Used 2018 Tesla Model 3

After years of waiting, Telsa’s highly-anticipated Model 3 has arrived. The all-electric sedan blends a sleek 4-door exterior with a futuristic, minimalist, passenger compartment – most notably, the traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a single touch-screen display. An entry-level Model 3 was promised to deliver combustion-like electric range and a base price of $36,000, but technical hurdles have kept the company from achieving Elon Musk’s original goals. Instead, Tesla is currently delivering three variants: Model 3 Performance (AWD and Long Range), Model 3 Dual Motor (AWD and Long Range), and Model 3 Mid Range RWD — all in the $50,000 price range. A lower priced Model 3 is expected in 2019.

With its large battery pack in the low and flat floor, plus a mostly steel chassis, the Model 3 tips the scales at a not-so-svelte 3,900 lb. But with most of that mass being low and between the axles, the Model 3 behaves like a proper sports sedan on a twisty road, aided by minimal body roll and a slightly rear-heavy 48/52 weight distribution. This Tesla is similar in size to a BMW 3 Series, and its single-speed electric motor (with an estimated 220 horsepower) is mounted in back between the driven rear wheels. From the driver’s perspective, the oddest trait of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is the lack of a conventional instrument panel in front of the steering wheel. Instead, the Model 3 has a 15-inch multifunction touch tablet mounted horizontally atop the center stack and controlling/sharing everything from air conditioning and charging information to the audio and navigation systems. It takes some getting used to this layout, but the speedometer display is easy to read in the top left corner of the screen. Almost no buttons or switches are in sight, apart from window lifts and turn signals. The Model 3’s powertrain is so quiet that road noise from the tires is more pronounced than in other cars. Unlike in, say, the Nissan Leaf, the Model 3’s regenerative brakes aren’t tuned to bring the vehicle to a complete stop when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. Nevertheless, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is pleasant to drive, firm but comfortably suspended and possessing a low cowl that provides a great forward view. What’s more, the panoramic glass roof (part of the optional Premium package) gives the 5-seat Model 3 cabin an airy feel.

The design of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 interior is minimalist and handsome, almost Scandinavian. We like the symmetry of the dash, and the absence of switches and knobs is almost eerie, making it seem as if something’s missing. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of headroom, but the 60/40 split rear bench suffers from a lower cushion that lacks support and forces your knees up into your chest.

With the absence of a radiator and a traditional front grille, the Model 3 lets you know right away it’s an EV, and a handsome one at that. This compact new EV sedan stands out from the crowd, highlighted by its low cowl, sweeping aerodynamic roofline, and flush door handles.

OVER-THE-AIR UPDATABILITY
When Tesla recently sought to improve the braking performance of Model 3s already in customer hands, it did so via an over-the-air update to the anti-lock tuning of the brakes. Stopping distances from 60 mph were reduced by nearly 20 feet. Impressive.

TWIN THUMB SCROLLS
Not a huge deal, but novel: Dual scroll wheels on the spokes of the Model 3’s thick-rimmed steering wheel allow the driver to power-adjust the tilt and telescoping functions while keeping hands on the wheel, right where they should be.

Besides standard automatic emergency braking and eight airbags, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 has Wi-Fi and LTE Internet connectivity, voice-activated controls, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a center console with two USB ports. Streaming FM/internet radio is also standard, as is a front trunk just big enough to accept a large piece of carry-on airline baggage.

A $5,000 Premium Upgrades package includes heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, tinted-glass roof, two rear USB ports, and premium interior materials with handsome open-pore wood trim. The package also includes a more powerful audio system with tweeters, surround speakers and a subwoofer, plus a special center console offering covered storage and docking for two smartphones. In regard to autonomous driving, the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is available right now with a $5,000 Enhanced Autopilot package. Promised for later is a Full Self-Driving Capability package that doubles the number of active cameras to eight, but still needs software validation and regulatory approval.

If you open the Model’s 3’s nose, all you’ll see is that handy front trunk — the motors are buried out of sight. The electric motor in the Mid Range Battery model, is nestled between the rear wheels, while the motors are placed between the front and rear wheels in the all-wheel-drive Dual Motor and Performance models.

RWD Mid Range:
Battery: 62 kWh
Torque (lb-ft): 284
Horsepower: 258

Model 3 Dual Motor:
Battery: 75 kWh
Torque (lb-ft): 376
Horsepower: 346

Model 3 Performance:
Battery: 75 kWh
Torque (lb-ft): 471
Horsepower: 450