The Tesla Model 3 comes in three different configurations. Currently, the car is available in rear-wheel drive with what Tesla calls its "mid-range battery," in dual-motor all-wheel drive with the "long range battery," and in dual-motor all-wheel drive in "performance" guise. Tesla estimates the rear-drive Mid Range will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with an EPA-estimated range of 264 miles. The AWD Long Range will cover 310 miles, with acceleration to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Performance trim with all-wheel drive accomplishes the same feat in just 3.3 seconds while not compromising range. Top speed on the Performance is estimated at 155 mph.
Step inside the Tesla Model 3 and it immediately becomes apparent that the future has arrived. Rather than a typical dashboard, a 15-inch tablet-like device dominates the central dash area, displaying everything from map information to the radio. The result is an incredibly clean and spartan looking interior that does away with much of the clutter that's defined modern interior styling.
For now, the Model 3 rides on either 18- or 19-inch wheels, though the Performance can be upgraded to 20s. Inside you'll find what Tesla calls its Premium interior. This means that standard features include heated front seats with 12-way power adjustment, four USB ports and two smartphone docks, a tinted glass roof, custom driver profiles and one year of Tesla's connectivity service free of charge. This service includes both navigation updates with traffic as well as in-car streaming from media devices. LED foglamps and heated exterior mirrors are also standard.
For those who really want to experience the future, Tesla offers a $5000 Enhanced Autopilot option. Enhanced Autopilot includes auto-lane change, autosteer, active cruise control, and Autopark and Summon functions. Tesla also expects to add fully autonomous self-driving capabilities to the Model 3, though that function is not currently available.
Never Buy Gasoline Again
Quiet Operation
Excellent Handling For Its Class
Good Power
Futuristic Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
When it arrived for 2017, the Tesla Model 3 brought electric cars to the masses. Tesla innovates and releases updates to its cars year-round, rather than in separate model years. For 2018, various features and options have been shuffled, with some pricing adjustments accordingly, but there are otherwise no significant changes to the Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 is far less expensive than its siblings. However, it still lines up best with compact luxury cars like the BMW 3-Series or the Audi A4. The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 has a base price of just under $50,000, but that price goes down to below $40,000 once government incentives for electric vehicles are considered. Americans can expect to take advantage of a $7,500 tax credit, while several states offer additional tax credits and incentives to get buyers into an electric car. Combined with the Tesla's remarkable battery-only drivetrain, the Model 3 begins to make a case for itself from a financial standpoint. At the end of the day, none of that would matter if the Model 3 wasn't a great car in its own right. Thankfully, the Model 3 has all the performance, technology and ease of use one would expect from a car in this class.
