August 15, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Tesla has singlehandedly changed the electric-car landscape, and the Model 3 is the least expensive way to get one of the company’s tech wonders in your driveway. A four-door sedan that’s roughly the same size as the BMW 3-series, the Model 3 boasts quick acceleration and a future-forward, minimalist interior. Multiple battery configurations are available, and all versions are rated to go more than 200 miles on a single charge; the Long Range model claims a range of 322 miles.
In testing, the Performance model went from zero to 60 mph in a lightning-fast 3.5 seconds. While the Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla you can buy, the $36,200 Standard Range model is available only by special order at physical Tesla stores; the least expensive version available to order online is the $39,190 Standard Range Plus.
What’s New for 2020?
Tesla consistently updates its vehicles with over-the-air software tweaks and, occasionally, new mechanical components, but the company does not roll out changes to its vehicles on a conventional model-year basis. As a result, it cannot be predicted what changes might come to the Model 3 in the coming months, and the company will not devulge much about what the future holds in terms of updates. The Model 3 recently added features such as lane-keep assist and standard Autopilot capability (this is the company’s name for its autonomous-driving feature), and now has additional charging capability via the company’s upgraded V3 Supercharger network.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Standard Range Plus Battery: $39,190
Long Range Battery: $48,190
Performance: $56,190
The Standard Range Plus model, starting just under $40,000, is the best value. Its 250 miles of estimated driving range should be enough for most people, and it comes standard with heated front seats and navigation.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed smoothly and almost silently, with the electric motor providing strong power from a stop. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range model that was tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance rockets to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds—0.4 second faster than the bigger and more expensive Model S 100D.
Like all Teslas, the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. The steering is accurate and well weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of steering effort. The ride is firm without being harsh; without the noise of a gas-powered engine, however, you do hear plenty of noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack and thrum over pavement imperfections.
