The Tesla Model 3, Tesla’s cheapest electric car, takes on the establishment with its long-range and cutting-edge tech
According to Tesla, this Tesla Model 3 is going to change the automotive landscape. The Tesla Model 3 may not be the first electric saloon car from the American firm, but it is the first affordable car made by the revolutionary brand. With a near-perfect combination of performance, driving range, and now accessible pricing, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is an electric vehicle that lives up to the hype.
The Tesla Model 3 has attracted more attention than any other car in recent history, and it seems the hype was worth it. Not only is Elon Musk’s brainchild out to show the world that long-range electric cars are for the here and now but also completely reinvent the idea of how we see the car altogether. While the Model 3 has a long list of strong competitors such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Jaguar XE, many car enthusiasts are claiming that the Tesla Model 3 is one the best electric cars you can buy.
While there were some minor setbacks regarding the build quality, there are no such worries when it comes to safety. The Model 3 was awarded a five-star score Euro NCAP and the highest score of any car tested to that date in the safety assist category. With an excellent driving range, stunning electric performance and lots of modern features, the Model 3 is in a prime position to get the car world talking.
The body, interior layout and finish
The Model 3 is clearly related to the sporty Model S that came before, but as it’s smaller and less pricey, the design is a little different. Due to the lack of an engine, the design incorporates a short bonnet and a large rear window, and the front and rear boots are roomy. The body design is simple and sleek. Instead of thick ridges and trims, there’s little more than a slim intake, a pair of fog lights and a number plate at the front. The driver will have no issues regarding blindspots as the view out of the back is excellent and all versions come with parking sensors on both the front and the rear of the car, along with a reversing camera.
The Model 3’s interior is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other EV competitors. You may think that the cabins of the Audi A4 or Jaguar XE are minimalist but the Tesla Model 3’s interior is almost completely devoid of buttons, knobs or dials of any kind.
Tesla is famously a software company that makes cars, and the entire interior is focused around a beautiful 15-inch central touchscreen. The system is one of the best found in any car and you control all of the car’s functions via the touchscreen and steering wheel. The screen displays all of the essential information for the driver, including speed, range and location. The impressive screen is easy to read, laid out rather sensibly and responds to your inputs just as quickly as a range-topping iPad does. The Model 3 is a tech-lover’s delight and has an arrange of clever features such as a self-adjusting air vent and the ability to use your phone as a key
Engine and Range
There are three different Tesla Model 3 models to choose from: the Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance. Even the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 can do 0-60mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. While the Long Range and Performance models are both headline-grabbers in terms of figures, the most affordable Standard Range Plus will be more than adequate for the majority of buyers.
On long trips, the Model 3 can be topped up using Tesla’s well established Supercharger network (although you will have to pay) or – for the first time in a Tesla – via any other charging network that’s compatible with its CCS charging port. The Standard Range Plus is the entry-level model, with a 278-mile range and a 0-60mph sprint figure of 5.3 seconds. Next in the line-up is the Long Range version, which has an impressive 360-mile range and goes from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, thanks to its four-wheel-drive layout. The top-spec Performance model lives up to its name: 0-60mph takes 3.1 seconds and it has a 352-mile range.
The Model 3 drives in near-silence but is also fast and exciting, with excellent grip and minimal body roll in the corners despite its heavyweight. Fast-charging to 80% can take as little as 30 minutes, while a full home charge takes just under 12 hours. It’s mostly comfortable over bumps, although the entry-level car is more comfortable than the more focused Performance version.
What’s the verdict?
All versions of the Model 3 come with plenty of luxuries such as climate control, adaptive cruise control and faux-leather seats. Like all pure electric cars, the Model 3 makes a huge amount of sense for company car drivers because of the enormous benefit in kind (BIK) tax savings on offer.
There is a range of great lease deals on the Model 3, to hear more about new lease deals or learn more about EV’s contact our team today.