2024 Tesla Model 3 LR real world range test
Tesla is now one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers and the Model 3 plays a major part in that achievement. The compact sedan debuted first in 2017 and recently got a significant update, known as Highland. The interior materials are upgraded (quality is still not the greatest, but certainly a big step in the right direction), while the exterior got an overdue refresh.
Our full review of this Tesla Model 3 LR is coming soon, but now we'll focus on its range in the real world. The shape enables a low drag coefficient, promising great results alongside Tesla drivetrains' famed efficiency.
We drove our usual test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the Model 3 LR was 90°F, which is a bit hotter than the optimal, maning the Model 3 LR could squeeze a few extra miles, particularly at the slower speeds if you get temperatures closer to 70°F. At highway speeds the hotter air is actually helping though, so it's not too bad of a testing position.
At our lowest testing speed of 37 mph, the Tesla demonstrates astonishing efficiency. Despite the high temperature outside and the A/C on, the 2024 Model 3 posted the fourth longest range we've seen. At this speed aerodynamics play little role, so we are mostly seeing just how efficient the on-board technology and drivetrain are.
Range test results
- 37 mph
- 56 mph
- 81 mph
BMW i7 xDrive60
Tesla Model 3 LR
Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD
Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)
Polestar 2
BMW i5
Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG 43 4Matic
Things got even better at the next speed of 56 mph, where the Tesla Model 3 LR Higland rose to second place on our chart. .
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph the Model 3 LR grabs the title of the most efficient vehicle we’ve tested so far. The optimized aerodynamics of the car help it travel the longest per kWh of charge and it takes huge batteries like the ones inside the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS to outdo its range.
The Tesla Model 3 is a multipurpose vehicle that is quick and spacious, but above all incredibly efficient. It is a balanced model that gets the basics perfectly. We'll examine the other aspects of its performance in the full review, but if you suffer from range anxiety it should certainly be on your list.
We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the Tesla Model 3 LR’s range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.
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Reader comments
- Anonymous
This is really impressive efficiency! However, if you follow recommendation to use battery between 20-80%, you still get miserly 250km on highway. That's two-hour drive! This just shows how far is current battery technology from real needs. Elec...
- 23 Jun 2024
- LiP
Who cares about GPU in a car when you still lack the fundamentals like needing to keep your eyes away from the road everytime you give signals, push horn, change AC mods, change gears,open glovebox etc. due to lack of buttons.
- 22 Jun 2024
- ak$
- kko
tesla has placed an order for nvidia gpu which will be included in the next generation computer upgrading HW and SW is becoming increasingly important
- 20 Jun 2024
- S37
