The Tesla Model 3 has a stylish design with enjoyable driving dynamics. It offers a long electric range with impressive infotainment and advanced driving-assistance technologies. The Model 3 was the best-selling compact-luxury car in 2019. Production of the Model 3 began in July 2017 and is still ongoing. The designer was looking for a vehicle that offered range, affordability, and performance.
Price and Value
Tesla offers everyday usability and impressive safety ratings. This electric vehicle has a sleek style with a long electric range. It gives an interesting glimpse of a gasoline-free future. The price of the Model 3 starts at $40,000. Tesla truly delivers value with the Model 3 in almost all aspects.
Size and Seating Capacity
The Model 3 offers support and ample headroom with the front seats. It has a front headroom of 40.3 inches and front legroom of 42.7 inches, which is quite comfortable even for tall drivers. The maximum seating capacity of the Model 3 is five passengers.
Since the Model 3 is a fully electric vehicle, it lacks the normal front engine, and instead, it has a front trunk. The total cargo space is 15 cubic feet. There is also a hidden storage compartment located just underneath the trunk floor that offers additional storage space. The back seats have a 60/40 split-folding that fold flat to increase the cargo space considerably. Additionally, the Model 3 has spacious bins and cubbies throughout the cabin.
Battery, Range, and Engine Specs
The electric motor of the standard Range Plus model is situated between the rear wheels. The electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries located between the front and rear wheels on the car’s floor. The standard model comes with a 54-kWh lithium-ion battery while a 75-kWh battery powers the Long Range trim.
The Standard Range Plus uses an AC induction electric motor powered by a 54-kWh battery pack. It puts out an estimated 340 horsepower with an estimated 330 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel economy, the Standard Range Plus has an EPA of 148 MPGe in the city and 132 MPGe on the highway while using the RWD.
The Long Range has an AC induction motor powered by a 75-kWh battery pack. It has an EPA of 136 MPGe in the city and 123 MPGe on the highway while using the RWD. The EPA, while using the all-wheel drive, is 124 MPGe in the city and 116 MPGe on the highway.
The Performance trim uses the same AC induction electric motor with a 75-kWh battery pack as the Long Range. It has an EPA of 124 MPGe in the city and 116 MPGe on the highway while using 18-inch wheels. With the 19-inch wheels, the EPA is 119 MPGe in the city and 112 MPGe on the highway. The 20-inch wheels have an EPA of 118 MPGe in the city and 107 MPGe on the highway.
The performance version accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just under 3.2 seconds. The slower versions accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds while achieving a top speed of 140 mph and a driving range 250 miles with a full charge. The battery pack sits within the chassis, shifting the mass low between the axles.
The Model 3 has adjustable brake regeneration, steering effort, and accelerator behavior that allows the driver to fine-tune the driving experience. It has a quiet powertrain that further enriches your driving experience and a low dashboard that offers a great forward view.
Trims and Features
The Model 3 has a minimalistic and impressive interior with a lot of aesthetically pleasing features. All trims come with a 15-inch multifunction touch tablet that is mounted in the dashboard. The driver uses it instead of switches, knobs, or an instrument panel to manage everything in the car, including navigation systems, charging information, audio, and air-conditioning. Critical information and other driving data are displayed in the top left corner of the screen, which may take a while to get used to, but with minimal practice, the interface makes your driving easier.
Since it is an electric vehicle, the Model 3 lacks the traditional front grille. It has a genuinely appealing style that sets it apart from its competitors with a low cowl, flush door handles, and a sweeping aerodynamic roofline. The Standard Range and Long Range models have optional 19-inch Sport wheels that improve the car’s aesthetic value. The Performance model comes with grey 20-inch wheels, a lowered ride height, and carbon fiber touches to amplify the design.
The Model 3 standard features for the base model, the Standard Range Plus, include cruise control, hands-free phone, a navigation system, touch-screen monitor, and USB ports. A 30-day premium connectivity package includes satellite maps with live traffic, in-car internet music and entertainment streaming, and frequent over-the-air vehicle updates.
Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, panoramic glass roof, and power-folding side mirrors. The white paint, black interior, 18-inch wheels, and Tesla’s Autopilot Advanced driving-assistance system is standard across the three models.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range model has a dual-motor AWD system with 322 miles of driving range and 121 MPGe combined fuel economy. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It has heated rear seats and a premium interior upgrade. Both the performance and the Long Range models have LED fog lights.
Tesla Model 3 Performance model also has a dual-motor AWD system with 310 miles of driving range and 113 MPGe combined fuel economy. It accelerates from zero to 60 in an impressive 3.2 seconds. It comes with upgraded brakes, lowered suspension, aluminum-alloy pedals, a track driving mode, carbon fiber spoiler, and 20-inch performance wheels.
Safety
Safety features of a Tesla Model 3 include a sentry mode that protects the car from damage and theft threats. It records events using cameras when the vehicle is left unattended.
It also has an autopilot feature that includes forward-collision warning, cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. There is also a smart summon feature that enables the car to start and drive itself to your location.
Reliability
The Tesla Model 3 is largely reliable with only a few issues. It has not been rated yet by J.D. Power. Issues reported by customers include large gaps between panels, poor paintwork, and poorly fitted trim. The Model 3 has a warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery and drive unit has a warranty of eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The Takeaway
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most efficient and luxurious electric vehicles to drive. It can be customized to be a low price with high performance and long-range. The touch screen controls are easy to use. The batteries offer a long range, and they can be recharged easily at any of Tesla’s superchargers. The software on the vehicle can be upgraded to improve the performance of the vehicle.
