10 Things We Know About the Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 driving mountain road ・ Photo by Tesla

The final piece in Elon Musk’s four-part master plan to “accelerate the transition to sustainable transport” was revealed in California last night, when the CEO of Tesla Motors introduced the Tesla Model 3. Designed as a more-affordable, mass-produced sibling to the Model S sport sedan and Model X SUV, the Model 3 follows in its predecessors’ tire tracks with a long-range, all-electric propulsion system and plenty of cutting-edge technology. Now, if that sounds a little vague, well, so was Mr. Musk during the Model 3 debut. But until more details about the vehicle are released, we can answer some questions about the car.

What Is the Tesla Model 3 and Why Does It Matter?

The Tesla Model 3 is a compact sport sedan that targets premium German entries like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and while its exact dimensions haven’t been revealed, that Teutonic trio, for comparison’s sake, is between 182.4 and 186.1 inches long. It’s also worth noting that the Model 3 will match its rear-wheel-drive rivals with standard RWD operation and an available all-wheel-drive system. More importantly, Musk believes electric vehicles are a key weapon in the battle against global warming, and that by keeping costs down on the Model 3, customers will have a truly viable EV alternative to cars that run on carbon-based fuels.

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How much is the Tesla Model 3?

The starting point for the Tesla Model 3 does indeed meet Musk’s promise of practicality, since the MSRP for the standard car is $35,000. That’s thousands less than for the Audi A4 or M-B C-Class, but remember, the Model 3 could qualify for the government’s $7,500 tax incentive, which would lower the net cost to $27,500. On the other hand, given the popularity of the present Tesla products, and the fact that that incentive is capped at 200,000 vehicles per automaker, Model 3 buyers may be out of luck—at least on the federal level. Many states currently offer EV tax credits and incentives of their own, so folks should check locally.

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How fast is the Tesla Model 3?

Although Tesla does like to tout the environmental benefits of its electric vehicles, those vehicles just happen to be lightning quick, too. For example, both the Model S and Model X furnish dedicated go-fast driving modes—literally known as the “Ludicrous” setting—for 0-60 sprint times of 2.8 and 3.2 seconds, respectively. As for the Tesla Model 3, the standard edition will be able to run from 0-60 in fewer than 6 seconds, but Musk additionally promised “there will be versions that go much faster.” Autobytel experts are betting that another sub-3-second performer is in the cards, putting the Model 3 ahead of supercars like the Ferrari 488GTB.

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How long is the range of the Tesla Model 3?

Especially for EVs, pricing is only part of what makes a car practical. Drivers also need the range to get where they’re going. With that in mind, the Tesla Model 3 will supply an estimated 215 miles of all-electric, zero-emissions driving on a single charge. Not only is that a bit more than twice the range of the longest-running Nissan Leaf, it’s also, once again, merely the beginning for the Model 3. After all, the Model S supplies a 270-mile driving range. Then, to extend Tesla range even farther, the company continues to ramp up its network of Supercharger stations and “destination charging” locations (see below).

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How long will it take to charge the Tesla Model 3?

As mentioned, the Tesla Model 3 will be compatible with the company’s Supercharger stations, which are conveniently located across the country—and the world, for that matter. Engineered to be “the world’s fastest charging solution,” each Supercharger can recharge a Model S to half capacity in as quick as 20 minutes, so owners should be able to do the same with the Model 3. Moreover, by the time Model 3 deliveries begin, Tesla expects to have 7,200 Supercharger stations online around the world, along with 15,000 more “destination” charging stations that will be located at hotels, restaurants, malls, etc.

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Will the Tesla Model 3 be as safe as the Model S?

The short answer: Yes. Safety is integral to the Tesla driving experience, with the Model S earning 5-star scores in both NHTSA’s overall safety testing and in each individual subtest, too. The Tesla Model 3 will do the same, said Musk, plus offer the full range of the company’s “AutoPilot” driver-assistance features. AutoPilot lives up to its name by providing a comprehensive sensor array that works with active-assistance technology to automatically deliver engine, brake and steering input to maintain a safe course. The setup also goes beyond typical such technologies, for essentially autonomous operation in some scenarios

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What’s the cabin of the Tesla Model 3 like?

The interior of the Tesla Model 3 is surprisingly clean and simple, as designers appear to have done away with the traditional instrument panel entirely. Outside of two steering-column stalks, everything, and we do mean everything, seems to be handled by a massive touchscreen display that dominates the cabin. The display is mounted like a flat-screen TV right in the middle of the “dashboard,” while HVAC vents, cupholders and other storage solutions are hidden away for a minimalist design with maximum comfort. Speaking of which, Tesla claims the Model 3 will have enough room to comfortably fit five actual adults. That’s because, without the need for a bulky gas engine, the front row is pulled forward to make more room for rear-seat passengers.

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What about the exterior of the Tesla Model 3?

Perhaps the most prominent design detail on the outside of the Tesla Model 3 is the single pane of glass that stretches the full length of the roof, also encompassing the rear windshield of the car. As a result, the cabin gains an extra impression of roominess and a great view, too. Strong side character lines and low-and-wide proportions add an athletic touch to the Model S, and the way the headlights are smoothly integrated into the sheet metal of the car is particularly sophisticated. Signature touches also abound, such as the Model 3’s flush door handles that only deploy as necessary to enter the car. The sheared-off face of the Model 3, however, may not be to everyone’s taste, as it looks like designers got lazy and merely closed off a “regular” grille.

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How and when can you get a Tesla Model 3?

Reservations for the Tesla Model 3 opened on March 31, and shoppers have two ways to get their names on the list, either online—at www.TeslaMotors.com—or by visiting one of the company’s stores in person. In either case, a $1,000 deposit is required. In terms of taking delivery, production is slated to begin late in 2017 with the first owners likely to get their cars by the end of that year. How likely? Musk only laughed a little when he said he was “fairly confident” in meeting that target.

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What does Autobytel think of the Tesla Model 3?

Assuming the Tesla Model 3 lives up to its hype, it will showcase almost anything mainstream owners would want in an electric vehicle, from relatively affordable pricing to a range of more than 200 miles. The question that remains, though, is how many people will want an electric vehicle in the first place? As gas prices have had shoppers leaning toward big trucks and other, thirstier vehicles in recent months, Tesla will need to continue to build desire and deliver performance without a gas-crisis to fuel it. Based on the consumer response to the Model 3 so far, we believe it will. 

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