims for Tesla is that the 0-62 mph acceleration time of the S Plaid is 1.99 seconds. While this may be the case, it’s estimated it may be just above that at 2.1 seconds, either way it is by far the fastest acceleration time on this list with the exception of the still unreleased Tesla Roadster. If you enjoy driving and are intrigued by the fast acceleration it doesn’t stop there, as the top speed the S Plaid can go up to is 200 mph if you choose to have it upgraded.
Tesla Model S Plaid Lease
If you’d like to get a brand new Model Y Performance for 50% off the average monthly leasing cost, click here to sign up to the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme and get a personalised quote once the Model S Plaid is available in the UK, or click here to browse other vehicles.
Tesla Model X
The Model X is a 5-door, sophisticated AWD SUV that feels luxurious while still being a great all-round family car. It’s currently not available in the UK, although Tesla have shared that the Model X and Model X Plaid will be arriving in the UK by the end of 2022.
Tesla Model X Boot Space
If you know you need a lot of space to transport big suitcases or other large items, it will most certainly be music to your ears to hear that the Model X has over 1050 litres in boot space. If for some reason you need even more space than that, you can always fold down the backseats to get up an incredible 2410 litres of cargo space.
Tesla Model X
One of the key differences between the different Model Xs is the seats, as the standard Model X has 7 seats whereas the Model X Plaid has 6.
In terms of range, Tesla claims the range of the Model X is 348 miles but the estimated real-world range is closer to 300 miles, meaning it ranks third out of the available cars on this list in terms of range, only ranking behind the two cars in the Model S line. It also has an 0-62 mph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds, as well as a top speed of 155 mph, which still is pretty quick, but there are a number of faster cars on this list.
Tesla Model X Lease
If you’re considering getting a new Tesla Model X when it becomes available in the UK, why not save up to 50% on your monthly car payments? If you’re signed up to the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme, you’ll get a personalised quote to see how much you could save every month, or if you’re still unsure if the Model X is the right choice for you, browse our website to see what we currently have in stock.
Tesla Model X Plaid
As previously mentioned, one of the key differences between the X and the X Plaid is the amount of seats, with the Plaid having 6 seats in total. Although this vehicle is available to pre order, it won’t be delivered until October at the earliest.
The claimed range of the Model X Plaid is 333 miles however the real-world range is expected to be closer to that of 290 miles. Tesla also shared that the 0-62 mph acceleration time will be 2.5 seconds and have a top speed of 163 mph.
Tesla Model X Plaid Lease
If you’d like to get a Tesla Model X for up to 50% cheaper every month, why not sign up to the loveelectric salary sacrifice scheme to get the process started before the Model X arrives in the UK.
Tesla Cybertruck
We’ve seen some images and videos of the Cybertruck and while is currently not available due to various different delays in production, this car is expected to be available in early 2023. (The New York Times)
The exterior has a boxy, angular, retro-futuristic design, the name definitely suits this truck. The vehicle is made of materials like Tesla ultrahard 3x cold rolled stainless steel and armor glass, so clearly no expense is being spared on this new venture.
This AWD car has a new battery adapted from the model X, (The New York Times) and it has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 2.9 seconds and 500 miles in range, with a top speed of 130mph.
With a payload capacity just shy of 1600kg and towing capacity of 6350kg, Tesla have stated they have built the ‘most powerful tool ever created.’ (Tesla)
Not much has been shared about the interior yet, other than it will have 6 seats (with additional space for storage underneath the back seats and a 17 inch touchscreen. (Tesla)
Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is the brand's first venture in the world of sports cars and they’re already claiming it will be the fastest car in the world. (Tesla)
Just as with the Cybertruck, the Roadster hasn’t been released yet but we have seen a number of videos and images as well as some brief information on the Tesla website about the Roadster. And just like the Cybertruck, production of the Roadster has been delayed until 2023 so we will have to wait and see more details come out until then.
Tesla claims this AWD car will have a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 1.9 seconds and a top speed of over 250 mph. The big claims don’t stop there, they’re also estimating it will have a range of over 620 miles.
In terms of design, they have managed to keep the traditional Tesla feel, while still making it look like a sports car. As this convertible is still unreleased we don’t know much about the interior, other than that it will have 4 seats and the design standard touch screen as well as a yoke steering wheel. (Tesla)