It’s been more than a year since the Tesla Model 3 was revealed in prototype form,
but the production car has finally seen the light of day. The first units of
the new electric sedan has been delivered to customers at an event at the Tesla
factory in Fremont, California.
The mini-Model S exterior has been virtually
unchanged, retaining the tall LED headlights, grille-less front fascia,
sweeping roofline and stubby tail with L-shaped LED tail lights. Two wheel
options are offered, with an 18-inch Aero design coming as standard and a
19-inch Sport version costing an extra US$ 1,500.
Tesla has revealed the interior
of the Model 3, which features a simple horizontal dashboard dominated by a
massive 15-inch touchscreen. There’s no traditional instrument cluster –
everything is shown on the centre display, including speed – and there are
almost no hard buttons around the cabin. A large rear windscreen extends over
the heads of the rear passengers, increasing the sense of airiness.
Unlike the Model S and Model X before it, the Model
3 doesn’t come with a key – unlocking and starting your car is all done through
an app on your smartphone. Buyers can also specify a US$ 5,000 Premium Upgrades Pack which throws in heated seats with 12-way powered
adjustment at the front, a premium sound system and a glass roof.
The Model 3 comes with eight cameras, forward radar
and 12 ultrasonic sensors that provide driver assists like collision avoidance
and autonomous emergency braking. A US$ 5,000 Enhanced Autopilot throws in
semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping
and changing and parking, while an extra US$ 3,000 gives the car full
self-driving capability, subject to regulations.
As promised, prices start at US$ 35,000 and for that you’ll get a car with a range of 354 km, as well as being able to
sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 209
km/h. Another US$ 9,000 adds a long range battery that pushes range
to 499 km, cuts the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to 5.1 seconds and extends the
top speed to 225 km/h.
Although deliveries have begun, production is currently at low
volumes, with plans to ramp up progressively – so buyers who place their orders
today are only expected to receive their cars in 12 to 18 months.
