Imagine the excitement of waiting for a highly anticipated gadget, counting down the months until it finally arrives. For many electric vehicle enthusiasts and prospective Tesla owners, that feeling was amplified by the arrival of the Tesla Model 3 sedan. As you’ll see in the video above, Edmunds’ Dan Edmunds experienced this firsthand, putting down a reservation in early 2016 and waiting over 20 months for his Model 3 to arrive. This detailed review delves into what makes the Model 3 a game-changer, exploring its unique features, user experience, and overall driving impression, building on the insights shared in the video.
The Tesla Model 3 was designed to be a more accessible entry into the Tesla lineup, aiming to bring electric performance and cutting-edge technology to a broader audience. It represents a significant step for the brand, balancing sleek design with everyday practicality. This deep dive will uncover the nuances of its interior, the practicality of its storage solutions, its impressive range capabilities, and the distinctive driving feel that defines the Tesla experience.
Unpacking the Tesla Model 3 Interior Experience
Stepping inside the Tesla Model 3 reveals an interior that is undeniably minimalist, a stark contrast to many traditional car designs. Initially, prototypes struck some observers as “crude looking,” as noted in the video, but the production model has matured into a sleek, well-designed space. The dashboard is a flat, featureless expanse dominated by a large landscape-oriented touchscreen, which serves as the central hub for nearly all vehicle functions. This approach eliminates clutter, offering a clean aesthetic that many find appealing.
The touchscreen interface, while visually striking, requires a new way of interacting with your vehicle. Quick controls for lights, mirror adjustments, window locks, and display brightness are easily accessible, providing essential functions at your fingertips. However, some elements familiar from older Tesla models, such as a dedicated internet web browser or a prominent power meter, appear to be less visible or entirely absent, potentially buried deep within menus. The absence of an easily accessible owner’s manual button also means resorting to a PDF or the glove box for information, highlighting a shift towards digital-first interaction that isn’t always seamless for a quick reference.
Navigating the Touchscreen and Its Challenges
While the touchscreen provides a wealth of information and controls, it introduces a learning curve, particularly for adjusting common settings. Imagine needing to adjust your mirrors or the steering wheel tilt while driving; instead of physical buttons, these actions require navigating through menus using the two thumb controls on the steering wheel. This process necessitates diverting your eyes from the road, which can be less than ideal for safety and convenience. Similarly, adjusting wiper speed or cruise control settings often means looking at the screen, a task that drivers might typically perform by feel without taking their eyes off the road.
The Model 3’s reliance on the touchscreen extends to the speedometer and map functions, which are prominently displayed on the right side of the screen. While the map offers familiar pinch-to-zoom capabilities, changing music sources can involve multiple taps, a departure from traditional radio dials or steering wheel buttons. This centralized control system, while innovative, asks drivers to adapt to a new paradigm of vehicle interaction, prioritizing a sleek, button-free interior over instantaneous tactile feedback for every function.
Storage and Practicality: More Than Meets the Eye
Beyond its minimalist aesthetics, the Tesla Model 3 offers surprising practicality and intelligent storage solutions. The interior features a deep central bin with a removable tray, perfect for organizing smaller items and housing a power charger for your phone. Additionally, there are a couple of cup holders and more storage underneath, ensuring that essential items are always within reach. These thoughtful touches demonstrate that while the Model 3 might appear simple, it doesn’t skimp on everyday usability.
One of the Model 3’s stand-out practical features is its trunk design. The rear trunk is remarkably deep, complemented by a removable false floor that reveals at least another foot of storage below. This spacious area means you can easily store larger items, making it ideal for road trips or grocery runs. Furthermore, the 60/40 split rear seats fold down flat, creating a wide pass-through into the trunk. This configuration effectively mimics the versatility of a hatchback, offering expansive cargo capacity without the traditional hatch design, allowing items like a 29er mountain bike to potentially fit comfortably.
The “Frunk” and Exceptional Visibility
Another unique aspect of the Tesla Model 3, particularly the rear-wheel-drive variant, is the inclusion of a “frunk,” a small front trunk where a traditional engine would be located. While not massive, this front storage area is perfect for a couple of duffel bags, offering a convenient spot for items you might want to access quickly or keep separate. This clever use of space further enhances the car’s overall utility, making it adaptable for various needs.
Visibility in the Model 3 is truly exceptional, contributing significantly to a feeling of openness and confidence on the road. The windshield is notably low, as is the belt line, allowing for an expansive view of the surroundings. The generous amount of glass, including the well-placed small three-quarter windows in the rear, minimizes blind spots and makes it incredibly easy to see out the rear side glass. This panoramic view not only enhances safety but also contributes to a more enjoyable and less claustrophobic driving experience, making navigating traffic or parking much simpler.
Performance, Range, and the Driving Experience
The Tesla Model 3, even without the “ludicrous speed” found in higher-end models, delivers plenty of thrust and an exhilarating driving experience. It feels incredibly quick, providing more than enough power to maneuver confidently in traffic and enjoy spirited driving. The immediate, seamless torque characteristic of electric vehicles is present, offering smooth acceleration without the interruption of gear shifts. This translates into a refined and engaging drive that perfectly encapsulates the modern EV experience.
Range anxiety, a common concern for potential EV owners, is largely mitigated by the Model 3’s impressive capabilities. The long-range Model 3 boasts a published range of 310 miles on a 100% charge. For daily use, Tesla recommends charging the battery to 90%, which in practice, translates to a healthy 278 miles. This substantial range ensures that most daily commutes and even longer weekend trips can be undertaken without constant worry about finding a charging station. Charging to 100% is advised for cross-country journeys, making the Model 3 a versatile companion for both local and extended travel.
Steering, Ride, and Regenerative Braking
The steering wheel in the Model 3 is praised for its comfortable, chunky grip and ideal size, contributing to a pleasant driving feel. Drivers can program the level of effort, allowing for personalization to suit individual preferences. With the highest effort setting, there’s a good amount of on-center feel, providing a strong connection to the road and a clear sense of how the tires are pointed, without being overly heavy. The chassis itself is nicely balanced with a low center of gravity, resulting in minimal body roll, excellent grip, and a sorted feel on the road.
However, the ride quality can be a point of contention, particularly on less-than-smooth roads. The damping can feel a “little off,” leading to a busy or stiff sensation. This characteristic might be partly attributed to the high tire pressures, which can range from 47 to 49 PSI. In addition, like all electric cars, the Model 3 features regenerative braking, a system that recovers energy when decelerating. While highly efficient, the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 may not provide quite the same level of regenerative braking as a front-wheel-drive EV, as most conventional braking effort typically occurs at the front wheels. Despite this, the overall absence of engine noise and gear shifts creates a uniquely quiet and smooth journey.
The Premium Upgrades Package and Key Card Convenience
For those looking to elevate their Model 3 experience, the optional $5,000 Premium Upgrades Package adds a touch of luxury and convenience. This package includes an Alcantara interior trim, plush leather seats, and a stunning glass roof. The glass roof, which initially might raise concerns about excessive heat, proves to be quite effective, even in sunny conditions, making the cabin feel even more open and airy. While it might be interesting to revisit its performance in the peak heat of July, initial impressions are positive. The premium package also includes a high-quality stereo system and a thoughtfully designed phone pad that allows for convenient viewing and charging of your device.
The method of accessing and starting the Tesla Model 3 is also distinctive. Instead of a traditional key fob, the car uses a sleek key card. Simply placing the card near the door handle unlocks the vehicle, allowing you to enter. Once inside, you can train your smartphone to serve as your primary key, offering seamless entry and starting. However, it’s wise to keep the key card with you as a backup; if your phone’s battery dies, you wouldn’t want to find yourself stranded. This blend of cutting-edge technology and practical considerations defines much of the Tesla Model 3 experience.
Charging Up Your Model 3 Questions
What is the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan designed to be a more accessible entry into the Tesla lineup, offering electric performance and advanced technology to a wider audience. It balances sleek design with everyday practicality.
What is unique about the Model 3’s interior design?
The Model 3’s interior is notably minimalist, featuring a flat dashboard dominated by a large landscape-oriented touchscreen. This screen serves as the central hub for nearly all vehicle functions, aiming for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
How does the Tesla Model 3 handle storage for items?
The Model 3 offers practical storage including a deep central bin and cup holders. It has a remarkably deep rear trunk with a hidden compartment, and the rear seats fold down flat for larger items. There’s also a ‘frunk,’ or front trunk, for additional storage.
What is the typical driving range of a Tesla Model 3?
The long-range Tesla Model 3 boasts a published range of 310 miles on a 100% charge. For daily use, Tesla recommends charging to 90%, which translates to about 278 miles of range.
How do you unlock and start the Tesla Model 3?
Instead of a traditional key fob, the Model 3 uses a sleek key card that unlocks the vehicle when placed near the door handle. You can also train your smartphone to act as your primary key for seamless entry and starting.