The Tesla Model 3 is undoubtedly the culmination of every development Tesla has done thus far. It is a four-door saloon electric vehicle currently the most affordable among the S3XY lineup.
The electric sedan boasts a remarkable driving range and competitive performance, making it one of the EV giant’s bestselling products.
Tesla currently offers three variants for the Model 3: the entry-level RWD, Long Range, and Performance.
Tesla Model 3 specifications
Below are the key specifications of the Tesla Model 3 displayed on the company’s online configurator.
| Specs | Rear-Wheel Drive | Long Range AWD | Performance |
| Battery | Standard Range | Long Range | Long Range |
| Acceleration | 5.8 s 0-60 mph | 4.2 s 0-60 mph | 3.1 s 0-60 mph with rollout subtracted |
| Range | 272 miles (EPA est.) | 358 miles (EPA est.) | 315 miles (EPA est.) |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Seating | 5 Adults | 5 Adults | 5 Adults |
| Wheels | 18″ or 19″ | 18″ or 19″ | 20″ |
| Weight | 3,862 lbs | 4,034 lbs | 4,048 lbs |
| Max Cargo Volume | 23 cu ft | 23 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| Top Speed | |||
| Displays | 15″ Center Touchscreen | 15″ Center Touchscreen | 15″ Center Touchscreen |
| Supercharging Max/Payment Type | 170 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use |
| Onboard Charger Max | 7.6 kW max (32A) | 11.5 kW max (48A) | 11.5 kW max (48A) |
| Warranty | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first |
| Price | $42,990 | Available in 2023 | $53,990 |
Driving
The base-model RWD Tesla Model 3 has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of a claimed 5.8 seconds. As expected, the Long Range and Performance variants are definitely faster as they are equipped with two electric motors and four-wheel drive. The Long Range can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 s, while the Performance can do so in just 3.1 seconds.
Furthermore, the Long Range’s remarkable EPA estimated range of 358 miles gives you plenty of travel time between charges. In comparison to the Long Range, the Performance’s range marginally decreased to 315 miles. Meanwhile, the EPA estimates the starting Model 3 RWD’s range to be 272 miles.
As for drive comfort, the Tesla Model 3 may not be the perfect EV if you prioritize smooth driving. The EV tends to shake you more than popular ICE cars due to its strong suspension. In fact, the Performance variant comes standard with large 20-inch wheels and an even stiffer sports suspension.
Another plus factor to the Model 3 is that it is tranquil at town speeds. However, it tends to produce significant tire noise while driving on highways that require faster speed.
Additionally, there is a configurable one-pedal (Hold) mode. It increases the effectiveness of the regenerative braking system. It enables the EV to come to a complete stop without you having to apply any brake pressure.
Interior and cargo
Just like the Tesla Model Y, the Model 3 also has a “too-digital” interior. It does not have many buttons, as everything can be accessed through its central infotainment display. It offers numerous features such as navigation, browsing, and entertainment, including Netflix, Spotify, steering wheel-controlled games, etc. However, it does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Furthermore, a pair of powerful USB-C connections for quick device charging is also included, along with two readily available wireless phone charging mats.
As Tesla prioritized a minimalistic aesthetic, convenience is somehow compromised. You must use the touchscreen and the controls on the steering wheel for door mirror adjustments. It’s a tremendous hassle and not recommended when driving.
Nonetheless, the electric sedan offers a comfortable driving position. By the standards of an executive saloon, the driver’s seat is relatively high. The front seat has a light ambiance due to its sizeable side windows and panoramic glass roof.
The seat, steering wheel, and pedals are all perfectly aligned. However, the seat could need a little more side support, given the incredible cornering pressures it can produce.
As for the cargo, all variants offer a large 23 cu ft maximum volume. Moreover, the Tesla Model 3 also offers a spacious front and rear space, which can comfortably carry six-footer drivers and passengers. Its middle rear passenger also boasts enough space, even for people with long legs, without a central bump in the floor.
Another remarkable feature of the Tesla Model 3 is its 60/40 folding rear seats, which can offer you the required space if you need to carry long loads. Furthermore, every Tesla Model 3 variant has an electric tailgate that can be opened and closed using the touchscreen, the Tesla app, or a button on the boot lid.
Exterior
The Tesla Model 3 may not have an outstanding exterior design, but it is still quite pretty cool. The EV has LED lights up front and at the rear. It also has LED fog lights. Notably, it appears huge primarily due to its smoothed front end and sparse openings.
Just like the Model Y, it has a tinted glass roof, which offers an airy light ambiance.
Furthermore, the entry-level RWD is standardly equipped with 18-inch Aero wheels, which can be adjusted to 19-inch Sport wheels. Meanwhile, the Performance variant has 20-inch Uberturbine wheels.
In addition, all variants include surround-view cameras, parking sensors at both ends of the vehicle, and a decent view out the back.
| RWD | Performance | |
| Max Width | 72.8 in. | 72.8 in. |
| Length | 184.8 in. | 184.8 in. |
| Height | 56.8 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 in. | 113.2 in. |
| Curb Weight | 3,648 lbs. | 4,250 lbs. |
| Tyre | P235/45WR18 | 235/35 R20 |
As for the weights and measurements, the Tesla Model 3 is 184.8 inches long and 72.8 inches wide. It has a height of 56.8 inches and a wheelbase of 113.2 inches.
Meanwhile, the two variants have different curb weights. The RWD weighs 3,648 lbs. while the Performance variant weighs heavier at 4,250 lbs.
Furthermore, the electric sedan offers the Midnight Silver Metallic and the Pearl White Multi-Coat as standard. However, the other paint options cost extra:
• Deep Blue Metallic for +$1,00
• Solid Black for +$1,5000
• Red Multi-Coat for +$2,000
Other features and extras
All Tesla Model 3 variants offer numerous luxuries, such as the following:
· climate control
· adaptive cruise control
· faux-leather seats which are heated in the front and rear
· heated steering wheel
· keyless entry using Tesla app
· standard automated emergency braking
· standard lane-departure warning
· standard adaptive cruise control
· over-the-air software updates
As for the additional options, the Tesla Model 3 offers the following:
· paint options
· alloy wheel designs
· black or white seat options
· Enhanced Autopilot
· Full Self Driving Capability
Safety
The Tesla Model 3 was also awarded the highest 5-star rating of the Euro NCAP in 2019. It was also named Best in Class Cars the same year.
As shown in the image attached to the Tweet below, the EV effectively protected occupants during accidents. It is also equipped with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, just like the Model Y.
It also secured a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in all categories and subcategories. Furthermore, it also gained the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ with its crashworthiness and front crash prevention qualities.
Not only that, but the electric sedan also comes standard with a sentry mode that films the surrounding area when it is approached after it has been locked. The footage will automatically be saved on a USB drive.
Pricing
The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable EV in Tesla’s portfolio. The price of the Tesla Model 3 RWD is $42,990, while the Performance is $53,990. Meanwhile, the cost of the upcoming Long Range AWD variant is yet to be disclosed.
Due to Tesla’s Supercharger network, you would also be enticed to buy the Model 3 over electric sedans from other brands. It is known to be widespread and reliable, allowing a charging capacity of 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Until March, the Tesla Model 3 is qualified for the new federal tax credits of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act. That said, the $42,990 for the Long Range AWD version can be reduced to $35,490. Meanwhile, the Performance variant’s price can also be reduced to $46,990.
All that said, the Tesla Model 3 is indeed an ideal choice if you seek to transition to clean energy vehicles. It offers a good and speedy driving experience with its innovative technologies. It is affordable compared to other EVs in the market and is supported by Tesla’s reliable charging networks.
If you are interested in placing an order for the Tesla Model 3, click here.
