BREAKING! $35K, 0-60 In Under 4 Seconds, And 300 Mile Range - Is The Tesla Model 3 For You?

I really can't see how this will NOT be insanely successful. Holy mackerel this is going to sell like crazy. Sub-$35k base price. Model S's little brother. Plug-in. Range 300 mi. Win, Win, Win, Win.


....unless it's ugly....

OR Tesla runs out of the ability for its customers to get a tax credit when they buy on. Cumulative volume works against them in that regard. Suddenly its $7500 (more in some states) more expensive.

The Chevy Volt was also a good concept, but didn't get much sales traction. The way *my* mind works, I don't see the Tesla 3 becoming a wild sales success, any more that any of the existing and less expensive EVs made by other manufacturers. I don't believe that just because it bears the Tesla badge, it'll become gold.

Yeah, I know I could be wrong. I suggest we reconvene in about 3 years -- when the Model 3 actually shows up in consumers hands, rather than the 2 year delivery start projected by Tesla (they have a long record of delivering late) -- reassess the EV scene, and ask the same question about the Model 3.

"The way *my* mind works, I don't see the Tesla 3 becoming a wild sales success, any more that any of the existing and less expensive EVs made by other manufacturers."

The big difference between the Model 3 and the less expensive options isn't just the badge. It is performance, aesthetics, technology, service, supercharging, etc., etc.

"The way *my* mind works, I don't see the Tesla 3 becoming a wild sales success, any more that any of the existing and less expensive EVs made by other manufacturers."

The big difference between the Model 3 and the less expensive options isn't just the badge. It is performance, aesthetics, technology, service, supercharging, etc., etc.

SanJoseDriver: I understand you position about impressive numbers, range, etc. I just don't think there are lots of people ready to embrace an EV, even a really good one. We'll see, in about 3 years time.

It will sale like crazy! But I doubt it will cost $35K with 300 mi!

Most likely the $35K will be bared bones and available ONLY when the inventory becomes abundant. Look at the Model X, "starting at $75K" but most are sold at 6-figures.

The very first batch of Model 3 (those who have ordered) will be around $50K will properly equipped.

Yes, I agree with you on the price.

Sorry for the duplicate post above :/ I would delete one if there was an option.

$35k will definitely not be 300 miles. My guess is $35k for 200+ miles, $45k for 300 miles, $60k for performance edition with ~280 miles and sub 4 second 0-60. I would expect safety autonomous driving feature to be standard and $3k extra for autopilot. I'm also not sure the base model will get Supercharging without an additional fee.

If it's a great car, it will sell like hot cakes and propel Tesla into the big leagues. I have little doubt it will be a great car.

I too have a problem with it becoming a wild success. Besides my already documented complaints about the sales/service model - we also have to consider something else. Up till now - Tesla has been covering virtually all repairs under "Warranty" - which is one reason why Tesla has YET to make a profit on any car it has produced. The lower end car will have to have a shorter warranty - and eventually people will have to pay for repairs or they won't be able to make a profit on these cars at the low prices. However - I believe that there was only so much demand for EV's and that has reached a saturation point for early adopters - and bringing in more sales will mean having to compete in the open market - something TESLA does not currently do. IN addition - in 3 years - Tesla is likely to have a number of competitors - including BMW and Audi - plus GM - who WILL compete on the open market. At the same time - I still do not see the greatly increased demand for EVs - especially if the price of gas remains relatively low - and plentiful as well. So - lack of demand - plus additional competition - means that ALL involved will have problems selling enough vehicles to make it profitable.

The TUCKER was a great car - with many innovative features - and it and others like it failed. If you think Tesla will be alone offering at this price point (Probably over $40,000) - think again. And BMW, AUDI, GM, Toyota, Nissan, and others are BIG companies that know how to leave upstarts like Tesla at the wayside.

Tom, the Tesla Model S already outsells the Mercedes Benz S-Class in the United States, by quite a large margin I might add. Here we're talking about an American automobile with an average transaction price close to if not above six figures.

Is it crazy to assume that the Model 3 will enjoy comparable success against a similarly priced C-class or 3 series? Perhaps. I certainly can't say for sure.

I think we're about 24 hours from learning how realistic that is.

The one who determines whether it is a sales success isn't anyone on this website but Tesla the company. They have their own definition and criteria, regardless of what you and I say they should be, and their own timeframe. Likewise, the one who says it's pretty or not is the one who shells out the money. By that standard, the hideous Prius is beautiful. Personally, I hope it sells well enough to meet the company's expectation. More options for the market as far as I'm concerned.

And the devout continue to be lured into the emperor's new clothes swindle...

You could say that about any Porsche devotee or a fan of any car brand for that matter. Completely meaningless statement.

i wouldnt mind one of these cars if a normal brand made it. nothing against tesla, im happy they exist and think its a great and innovative company but i just do NOT like their exterior designs.

TheSteve: "I understand you position about impressive numbers, range, etc. I just don't think there are lots of people ready to embrace an EV, even a really good one. We'll see, in about 3 years time."

Well, they just received 200,000 reservations in ~36 hours, I would say people are ready =)

Why are there about 10 simultaneous running articles about Tesla. Is there nothing else to cover in the automobile industry? The media is LAME and no better than a lemming.