An electric car has been named the best vehicle to own in the United Kingdom, outperforming popular brands such as BMW and Vauxhall in the latest Auto Express Driver Power survey.
Top Spot for Tesla Model 3
In the annual Driver Power survey, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the Tesla Model 3 Mk 1 secured first place. The survey invited motorists to rate their cars across ten categories, including reliability, practicality, driving dynamics, interior quality, and infotainment systems. With a maximum possible score of 100 percent, the Tesla achieved an impressive 88.55 percent.
Judges highlighted the significant improvements in build quality over the years, along with its robust powertrain, commendable safety credentials, solid economy, competitive running costs, and impressive infotainment setup. The only area where the Tesla lost points was its exterior styling.
Owner Charlotte Fosbury shared her enthusiasm with the magazine, stating: "I've been driving electric for seven years, and when I saw it, it was love at first sight." She added: "The performance is one of the things I like the most... I know that if I need to, I can get out of trouble easily. People say you always have to use the touchscreen, but you don't. Everything's accessible through just telling the car what to do - it's very much a natural interaction."
Runner-Up: BMW 2 Series
Close behind the Tesla was the BMW 2 Series Mk2 coupe, which scored 88.19 percent. The BMW earned praise for its driving experience, build quality, and infotainment system. However, it lost points for practicality and running costs. Owners commended its powertrain, exterior styling, and interior technology.
Auto Express reviewers noted: "The BMW 2 Series has leapt up the chart from 10th in 2025 to take the runner-up spot this year - and it was just less than half of a per cent away from overtaking the winning car. Deeply impressive. The German coupé's strong scores from owners gave it seven category wins, with firsts in key areas including interior quality, driving pleasure and engine sound."
Third Place: Vauxhall Grandland
Completing the top three was the Vauxhall Grandland Mk2, which scored 87.77 percent. Drivers applauded its interior, comfort, practicality, and infotainment system. However, the model was marked down for its powertrain, handling, ride quality, and reliability.
