Tesla owners are being given preferential treatment by the brand as it prepares to reveal its lowest priced electric vehicle, the Model 3.

The brand, which operates exclusively from manufacturer-owned dealerships in the UK, is offering one priority reservation for the Model 3 to any existing customer.

It advises that for consumers who want a Model 3 but aren’t existing customers, the quickest way for them to get the car is to buy a Model S or Model X first.

Model 3 production is scheduled to begin in late 2017, with the first right-hand drive models due to come to the UK in 2018.

It is expected to be priced above £30,000, and Tesla wants it to compete with German brand cars such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.