Review: Tesla Model 3.
Our full review · Specs & price Belgium 2026
Real-world range = WLTP × 0.78 (Belgian winter conditions, motorway 130 km/h). Official BE configurator price, .
Our review of the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 Highland remains the benchmark for electric saloons in Europe. The 2024 version offers 380 km of real-world range, charging on the unmatched Supercharger network, and a pared-back interior that splits opinion. At €42,990 it makes full sense for drivers who regularly cover more than 200 km per trip and want the peace of mind of an ultra-dense proprietary charging network.
Driving & comfort
The 2024 Highland refresh deeply improved what used to be the Model 3's main shortcoming: comfort. The new suspension is better tuned for Belgian roads, sound insulation has improved, and the revised seats handle long journeys properly. The driving dynamics remain a benchmark: rear-wheel drive (RWD) gives an ideal balance between agility and stability. The ultra-minimalist interior — a single large central screen to control everything — remains divisive. If you're coming from a conventional saloon with physical buttons, allow 2 to 3 weeks to adapt. Rear visibility has improved with the new rear window, but is still short of perfect.
Daily charging
The Model 3 really shines on long trips thanks to Tesla Superchargers. In Belgium, around twenty Supercharger stations cover the main routes (the E40, E25 and E313 motorways, the Brussels ring, Ghent, Liège, Antwerp). In 27 minutes you recover 280 to 300 km of range — a lunch break is enough to set off again with an easy mind. At home, the 11 kW AC allows a full charge in 5h30 on an 11 kW wallbox. The Tesla app automatically plans charging stops on long trips and preheats the battery before arrival at the Supercharger to maximise charging speed.
Total cost of ownership
The Model 3 is one of the few EVs where total cost of ownership over 5 years can come in below a comparable petrol premium saloon (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class). Estimated fuel saving: €1,200 to €1,500/year for someone covering 20,000 km/year. Maintenance is limited to the annual inspection (≈ €200-250) and tyres. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates regularly add features at no charge. The one downside: out-of-warranty repairs at Tesla can be costly, and turnaround after an accident is sometimes long.
- 380 km real-world: among the best saloons in its price bracket
- Tesla Supercharger network: the densest and most reliable in Europe
- 170 kW DC charging: 10→80% in 27 minutes
- Regular OTA software updates: the car improves over time
- Heat pump as standard: superior winter efficiency
- After-sales service sometimes slow and hard to reach in Belgium
- Minimalist interior with no physical stalk feedback for the indicators
- Everything on the central touchscreen: a learning curve for the accustomed
- Exterior fit and finish varies between units (panels, seals)
Our verdictThe Model 3 Highland is the best electric saloon at its price if you trust the Tesla ecosystem and have access to Superchargers. Its real-world range, fast charging and road manners are absolute benchmarks in the class. The reservations are about service quality, not the product itself.
A high-mileage driver (150+ km/day), a frequent traveller between European cities, a user who enjoys technology and is comfortable with the Tesla ecosystem.
A driver attached to traditional European brands, one who values classic ergonomics with physical buttons, or someone living far from a Supercharger.
Full specifications
Tesla Model 3 in Belgium — what you need to know
Typical Belgian trips
With 380 real km, the Model 3 covers Brussels–Ardennes (≈ 260 km return) without charging, Brussels–Coast (≈ 220 km return) without charging.
Tax benefit
For self-employed and companies, this model is 100% tax-deductible in 2026 (last year at this rate). No direct purchase grant for individuals. Road tax is greatly reduced for this EV.
Home charging
With 11 kW AC, a full charge from 20% takes approximately 4 hours on an 11 kW wallbox. On a 230V plug (2.3 kW): about 21 hours. Overnight charging easily covers the average 50–80 km/day.
Frequently asked questions — Tesla Model 3
How does the Supercharger network work in Belgium?
Tesla runs several dozen Superchargers in Belgium (Brussels, Liège, Ghent, Antwerp, Hasselt, Namur, etc.), mainly on motorways and on the outskirts of the larger cities. Since 2023 these chargers have been open to other brands for a subscription or a per-session rate via the Tesla app.
What's the real-world range of the Tesla Model 3 in a Belgian winter?
The Model 3 comes with a heat pump as standard. In a Belgian winter (0 to 5°C), real-world range drops by about 15 to 20%, i.e. 310 to 330 km instead of 380 km. That's one of the best winter performances in its class, thanks to the heat pump and the battery's advanced thermal management.
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable in the long run?
Broadly yes. The Model 3 posts one of the best owner-satisfaction scores in Europe in reliability surveys. The criticisms are mainly about variable fit and finish and after-sales turnaround in the event of a fault. The electronics and the battery are regarded as reliable.
Can you use the Tesla Model 3 for a mountain holiday from Belgium?
Yes, it's one of the EVs best suited to long trips thanks to the Superchargers. For Brussels–Les Arcs (≈ 1,100 km), allow 2 to 3 Supercharger stops of 20 to 25 minutes each. The Tesla app automatically plans the optimal charging stops.
How much does Supercharger charging cost in Belgium?
In 2024, the Tesla Supercharger rate in Belgium hovers around €0.45 to €0.55/kWh depending on the station and the time. For 380 km of range (≈ 60 kWh), reckon on around €27 to €33 for a full charge. That's pricier than charging at home (≈ €18 at the average Belgian rate) but comparable to 40 L of petrol.
Can the Tesla Model 3 be serviced at any garage?
For routine servicing (brakes, tyres), yes. For work on the battery, the motors or the electronic systems, you depend on the Tesla network or approved centres. In Belgium, Tesla has service centres in Brussels, Ghent and Liège. Outside these areas, turnaround times can be long.
Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland a big improvement over the previous generation?
Yes, significantly. The Highland brings: improved ride comfort (new suspension), enhanced sound insulation, new, more supportive seats, better range (around +15%), and a reworked interior with ambient lighting and a raised rear bench. If you're hesitating between an old and a new generation on the used market, the Highland is clearly preferable.