A quick peek at the Tesla Model 3

Mainstream electric vehicles (EVs) have indeed come a long way since their nascent stages in the early to mid 2000s. Nowadays, almost all of the major auto giants have at least one EV in their model line-up, and many have even promised to roll-out several more fully-electric cars in the coming few years. However, if there’s one brand name that’s become synonymous with electric vehicles in the present day, it has to be none other than Tesla. The American premium automaker has been single-handedly credited with busting open the plethora of myths and stigma attached to EVs, and has an audience base that would make almost any major carmaker a tad jealous. While the Model S and Model X are both aimed at buyers with deeper pockets, Tesla’s Elon Musk always wanted a more affordable model in Tesla’s line-up.

So, in order to achieve that very goal, Musk unveiled the eagerly-anticipated and awaited Tesla Model 3 in 2016. The Model 3 will now become the entry point into going fully electric with Tesla, and is categorized as a premium mid-size sedan. The Model 3 shares quite bit of its architecture with upcoming Model Y, and depending on the market that it’s sold in, is available in various output and range combinations. In the UAE, the Tesla Model 3 is only sold in its P75 avatar, and finds itself in the midst of other offerings such as the Renault Zoe in terms of its EV status and the Mercedes-AMG A45 in terms of its price and performance.

Exterior

The Tesla Model 3 sports a really modern, clean and aesthetically intriguing exterior design. In effect, you could say that it actually looks like a shrunken down version of the Model X SUV -- suffice to say then, the Model 3 isn’t the most beautiful piece of design from Tesla. Its smooth, curvy (yet oddly bulbous) exterior has been shaped so to help the Model 3 slip through the air without much resistance. In fact, the Model 3 has one of the lowest coefficients of drag in the industry, rated at a slippery 0.23 Cd. That being said, its styling may not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly has the personality to make it stand out. The front has a smooth but blunt nose, sporty lower bumper with a large air intake and extended lip, suave and upswept LED headlamps and steeply-raked A-pillars with a really expansive and heavily-sloped windshield.

The cocoon-like sides of the Model 3 reveal sophisticated, flush door handles, gentle yet well-pronounced body contours, large turbine-styled alloy wheels, and an aggressively-sloped roofline. The Model X-like rear end incorporates a subtle bootlip spoiler, big LED tail lamps, and a not-so-good-looking bumper. The Tesla Model 3 measures 4.694 meters X 1.933 meters X 1.443 meters in length, width and height, respectively. It also has a 2.875-meter long wheelbase and a 425-liter boot space.

Interior

The interior space of the Tesla Model 3 has been specifically designed keeping minimalism in mind. This cockpit sure is devoid of any visual clutter or switchgear distraction, with much of the everyday tasks and functions of the car being incorporated into the massive 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment/multimedia head unit. Apart from the high-definition display and the steering wheel, there really isn’t much for the rest of the car to do -- you’d love this if you’re all about neat and minimalistic design. Build quality is good, but nothing exceptional. However, there’s plenty of space in this cabin, save for the rear where the sloped roof cuts into the headroom. Some of the Model 3’s features include adaptive headlamps, leather upholstery, head-up display, voice command and live navigation, automatic climate control, online Apps and social media connectivity, and live camera feed with 360-degree parking assist.

Engine and performance

The Model 3’s 75kWh battery pack powers a 261 horsepower rear-mounted electric motor, enabling this 1.6-ton EV to hit 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top whack of 225 km/h. Its maximum range is rated at just under 500 kilometers.

Verdict

In the UAE, the Tesla Model 3 P75 is priced at AED 280,000, which isn’t exactly “affordable” by any stretch of the imagination.