2018 Tesla Model 3- Automotive phenomenon, nothing less! You probably know what the Black Friday is? Ok, then you obviously know that it is staged in November; that it is usually accompanied by the frenetic and manic behavior of many excessively enthusiastic shoppers eager to easily spend their money on stuff that usually cost more. Well, last year two Black Fridays occurred, an unusual one in March when Tesla opened order books for Model 3. Mentioned fact created purchasing frenzy with painfully long queues unseen in automotive world so far, resulting in 325,000 pre-orders for the first week. And no, we hadn’t mistakenly added a couple of zeros.
Things settled a bit afterward, but as first production models roll out from assembly lines to the streets these days; more than half a million buyers are awaiting their turn to collect their reserved wander.
So, what is so special about this largest automotive phenomenon in recent history?
2018 Tesla Model 3 Electrified Styling
Soon 2018 Tesla Model 3 is going to swarm the streets, so let’s see what it is going to do to your eyes. We already know its visual happenings when it was introduced to us last year, and they seemed fine. Appearance instantly reveals brand’s affiliation, but it is far from simple baby Model S. While Model S’s and X’s headlights more prefer horizontal placement, 3’s one decided to rise vertically, and deeper invade front fenders.
While bigger siblings chose more usual approach featuring grille on their fascias, although a tiny one. (Model S had much bigger before latest refresh). Model 3 fully embraced the fact that air serves nothing to AC motors, thus resulting in total grille deprivation. Side profile of 3 and S is very similar, but compact dimensions of Model 3 made whole fastback ordeal more vigorously passionate and lusciously curvy. Model S is an epitome of refined and matured elegance, while smaller sister is a beautiful, rebellious teenager.
Compared to any other rivaling EV, 2018 Tesla Model 3 is an absolute visual princess but compared to rivaling gas guzzlers it does fall short, while S doesn’t. Still, you don’t have to resort to “toad like” Leaf or “potato shaped” Bolt anymore if you wish to “scream” about your nature fondness.
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Beating the Swedish Asceticism
Swedes are good at self-restraint. Sometimes that wrongfully transcends into the car interiors. (Remember the Saab?). At times it leaves us breathless when mixed with highly sophisticated elegance. (Remember latest Volvos?). Well, this Tesla somehow shares that later vibe (sort of).
First of all, it can’t get more austere than this, while cabin with fewer happenings is possible only with level 5 autonomous cars, in which you could erase totally that “pesky” steering wheel and pedals. When you look in front of you, the only thing you get is steering wheel with some levers; big (15-inch) screen and a bit down two cup holders. You can now state “been there done that” as Model S appear similar in that manner, but you’ll be wrong.
2018 Tesla Model 3 reached new levels with total lack instrument panel, vents, keys, and doors are missing bunch of door-handle buttons. (Car connects with your phone via Bluetooth for authentication.) Everything is left stranded on that screen shoulders, including positioning of the steering column and mirrors. As for beauty aspect of it, to make things visually appealing, you’ll see sprinkles of chrome and large wood veneer horizontally stretching across the whole dash.
It works great in a futuristic manner, but aesthetically? Well, sort of. Not in the alluring Swedish way and not confronted to many lavish premium rivals, but it is surely different which might be “the” thing you are looking for with this type of unusual transportation.
Musk says that if you were to place a deposit for the Model 3 today you should expect delivery at the end of 2018
2018 Tesla Model 3 Specs and Driving
Specs have always been ground breaking with every Tesla and despite this is supposed to be an affordable deal, don’t worry it doesn’t disappoint, but neither exhilarate. Two models are offered- Standard and Long Range, simplifying the naming scheme previously mixed with letters and numbers. Standard version offers 220 miles of range, while superior model adds 90 miles to the mix, but bringing additional 265 pounds.
The base model is relatively quick with 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and the top speed of 130 mph, while Long Range model drops acceleration time to 5.1 seconds and adds ten mph to the maximum speed; all made possible by one electric motor. (Precise horsepower figures are not yet available). Mentioned numbers are on the better side of the spectrum, of the entry level luxury sedan world. This data only goes when base turbocharged four cylinder petrol offer is concerned, but not further than that. Apparently, these are far from ridiculous stats generated by Model S. Nobody expect same or even similar S’s figures, but keeping Tesla’s “ludicrous” way of thinking in mind, future might hold some extra treats in that area.
Fortunately, as far as driving goes everything is “bloody great” from the start. Power goes to the rear. There is no gear shifting, electricity brings instant torque in any circumstances; under the floor stuffed battery pushes down the center of gravity and chassis is stiff. The whole thing is incredibly sharp and precise, along with steering wheel actually communicating with you and as far as driving pleasure goes. 2018 Tesla Model 3 can easily join the selected club of Caddy ATS, Alfa Giulia, and Jag XE.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Price and Release Date
Yes, it already here, but if you weren’t quick when order books were opened last year, you’d get yours in “a couple of years” from now; which is what you usually experience when you are purchasing limited production hand built hypercar. There are over half a million orders to be addressed before your instantly provoked today’s urge to buy something “cool” comes on Tesla’s menu and be pretty sure that same urge is still happening with others.
Anyway, for being part of the future prepare at least $35k, although going berserk with options could push that to near double figures. Just bigger battery knocks out $9k more from your bank account. Every color other than black requires a grand more, and one inch extra on 18-inch wheels cost $1.5k, while luxury comes with five grand’s Premium Upgrades package bestowing you with heated seats; better audio system, 12-way power front chairs, rear USB ports and more.
Tesla’s special delicacy or Autopilot is $5k, while self-driving ability fattens the check by $3k more. Anyway, it’s alluring pricing makes it way too remarkable for comparison with any similarly priced EV; while pointing it against internal combustion competition raises a dilemma. Being part of the future and ultimately trendy bunch does come with a toll taken on interior luxury and refinement, and only you can decide whether you are you ready to bear that cost.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Competitors:
- Nissan Leaf
- Chevrolet Bolt
- BMW 3 Series Plug-In
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-In