I TRIED a Tesla Model 3 in 2026…Would I SWAP?

The video reviews the updated 2026 Tesla Model 3, highlighting a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version with an official 466-mile range and an impressive real-world result of over 420 miles. The presenter praises its practicality, including a 682-litre boot and very comfortable rear seats, and loves the panoramic glass roof, which stayed pleasant and sunburn-free on a week-long trip. Cabin quality is a major step up, with quieter sound-insulating glass, premium leather-like materials, and the welcome return of the indicator stalk. Although nearly every function, including the glovebox and gear selection, is controlled through the central touchscreen, the minimalist interior is backed by an outstanding display, integrated apps, and thoughtful storage. Tesla’s seamless Supercharger navigation and plug-and-charge experience make long-distance travel effortless, while the car feels quick, quiet, and refined—leading the reviewer to call it one of the best EVs for long-distance driving.

• ▶ 0:43 The 2026 Model 3 lineup now includes a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version rated at 466 miles, a significant jump from the previous 318–390 mile range.
• ▶ 1:59 The Model 3 isn't a facelift, but Stealth Grey replaces white as the standard no-cost colour, and it retains the panoramic roof, sleek headlights, frunk, and integrated door handles.
• ▶ 3:21 Boot capacity is a practical 682 litres with power opening, plus under-floor and side storage, and a front boot adds extra flexibility.
• ▶ 3:58 Rear-seat comfort in the Model 3 is described as “very good,” especially compared with a traditional hatchback.
• ▶ 4:05 The panoramic roof is the presenter’s favorite feature: it runs from the front past the occupant’s head to the rear, making the cabin feel very airy.
• ▶ 4:31 The roof has no built-in blind but is heavily tinted; a week-long road trip test showed no sunburn under the glass, and an optional blind is available on Tesla’s website for roughly £70–£90.
• ▶ 5:10 Rear-seat comfort is affected by the presenter’s 6'2" frame and long legs; a raised floor reduces under-thigh support, but the seats are still "very comfy" and he could easily do a long journey.
• ▶ 5:41 The Premium trim adds a rear touchscreen that controls climate, heated seats, music, and games via "Toy Box," plus a PlayStation controller can be connected for streaming Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch.
• ▶ 6:08 The rear has two USB-C ports, and a thoughtful footwell design gives middle passengers a place to put their feet under the front center section.
• ▶ 6:20 Tesla’s minimalist front cabin remains polarizing, with nearly every function—mirrors, glovebox, frunk—controlled through the central touchscreen.
• ▶ 7:01 Build quality has improved significantly compared to Tesla’s historical reputation, with the Model Y/Model 3 feeling solid and free of creaky panels.
• ▶ 7:27 Interior materials are a clear upgrade over the old scratchy plastic, now using nice leather-like surfaces, and the overall cabin feels robust.
• ▶ 7:45 The indicator stalk has returned after Tesla previously removed it in favor of buttons, a change the reviewer is pleased to see.
• ▶ 8:19 The facelifted Model 3 cabin is much quieter than the old model, thanks to sound-insulating glass, making a "stark difference" in noise levels.
• ▶ 8:41 The center console offers expansive storage with USB-C, cup holders, and deep bins, plus a 12V socket and wireless charging.
• ▶ 8:59 The glovebox has no physical latch—it’s opened digitally via the touchscreen under Car Settings → Glovebox.
• ▶ 9:04 The glovebox is very small compared to rivals, but other storage in the cabin compensates; it also shuts securely with a strong magnetic latch.
• ▶ 9:31 The sunroof is fixed glass and does not physically open; the presenter has no issues with the exposed glass letting in light.
• ▶ 9:38 The steering wheel buttons are haptic, not touch-sensitive or swipeable, meaning you cannot swipe on them.
• ▶ 9:44 The haptic buttons feel as good as a MacBook trackpad, with no physical movement when pressed—just haptic feedback—and the presenter has no complaints.
• ▶ 9:58 The multimedia system features a very clear 15.4-inch display, comparable to a laptop screen without the keyboard.
• ▶ 10:08 Tesla’s built-in Supercharger network integration automatically reroutes you to charging stops on trips beyond the car’s range, making long-distance planning seamless.
• ▶ 10:38 Tesla still doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but the presenter argues the native system—with fully integrated Apple Music and Google Maps—is as good as or better than phone mirroring.
• ▶ 11:42 The in-car system provides a clear time-based route estimate, e.g., completing the journey in 12 minutes.
• ▶ 11:47 The car "holds your hand" on long trips, actively guiding the driver through navigation and charging stops.
• ▶ 11:49 Overall verdict: it remains "one of the best EVs" for long-distance driving due to reliability and ease of use.
• ▶ 12:15 Infotainment includes Grok AI assistant plus a full app suite—Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Audiobooks, and more—along with satnav, cameras, dash cams, and Zoom calls.
• ▶ 13:08 The central touchscreen controls climate in detail, including adjustable airflow, rear climate, Dog/Pet mode, and Camp mode, all accessed through a minimalist interface.
• ▶ 16:18 Real-world range test: full charge showed 385 miles (official 466), but the car covered 425 miles with 20% remaining; the presenter estimates 430 miles total, while noting he wasn't driving economically.
• ▶ 17:34 Gear selection is done entirely via the touchscreen – swipe for drive/reverse, and park is also screen-based; there's no instrument cluster or HUD, so speed appears on the central display, which takes a few days to get used to.
• ▶ 18:32 UK models don't get Tesla's full self-driving features; instead they offer conventional aids like adaptive cruise control and steering assist, while the Tesla Vision display is a standout, detecting pedestrians and objects before the driver notices them.
• ▶ 20:15 The Auto Shift beta can automatically choose gears (e.g., during a three-point turn), but the presenter prefers manual control until full autonomy; the blind-spot camera view shown when indicating is a welcome, pioneering feature.
• ▶ 20:58 Tesla's hardware-software integration, especially the Supercharger experience, is praised for simplicity: "you just plug it in" and it works, unlike other EVs requiring apps and accounts.
• ▶ 22:12 A standing start acceleration run to 50 mph demonstrates the Model 3 is "so quick," and repeated runs barely impacted range thanks to efficiency in aerodynamics, motors, and drivetrain.
• ▶ 22:54 Road noise at 48–50 mph is minimal; the cabin is "super quiet" on the motorway, making this Model 3 "very competitive with a lot of German brands."
• ▶ 23:15 The presenter pivots to pros and cons and promises to reveal whether he'd buy a Model 3 with his own money, but the transcript cuts off before the final verdict is given.
• ▶ 24:13 Key pros: the Model 3's 466-mile range matches real-world claims, the Supercharging network still works flawlessly, and the built-in software (including auto-canceling indicators and Sentry Mode) is a standout.
• ▶ 26:03 Key cons: the touchscreen-centered design, button-based headlights/wipers, missing sun blind, and no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—though he argues one central screen beats multi-screen setups and notes CarPlay would sacrifice battery pre-conditioning integration.

• ▶ 0:00 Introduction, Design, and Practicality (0:00 - 4:03) - - Introduces the 2026 Model 3 review, then covers range/lineup changes, design, dimensions, pricing, warranty, and boot space.
• ▶ 4:03 Cabin, Controls, and Infotainment (4:03 - 11:52) - - Explores rear comfort, glass roof, touchscreen, minimalism, build quality, controls, storage, and navigation/infotainment.
• ▶ 11:52 Infotainment Deep Dive and Range Test (11:52 - 17:08) - - Details the multimedia system and real-world range test, comparing results with the quoted 466-mile figure.
• ▶ 17:08 Driving Experience and Driver Aids (17:08 - 20:59) - - Covers caveats, Autopilot/UK driver aids, drive modes, auto-shift beta, and the blind-spot camera.
• ▶ 20:59 Performance and Refinement (20:59 - 23:16) - - Looks at hardware/software integration, acceleration, efficiency, cruise control, and road noise.
• ▶ 23:16 Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict (23:16 - 29:39) - - Recaps pros and cons, highlights range and Supercharging, and closes on the final integration point.