Model 3 for Tesla holds impeccable importance. After having under-achieved their targets since 2016, this year comes across as the first full year of production for the all-electric sedan. The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is on sale between $49,000 and $64,000. Although not as attractively priced, the Model 3 doesn’t have any real competition, apart from it’s elder siblings itself. It is available with a single motor, long-range battery pack and a dual-motor pack.



Likes

-> Raw performance, which gives you ‘pinned to the seat performance’
-> ZERO Emissions
-> Snob Value and Exclusivity factor, because of all electric powertrain

Dislikes

-> Limited cargo space and practicality
-> Massive touchscreen system can be distracting
-> Extremely pricey! Autopilot package makes it even more pricier

Performance

Tesla Model 3’s main configuration is a long-range battery pack, which can give a range of 310 estimately. The single-motor version, which sends power to the rear wheels is capable of 258 horsepower, and the dual-motor, which sends power to all four wheels produces about 346 hp. The Performance version of the dual-motor setup increases the output up to 450 hp. Tesla also offers a mid-range battery pack with rear-wheel drive, which gives a range of about 260 miles. 

The Model 3 feels agile and brisk right from the word go. Initially, the power delivery is smooth but as you floor the accelerator, it pins you to seat! In fact,the dual-motor setup blasts the car from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds. These figures can even put some supercars to shame! The steering is intuitive and full of feedback. Handling is very good, with the car being nimble to drive even on the twistiest of roads. Braking performance is also good, thanks to wide 18” tires. You can enhance the grip and braking performance further by opting for the optional 19” wheels.

Design

Tesla is always known for sticking to minimalistic designs, and the Model 3 is no different. Exterior design is more of a notchback than a sedan, and overall, the design is very understated yet pleasing. 

On the inside, interior quality is top-notch, and the wooden surrounds around the all-black dashboard exude luxury and sophistication. There is a lot of space in both the rows, and brilliant packaging ensures passengers won’t be complaining about rear seat comfort. All-round visibility is great, but what really stands out is the massive touch-screen display in the center, which houses most of the controls. As is the case with exterior design, the interior of the Model 3 too comes across as pleasing and exudes luxury. 

Safety

Model 3 got an impressive 5 star rating from NHTSA, and some of the standard safety features include eight airbags and automatic emergency braking. 
You can have a host of other safety equipment with the Autopilot package, which includes Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warnings, active lane control, and automatic headlight control. 
Final Verdict

Even though Model 3 doesn’t have any ‘real’ competition, it still faces a stiff competition from other gasoline powered sedans. What tilts matters in the favour of Model 3 is its all electric powertrain and host of safety technology, all of which make it a truly desirable machine. If you have the moolah and want exclusivity, picking Model 3 is a no brainer, just because it offers more car per car proposition.