Okay, that time has finally come. You’d think the Model 3 is going to cure cancer with how excited fans are about it. Admittedly, it is a very important next step for the automobile as a whole. The Model 3 will begin to usher in the future of the affordable long-range EV. Its official launch was last night and Tesla owner Elon Musk handed over the keys to the first Model 3 owner himself. And we’ve finally been able to read some reviews of the much-awaited Tesla Model 3.
So what’s it like to drive? Well, reviews have just started to trickle out and we’re hearing a lot of the same stuff. But first, a bit about what the Model 3 is.
While the Model S and Model X are made from a lot of lightweight materials, such as aluminum, the Model 3 is mostly steel. It’s powered by a single electric motor that powers just the rear wheels at the moment (though, dual motor all-wheel drive models will come in the future). Tesla is mum on horsepower figures but claims that standard Model 3 can get from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. If you get the larger battery variant ($9,000 extra0, it can do the same sprint in 5.1.
The standard Model 3 packs an electric range of 220 miles, which is more than anything in its base price range ($35,000). But if you opt for the larger battery, you get a total range of 310 miles, or the same as the Model S. So for BMW i3 money, you get a car that has almost three times the range.
Tesla’s newest car is also its smallest. However, it seems to have more than enough interior and cargo space. In every review so far, they’ve mentioned that the car’s entire glass roof, along with the fact that it doesn’t have any traditional powertrain parts, makes it very spacious inside.
But what’s it like to actually drive, to get in and go? Well, it seems like it’s pretty good. For the most part, reviews say that it’s flat, planted and sharp enough. “Acceleration is indeed less brisk than its bigger siblings, but that passenger-startling response that’s a Tesla trademark is still here. I was able to zip through some increasingly dense traffic without issue, a quick flex of my right foot plenty enough to dive into any gap. On the move the Model 3 feels far more nimble than its 3,814 pounds would suggest (3,549 if you go for the shorter-range model), and with the battery pack down low it stays admirably flat in the turns.” said Tim Steven, of CNET’s Roadshow.
While that sounds good, it’s a bit on the bland side. However, Motor Trend’s Kim Reynolds absolutely raved about it. “The Model 3 is so unexpected scalpel-like, I’m sputtering for adjectives. The steering ratio is quick, the effort is light (for me), but there’s enough light tremble against your fingers to hear the cornering negotiations between Stunt Road and these 235/40R19 tires (Continental ProContact RX m+s’s). And to mention body roll is to have already said too much about it.” He said.
Top Gear barely mentioned its handling dynamics, though. So it’s difficult to gauge just how well the Model 3 will handle and drive. We’ll just have to test for ourselves. Check out the reviews, though, to read for yourself.
I wonder if the screen will be big enough…
If not, try an S-Class: twice as large!
elon musk’s a genius! oil, diesel and gas are about to become obsolete! hope the germans can learn something from tesla!
Germans to learn from a redundant American car maker? You are having a laugh!
Em, South African inventor, would be more accurate.
tesla = iphone on wheels
elon musk’s the steve job of automobile!
Dead?!
“redundant American car maker” that turned more then 100-year-old industry upside down in less then 10 years with $80 million. What have you done for this planet, John? 😂
80million? U should do some research how much money Tesla burned already ;)
Ironic: Barnum & Bailey depart, Trumpf & Musk arrive. The circus continues…
If this is genius, wait till the car gets to customers!
You seem really angry and sad that BMW has competition.
Such as? Model 3 (trademark infringement) has not been delivered to customers, BMW do not make a mid-engine ICE vehicle, so what gets mentioned here on BMWblog is not competition. As far as emotional response, wrong again, just fact-checking. Which, as demonstrated again by your comment, you are not interested in.
“Competition”? Do you seriously think BMW sees Tesla as competition!? In Germany, Tesla is just a marketing success and not an automotive advancement.
For the record, BMW always welcomes competition and that’s why it makes great cars.
Bring on Audi, Porsche or Benz, but not this can of recycled Coke.
The big can of “recycled Coke” (i.e Model S) have blown out of the water MB, BMW and Audi combined. Look at the sale figures for Model S in US vs Audi8+BMW7+MB S Class…
As far as EV go, the S has no competition.
It’ll be interesting to see how it stacks up against established compact sport sedans. Being the only electric compact sports sedan does mean it sticks out amongst the competition. As an i3 owner as well as a Model X owner I know BMW could build a solid refined competitor. I’d actually like to wait, and see how an electric 3-Series compares to the Model 3, but I’m looking forward to the first comparison with today’s 3-Series.
This is a car that need a driver just to supervise autopilot.
There is no dash, driver has to look at screen to know how fast he goes, need a look to adjust anything since there is no button and need to navigate through menus while looking at the screen instead of the rod… meh if only they had multiple screen dedicated for each function instead of a huge ipad doing everything…
Two scroll wheels on the steering wheel and voice control of just about everything else . . .
Haha and they say its innovative :D:D
It doesnt only look cheap, it is also completely impractical…HUD is the best way to go.
But the fanboys will sheer, they are not used to great cars anyway ;)
Tesla model 3 has the 3 series in its crosshairs. Even the mighty M3 may be challenged when the dual motor/ludicrous version arrives! With Supercharging, it charges 3 times faster than any public chargers, including public DC chargers. With wifi updates for new features and 500,000 reservations history is still being made. With Europe and China pushing EV’s we are seeing a tipping point and even the USA will be forced to electrification as their gas guzzlers are killing too many with air pollution.
So how do I drive 850km in 5.5h with it? In Germany for me useless.
500,000 is an inflation, until they reliably get those orders to customers everything else you type is also conjecture.