Setting The Bar Low: Tesla Reminds Us That The Model 3 Is Going To Be Basic Not A New Generation Car

That reset from Tesla is coming at us, yet again, because a non-trivial number of people believe the Model-3 is Tesla's "next" car, exceeding the offering of the currently in production Model-S.

Musk has stated on Twitter and through other avenues that the Model-3 will offer "fewer features" (i.e., it'll be a lesser car) than the "S".

I don't know how many Model-3 deposit holders believe they're getting more than a Model-S for about $35,000. I assume, possibly incorrectly, that virtually all of them understand what they're getting into.

Bob, I don't know what you are smoking but the glass roof will definitely be an option on day 1 and all of the release candidates seen so far have one. I expect it to be a $1,000 or $1,250 option (versus the $1,500 option on the Model S).

Also, the Model 3 was never going to get a 17 inch screen like the Model S. It has a 15 inch screen, and that is a standard feature on every Model 3 included in the $35k base price, confirmed, set in stone.

I would imagine most of the Model 3 buyers know their car is inheriting the technologies (if not certain parts) of the bigger Tesla car. I would also imagine that's the case for a lot of other car mfrs out there.

So basically it's a crapped down Model S.

Yes, kind of like how people see you relative to your parents.

And I must compliment your choice of words too MDarringer. My thought derived from your use of the word "crap" as I can see how you came out of your mom's butt hole.

So let me translate all this for you all...

'Basic' is a concept that would be used in describing a Chevy Cruz, a Chevy Volt/Bolt, a VW Golf/Jetta, perhaps a Toyota Prius, POSSIBLY a Mercedes GLA or Audi A3 or BMW 2-Series if they have vinyl seats, no sat nav, no power seats.

'Basic' is NOT an adjective one would use to describe a variety of other cars - namely (a) BMW's full range of 3-Series (including the 320i bargain basement version); (b) Audi's A4, (c) Mercedes C300, (d) most Lexus' in that $50K price range.

So, let's gather the info that Sir Elon has shared with us so far...
(1) The so-named 'Model 3' will have nothing in common with a BMW 3-Series except a $50K+ price and (2) The 'Model 3' will be in the same category as 'basic' cars like the Chevy Cruz/Volt/Bolt and the Prius (cars which cost up to $15,000 less than the promised $50K price of the Model 3. (3) The Model 3 will not be 'beta tested' - which leaves open the possibility/probability that it will have the reliability profile of the Rover Sterling/British Leyland lineup.

I don't think that I am off base here. Please disagree away!

1) The Model 3 has a lot in common with the 3-series, considering the size, class, RWD, weight distribution, performance and the mere fact that Tesla is testing it alongside a 330i not a Cruze. It is also nothing like it, it is pure electric, instant torque, silent and smooth.

2) Basic is in the eye of the beholder. A 3-series BMW is rather basic for someone who drives a P1 or a 918, and it is the be-all, end-all of luxury and performance for someone who has only driven a 14-year old Civic DX

3) What do you think Tesla is doing right now?

I think you know you're off-base.

Performance-wise and technology-wise it should be better than an equivalently priced BMW 3-series. The interior is going to be pretty simple, but all the important capabilities will be there along with advanced safety features and some optional luxury features (memory seats, auto wipers, auto high-beams, autopilot 2.0, future self-driving capabilities). It is not going to compete with a Chevy Cruz, that's for sure.

http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-full-tesla-model-3-way-before-youre-suppose-1794073497