1. Overview

Well, would you look at the Tesla Model 3! It’s like the golden child of electric cars, a blend of practicality, futuristic tech, and a performance that could give some traditional sports cars a run for their money – all without breaking the bank. This thing is Tesla’s budget-friendly superstar, the people’s champ since it hit the roads in 2017.

Picture this: you’re zipping through a bustling metropolis or embarking on an epic road trip, and the Model 3 is right there with you, making it look easy. Tesla’s charging stations are like your trusty sidekick, ensuring you’re never stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

It’s the go-to green car for folks diving into the EV world, flaunting a slick new design, a range that’ll turn heads, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry. But, and there’s always a but, the Model 3 isn’t flawless. From day one, it’s been dealing with some fit-and-finish hiccups, the interior might feel a bit snug, and it’s missing some goodies like Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM radio that you’d expect in a modern ride.

And here’s the kicker – when it comes to controlling stuff in the car, forget buttons; it’s all about the touchscreen. Need to tweak your mirrors or adjust the steering column? Well, get ready to tap away on that giant infotainment display like you’re playing a high-stakes game of “Where’s the button?” It’s a bit quirky, but hey, who said being at the forefront of the electric revolution was all smooth sailing? The Tesla Model 3, ladies and gentlemen – practical, futuristic, and just a tad rebellious.

(Check out our articles on: Model X, Model Y, Model S )

2. Tesla Model 3 versions

Ah, the Tesla Model 3 – the electric sedan that’s basically the rockstar of the automotive world, ready to hit the stage with room for five passengers. Now, Tesla knows how to keep things spicy, giving you not one, not two, but three options to choose from. First up, you’ve got the standard Model 3 rear-wheel drive – the classic, the one that gets you from A to B without any fuss, but hey, it’s still a Tesla, so you know it’s got that electric charm. Then, for the folks who crave a bit more road-hugging action, there’s the all-wheel drive Model 3 Long Range version. It’s like the marathon runner of the trio, offering that extra distance for those who like to stretch their electric legs a bit further. But hold on to your helmets, because there’s the crown jewel – the all-wheel drive Model 3 Performance. This bad boy isn’t just about getting you places; it’s about doing it with a grin on your face. Feel the thrill of acceleration, hear the hum of those electric motors, and suddenly, driving to the grocery store becomes a performance.

3. EV Motor, Power, and Performance

As we mentioned in the previous paragraph Tesla Model 3 comes with three options to choose from. We’re talking about the standard rear-wheel drive, the Long Range dual motor all-wheel drive, and the Model 3 Performance dual motor all-wheel drive.

Let’s kick things off with the standard rear-wheel drive – the entry-level rebel that can hit a top speed of 140 mph. Not bad, and can do the 0 to 60 mph dance in a respectable 5.8 seconds. Not too shabby for the one that starts the party. Now, shift into the Long Range all-wheel drive territory. This one’s got a need for speed as well, topping out at 145 mph. But here’s the kicker – the 0 to 60 mph sprint is a bit speedier, clocking in at 4.2 seconds. It’s like the overachiever of the bunch, always trying to outdo itself. But hold on, because the grand finale is the Model 3 Performance. This one’s not here to mess around; it’s the speed king of the family. With a top speed that’ll make your hair stand at 162 mph, and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 3.1 seconds, it’s like Tesla slapped a “Performance” badge on it for a reason.

To sum it up :

Model 3

• Drivetrain: RWD

• Top Speed: 140 mph
• Acceleration 0-60: 5.8 seconds

Model 3 Long range

• Drivetrain: Dual motor – AWD
• Top Speed: 145 mph
• Acceleration 0-60: 4.2 seconds

Model 3 Performance

• Drivetrain: Dual motor – AWD
• Top Speed: 162 mph
• Acceleration 0-60: 3.1 seconds

4. Range, Charging, and Battery

Right now, let’s break down range, charging and battery for each version of the Tesla Model 3 lineup, shall we? First up, we’ve got the standard Model 3. It boasts a range of 272 miles on a single charge, thanks to its 50 kWh battery. Charging it up is a bit of a wait, though. Stick it on a Tesla Supercharger for 15 minutes, and you’ll get an impressive 147 miles back.

Now, if you’re feeling fancy, there’s the Long Range version. This bad boy can go the extra mile – literally. With the highest Range as it can travel on single battery charge up to 358 miles with its Battery size of 75 kWh, it’s the marathon runner of the Model 3 family. And yes, you guessed it, the Supercharger magic still works, giving you that 147-mile boost in the same 15-minute pit stop.

But wait, there’s more! The Model 3 Performance is here to add a bit of spice to your driving experience. Clocking in at a range of 315 miles and packing a 75 kWh battery, it’s the Goldilocks option – not too much, not too little. And yes, you can still enjoy the perks of the Supercharger, zapping 147 miles into existence in just 15 minutes.

To sum it up :

Model 3

• Range: 272 miles

• Battery size: 50 kWh
• Charging time: Up to 147 miles of range in a Tesla Supercharger in just 15 min

Model 3 Long range

• Range: 358 miles
• Battery size: 75 kWh
• Charging time: Up to 147 miles of range in a Tesla Supercharger in just 15 min

Model 3 Performance

• Range: 315 miles
• Battery size: 75 kWh
• Charging time: Up to 147 miles of range in a Tesla Supercharger in just 15 min

5. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo,

Get yourself settled into the Tesla Model 3, and you’re about to experience an interior that throws the rulebook out the window. It’s a masterclass in simplicity, with a dominating touchscreen stealing the limelight, taking charge of pretty much everything. Forget the usual buttons scattered around the steering wheel – here, they handle the exterior mirrors, steering column adjustments, and even the turn signals, a break from the norm. The roomy vibe owes a debt to the flat floor that gives you this spacious, breezy atmosphere. The front seats coddle you in comfort and support, but I’m afraid the back ones might leave grown-up passengers wanting a bit more. However, if you decide to flip those rear seats down, voila! You’ve got yourself a commendable expansion of trunk space, turning the Model 3 into a versatile hauler. But, and there’s always a but, Tesla’s decision not to integrate the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a head-scratcher, putting a cap on smartphone integration. Bluetooth takes the lead, but its stability might play a game of hit or miss compared to the good old USB connection. Yet, there’s a silver lining with entertainment – you’ve got streaming options like Hulu and Netflix to spice up your parked moments. Cargo space, boasting 19.8 cubic feet, brings practicality to the rear, and those split-folding seats add a nice touch of versatility.

6. Other features:

Tesla Model 3 comes with several other features, some of which you might need to dig a bit deeper into your pockets for, and others that come straight out of the box. Now, pay attention as I run you through a few goodies that’ll make you sit up and take notice:

• Over-the-air updates: First off, we’ve got these over-the-air updates. It’s like Christmas for your car, mate. Range, performance, and navigation – they all get a little boost with regular wireless software updates. Your Tesla’s basically evolving over time, getting sharper, smarter, and more entertaining with each update. It’s like having a car that ages like fine wine, but without the wrinkles.

• Sentry Mode: Then there’s Sentry Mode – a bit like having a virtual bouncer for your parked car. Picture this: 360° monitoring, keeping an eye on everything around your Tesla. If there’s any mischief going on, bam! It sends an alert straight to your smartphone. It’s like having your own car detective, always on the lookout for trouble and ready to dish out justice.
• Basic Autopilot: With the basic Autopilot. The car takes the wheel, handles the accelerator and brakes for other cars and pedestrians in its lane. Emergency braking, collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring – it’s got it all covered. And don’t even get me started on Autopark and smart summon. It’s like having your own personal chauffeur, minus the awkward small talk.

7. Pros and Cons

Well, the Tesla Model 3, you see, is definitely one of the most interesting sedan models available on the market right now. It was the EV champion, ruling the American and global roads, at least for a while.  In fact, it’s considered one of the electric cars that proved EVs could become mainstream cars and provide solid competition against gas-powered vehicles. Now, like any other technology, it’s got its benefits and drawbacks. Let me walk you through them:

Pros:

• A decent range, up to 358 miles
• Outstanding acceleration, especially from the Model 3 Performance model. 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. That’s faster than a startled cat.
• Cargo capacity is expansive
• Convenient Supercharger network for those long-haul journeys
• The most efficient EV of them all
• Autopilot – nice on long trips.
• Great software and tech

Cons:

• Turn signal buttons have decided to go on a vacation to the steering wheel, which might be a bit confusing for some
• Getting used to the car can take a day or two
• Expensive insurance
• No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

8. How much will it cost?

The Standard Model 3 Rear-wheel drive kicks off the proceedings at $38,990. Fancy a bit more oomph with the Long Range all-wheel drive? Well, this one comes at a starting price of $45,990. And for those speed demons eyeing the Performance version, it starts at $50,990. But beware, the final bill might just increase if you decide to throw in a few extra bells and whistles.

So, to sum it up:

Model 3 standard

• Price: Starting at $38,990

Model 3 Long range

• Price: Starting at $45,990

Model 3 Performance

• Price: Starting at $50,990

9. Conclusion

Well, after taking the Tesla Model 3 for a spin, I’ve got to say, it’s more than just an electric sedan, redefining the whole driving experience. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s about doing it with style and a hefty dose of performance. Boasting a sleek design, spacious interior, rapid acceleration, remarkable range, and state-of-the-art features. Whether you’re a tech geek, an eco-warrior, or just someone who appreciates a damn good drive, the Model 3 ticks all the boxes. It’s not just a car; it’s a lifestyle. So, if you’re thinking about making a statement on the road, the Tesla Model 3 should be right at the top of your list.