Tesla Model 3 - TEST journalists: great overclocking, perfect interior

On Friday, July 28, 2017, the first thirty Tesla Model 3 buyers received their vehicles. Earlier in July, select American journalists had the opportunity to test the vehicle while driving. And while the Tesla Model 3 [PRICE: $ 35, or the equivalent of PLN 000] is supposed to be a mid-range car, the media have literally choked on it and more than 127 500 customers are already waiting in line!

Tesla Model 3 test + journalists' opinions

Tesla Model 3 is the most anticipated Tesla car. Production is just starting, and there were already almost 400 people in the virtual queue behind the machine. Model 3 should compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class or Audi A4. Strong and modern competition as the Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric vehicle.

Tesla Model 3 outside. Source: (c) Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 is 4,67 meters long and the luggage compartment is 396 liters. Already at the first glance at the car, some journalists emphasized that the car visually differs from its older counterparts (Model S, Model X), which is a pleasant difference from the boring German automotive industry.

Tesla Model 3 TEST at a glance

The D-segment 4-door sedan has the potential to conquer the automotive world and the side-manufacturers of internal combustion engines. Tesla Model 3 (price from 127 thousand PLN) in the basic version offers a power reserve of 354 kilometers and acceleration to 97 km / h in 5,6 seconds. From December 2017, owners will receive 20 cars per month.

Tesla Model 3: journalists are full of enthusiasm

The base version of the Tesla Model 3 accelerates from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 5,6 seconds, according to the manufacturer. Media representatives unanimously emphasized that the car puts the feeling of comfort, speed and power at your fingertips - and at the same time does not give the impression of a sports car.

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Test drives were short and took place on the territory of the plant, so it is difficult to draw conclusions about the behavior of the car in normal movement. The Tesla Model 3, however, had to drive with excitement and resemble an Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Tesla Model 3: range from 354 to 499 kilometers

Elon Musk, the owner of the Tesla brand, is already promising a range of 354 kilometers (220 miles) in the base variant. In real terms, with family and luggage on board, you should expect around 230-280 kilometers - an advantage over electric competition offerings, but not impressive compared to combustion cars.

Richer variant of the Tesla Model 3 vehicle (PRICE: $ 44 or the equivalent of PLN 000). should travel 499 kilometers (310 miles) and accelerate to 97 km / h in 5,1 seconds.

It can be assumed that even under unfavorable driving conditions (crowd, high temperature, family and luggage on board), the power reserve of the car in the richest version should not be lower than 380-420 kilometers.

In Poland, this means a worry-free vacation trip without stress from insufficient battery power.

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Tesla Model 3 interior + premium equipment

According to the descriptions of journalists, the interior of the Tesla Model 3 offers a lot of space. This applies to both the seat behind the wheel and the rear seat (split 60/40), which can accommodate up to 3 people.

At the front, the Tesla Model 3 doesn't have the classic instrument cluster. In the center of the dashboard, covered with wood (premium package), there is a 15-inch tablet informing you of all important driving parameters.

The interior of the Tesla Model 3. Noteworthy is the tablet located in the central part of the cockpit. Source: (c) Tesla

Standard equipment also includes a car opening via Bluetooth (or NFC cards), dual-zone air conditioning, Wi-Fi, auto-dimming mirror and a rearview camera.

Interesting: in the American version, there is no key in the car that would allow you to open the car after the batteries are completely discharged. It is also unknown if a classic key was planned at all.

In the premium variant (+ $ 5 off the base price), the buyer gets the aforementioned wood trim, LED fog lights, two smartphone holders in the front, a tinted sunroof, electric seats and a subwoofer.

For another $ 5, you can equip the car with an autopilot, which can drive the car on its own.

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Tesla Model 3 - batteries and drive

Tesla Model 3 batteries have a capacity of 60 to 85 kWh, which is expected to range from 354 to 499 kilometers.

The car is driven by an electric motor with a capacity of about 235 horsepower, which is located at the rear of the car. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models are being produced first, and the AWD version is expected to be available no earlier than spring 2018.

Tesla Model 3 in Poland

The first owners of the car received them at the end of July 2017. Mass deliveries will begin in September 2017. If we take into account the declared capacity of the plant and the number of those waiting (500), in Poland Tesla Model 3 will appear in single copies no earlier than the second half of 2018, and its usual acquisition will become possible no earlier than 2020.

Worth reading: test 1, test 2, test 3

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