After years of rumors the 2018 Tesla Model 3 has been finally revealed a few days ago. Even though there are still a few missing details about the car, it looks to be just as impressive as the initial rumors suggested. This is set to be the first affordable executive electric sedan to ever be released and so far it looks like a complete success.
Growing success
Even though the Model 3 has just been revealed, it has been reserved by more than half a million people. All of them paid $1,000 as a refundable tax in order to reserve a future Model 3. After it was released more than 60,000 people decided to cancel their reservations but even so, the Model 3 is looking to be a real success for Tesla.
What is it?
As we said, the car is an electric sedan meant to compete with the likes of the Chevy Bolt. However, while it does have quite a bit in common with its rival, the Tesla manages to offer a lot more for the price.
It seems that the base model will start at just over $35,000 which is on par with its rival. However, for the price the Tesla will offer a much more refined powertrain but more on that a bit later.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Inside and out
The design of the Model 3 is quite impressive for its price. Instead of going with a dull look Tesla decided to give the car a lot of character so it looks not only aggressive but also upmarket.
The interior on the other hand is a completely different story. Here the car boasts a large 15.6 inch screen and that’s about it. There are no physical controls and there is no instrument cluster, so it doesn’t really feel as upmarket as it should.
A downsized Model S
While it may not look like it, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 has a lot in common with its more expensive sibling. The two cars, while they couldn’t be more different when it comes to the materials used inside the cabin or their interior design, are quite similar when it comes to the driving experience. It seems the Model 3 remains one of the better electric cars on the market as it offers not only performance but also a really long driving range.
On top of that, all models will come as standard with all the hardware needed for the next generation of Autopilot. While this won’t be available from launch, it will mean the Model 3 will be able to basically drive itself after a few software updates. The best part is the fact that none of its rivals offer this type of technology. On top of that, this system will be used in order to give the car a frontal collision avoidance system and it should give it the ability to park itself in the range-topping trim level.
The powertrain
The base version of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 gets a 50 to 55 kWh battery which is definitely smaller than what was first rumored. Even so, this will give it a total range of 220 miles which is definitely great for the price. This version will hit 60 MPH in just 5.6 seconds and it will be able to charge, from a SuperCharger, with up to 130 miles per hour. The range-topping version on the other hand will get a larger 70 to 75 kWh battery. This will give it a range of 310 miles which is nearly on par with the Model S. This model will also be able to charge faster and it will offer faster acceleration times despite boasting the same rear-mounted electric motor. In the future an all wheel drive model is also going to join the range.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Specs
2018 Tesla Model 3 | |
Dimensions And Weight | |
Wheelbase | 113.2″ |
Length | 184.8″ |
Height | 56.8 “ |
Width | 76.1″ |
Weight | / |
Engine And Transmission | |
Engine type | 50 to 55 kWh battery |
Displacement | / |
Power/torque | / |
Transmission | / |
Performance | |
0-60 mph | 5.1-5.6 sec |
Top speed | 130 mph |
PRICE RANGE:$35,000 |
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Competitors:Chevrolet Bolt EV,BMW 3 Series |