► The Tesla Model 3 alternatives
► From Polestar to Porsche
► Our guide to the competition
Just a few years ago Tesla had the jump on everyone else in the electric car space, with it combination of tech-first interiors, efficient powertrains and inoffensive design putting it ahead of the other fledgling EV competition. Throw in its still pioneering ecosystem which including route-planning paired with its Supercharger network, and Elon Musk’s vision for mobility felt both innovative and more joined-up than the rest.
But in 2025, the game has moved on and the legacy manufacturers including VW Group and Stellantis – as well as Chinese and South Korean brands – have all improved in leaps and bounds. There are more chargers from other third-party networks around, and the pace of technology means even comparatively new Tesla products like the updated Model 3 have punchy competition from a range of other brands.
The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best-selling EVs in the UK – beaten only by the Audi Q4 e-Tron and Tesla Model Y – but there are now a range of other options that are just as good and several that are arguably better. Don’t fancy a Tesla anymore or want an alternative to Musk’s most popular hatchback EV? Keep reading for our best alternatives to the Tesla Model 3.
Best Tesla Model 3 alternatives in 2025
BYD Seal – our top alternative
The best car for Tesla specs at a better price
Pros: Excellent value, solid range, smart interior
Cons: Limited brand recognition, firm ride, fewer chargers
The BYD Seal is pitched direct Model 3 rival and for good reason. This premium offering from the Chinese automotive giant offers up to 354 miles of range and can be had with strong dual-motor performance if you go for the quicker model. What’s more, the interior is surprisingly upmarket interior for the price, with sold build quality that wouldn’t feel out of place in a more established marque.
Tesla still wins on software UX, but for buyers looking for value and novelty, the Seal undercuts the Model 3 without sacrificing capability. It even has its fair share of gimmicks; just check out its rotating touchscreen.
Read our full review of the BYD Seal here.
BMW i4 – our top premium alternative
The best car for traditional BMW feel, electrified
Pros: Sharp handling, long range, refined cabin
Cons: Conservative design, pricier than rivals, smaller boot
The BMW i4 is an EV that behaves exactly like a BMW should, so expect tight steering, a composed ride and serious punch – when specced in M50 form. Munich’s iDrive system remaining one of the best in the business, and it’s more refined than the Tesla Model 3 too – especially at high speeds. Simply put, the i4 offers a seamless transition for BMW fans who want to go electric but keep everything they’ve come to expect from BMW.
Still, it is an electric car and it performs well in the most important area for real-world use: range in the eDrive40 exceeds 350 miles. Throw in that classic quality you’d expect from Munich, and the i4 oozes quality throughout. It doesn’t scream EV, which is exactly the point.
Read our full review of the BMW i4 here.
Polestar 2
The best car for Scandinavian simplicity with electric punch
Pros: Strong dual-motor performance; premium feel, slick Google infotainment
Cons: Firm ride, tight rear headroom, not as efficient as Tesla
The Polestar 2 is one of the most compelling Model 3 alternatives, setting itself apart from the rest with chic Scandinavian design and a focus on stripped-back quality. Its interior is minimal yet luxurious, and the Google-based infotainment (or Human Machine Interface, as Polestar calls it) is just as futuristic as the Tesla’s. Since its release, updates have improved range and made rear-wheel-drive models cheaper, without compromising on style or performance.
While the Model 3 edges it on outright efficiency, but the Polestar feels more grown-up and solidly built. For those who value design and tactile quality over software flashiness, it’s a confident choice.
Read our full review of the Polestar 2 here.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The best car for futuristic looks and superb efficiency
Pros: Excellent range, smooth ride, standout design
Cons: Small boot, tight rear headroom, less brand appeal
Hyundai’s EVs look unlike anything else on the road, so if you want a eye-catching alternative to Tesla, the South Korean brand should be on your list. The Ioniq 6 is positively space-age to look at, and underneath it shares a platform with the Ioniq 5. That means it benefits from rapid 800V charging and up to 338 miles of range.
It’s not just could on paper, though: the ride is impressively cushioned, making it a relaxing long-distance cruiser, while the dual-screen interior feels clean and futuristic. Sure it’s not as fast as the Model 3, nor as nippy – but it’s a stylish, left-field choice, with a feasible range.
Read our full review of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 here.
Volkswagen ID.7
The best car for business-class EV comfort
Pros: Huge cabin, excellent range, refined cruiser
Cons: Dim infotainment, conservative styling, pricey options
The ID.7 is Volkswagen’s electric answer to the Passat – a roomy, premium-feeling saloon with a focus on comfort and efficiency. There’s up to 386 miles of range, a vast rear cabin, and relaxed dynamics that make it ideal for motorway travel. It’s not exciting to drive, like we said, it’s a Passat in EV form. It’s all about being supremely quiet and predictable.
The ID.7 is much longer than the Model 3 so offers superior legroom along with better comfort for front and rear passengers. Being a larger saloon from Volkswagen, it offers more consistent refinement, though it can’t match the Tesla’s pace or tech prowess. Simply put, it’s a great fit for company car drivers and families after a little more space.
Read our full review of the VW ID.7 here.
Porsche Taycan
The best car for electric driving thrills
Pros: Incredibly agile, stunning cabin, fast charging
Cons: Expensive, tight rear space, middling range
The Model 3 isn’t an obvious contender to a Porsche, but its sheer speed means it’s worth putting the Taycan on this list. Essentially, the 911 of EVs (until the 911 goes fully BEV, of course) the Taycan is still the benchmark for electric driving pleasure.
Porsche’s 800V architecture enables super-fast charging, and the cabin quality is a cut above most rivals. That being said, the tech offering and general feel of the cabin is far more old-school than many of the airy, minimalist cars on this list.
The Porsche is more expensive than the fastest Tesla Model 3 Performance, but if you want your EV to feel like a real driver’s car, this is the one to beat.
Read our full review of the Porsche Taycan here.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
The best car for tech-rich, silent luxury
Pros: Very comfortable, high tech interior, impressive range
Cons: Not exciting to drive, costly options, awkward styling
As the name suggests, the EQE wants to be the E-Class made electric – and Stuttgart has mostly delivered on its promise. With that in mind, expect over 350 miles of range, a whisper-quiet cabin, plush materials throughout and the fit and finish you’d expect of the three-pointed star. There’s tech here, too though: the EQE’s Hyperscreen (in top trims) turns the dash into a glassy tech show.
It’s not as agile or lively as a Model 3, but that’s exactly what you should expect from an all-electric version of the E-Class. Instead, the Mercedes feels more luxurious and isolated from the outside world and is better suited to cruising than carving up B-roads.
Read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz EQE here.
Kia EV6
The best car for fast charging and day-to-day usability
Pros: Ultra-fast charging, good value, fun to drive
Cons: Sloping rear roofline, firm ride
The Kia EV6 was one of the first electric cars that gave some serious competition to Tesla, and a few years after launch it’s now even better. The spec sheet tells half the story: it charges from 10–80% in under 20 minutes, has a practical interior and delivers up to 328 miles of range on one charge. There’s a bit of variation in the line-up too, the GT models add serious pace, while even regular versions feel nimble, responsive and add some fun to everyday driving.
Compared to a Model 3, the EV6 offers more boot space and quicker top-up times but it can’t match Tesla’s slick software or long-term efficiency. For real-world use and affordability, though, the Kia is hard to fault. Plus, it looks even better on the outside in its most updated iteration.
Read our full review of the Kia EV6 here.