COVER Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor
Our verdict on US pioneer’s sports saloon rival to big-hitters
NEVER mind a Cheshire Cat, the Tesla Model 3 will put a smile on your face that’s wider than the USA. Of course, there’s much more to a sports saloon than that, so how does this Model 3 stack up against established rivals from BMW, Audi or Mercedes?
We’re well used to Teslas in Europe, but the Model 3 is smaller, cuter and better resolved than a Model S or Model X. The headlights look like stickers, while the short overhangs add a pertness to the design that we’ve not seen before.
It unlocks by sensing your smartphone or credit card-sized key, but you have to access the flush door handles yourself – they don’t pop out for you as they do on a Model S – before swinging open the doors to reveal an interior that’s other-worldly.
Rear space is similar to what you’ll find in the outgoing BMW 3 Series; kneeroom isn’t too generous, but the floor is flat with no transmission hump.
Up front, the dash is dominated by a wide touchscreen, in this case a slim 15-inch monitor that sits landscapestyle. It operates everything; the only controls are the buttons on the wheel, along with the pedals and wiper stalks.
A single air vent spans the dash. There are neat charge points for your phone, plus deep storage bins and cup-holders; the Model 3 is a triumph in minimalism.
You may think that having everything on the screen could be problematic, and while Tesla has put the most important information close to the driver, you do have to look further from the road to check your speed than you might like.
Much has been mentioned about the build quality of Teslas, but our test car’s interior impressed us. As good as an Audi’s? No; but not far off.
We decided to opt for the ‘Sport’ rather than the ‘Chill’ drive mode, and set off to enjoy the sort of instant acceleration that makes petrol cars feel tardy. Tesla says this sportiest Model 3 will get from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds; in reality it feels quicker, and not far off what the fastest Model S will do.
The slightest tickle of the throttle will shove you back in your seat. Yet fun isn’t just about acceleration, and sure enough, the Model 3 feels different to its rivals. It grips well, turns in sharply and displays very little body roll. You can feel the extra weight, and the steering isn’t quite as alert as in a BMW. But the Model 3 is accurate and agile enough.
We’re still about a year away from first deliveries in the UK, although deposits are already being taken. It’s available with a choice of two battery packs, and with either rear or four-wheel drive.
Performance versions drop the ride height slightly and add a few sporty styling tweaks. Power from the 75kwh battery is boosted to around 450bhp
and the range jumps up to a claimed 310 miles. This model doesn’t come cheap, but then neither do its rivals.
Our test car had a few options: the premium interior upgrade is included in the list price, but you’ll pay extra for every paint colour except black; the wonderful white interior costs $1,500 (£1,100), while the ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ system (which is better than anything anyone else can currently offer) costs $5,000 (£3,800).
Our car topped out at $71,000, proving Tesla has clearly learned a trick or two from its rivals when it comes to extras. The base price is $64,000 in the US, and when it arrives in the UK, we’d expect prices to be pretty much pound for dollar, maybe a little less.