Is Tesla's Model 3 Going To Be Too Basic For The Average Consumer?

Tesla has begun distributing Model 3 information to its employees, showing a visual side-by-side comparison of Model 3 specifications against the company’s flagship Model S, according to Trevor Page founder of the Model3 Owners Club forum. “You won’t find this on Tesla’s site, it’s ‘talking points’ given to all Tesla employees for when talking to customer about the differences with Model S and Model 3”, says page.

The new photos posted by Page highlights several new data points for the Model 3 including a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. This is the first firm performance data point that has been publicly shared beyond a “sub 6 second” time. 5.6 seconds is just a hair slower than the 5.4 seconds achieved by the Model S 85kWh version, and a time that should put a smile on anyone looking at the base Model 3 configuration.

SanJoseDriver - 5/23/2017 4:12:23 PM

-5 Boost

Your tastes might be very different than most people, the exterior looks really polished and in-line or better than an A4 or BMW 3-series. The only part of the car that is controversial is the front ("duck lips").

The interior is a different story--it is completely unlike any car today and I'm sure will take some getting used to. It does make perfect sense for a fully self-driving car though.

TheSteve - 5/23/2017 11:59:25 AM

+3 Boost

How will we ever be able to tell if the Model 3 is "too basic for the average consumer," or whether the average consumer just doesn't have an EV mindset and would shun it on that basis?

TomM - 5/23/2017 3:26:07 PM

+9 Boost

Well - maybe they won't include a steering wheel as standard equipment as well

SanJoseDriver - 5/23/2017 4:29:25 PM

-4 Boost

I know you mean that as a joke, but 10 years from now it might very well be optional.

mre30 - 5/23/2017 6:50:16 PM

+6 Boost

I suspect we are talking Fiat 500L levels of build-quality.

Its the Model 3 Multipla!

MDarringer - 5/23/2017 11:51:21 PM

+7 Boost

With the Model 3 you can own a Tesla, but the company will treat you like a second-class citizen.

carloslassiter - 5/23/2017 11:57:51 PM

-3 Boost

I have bad news for you guys: Tesla is going to sell every one of these that they build no matter how many paranoid, delusional comments are made by people AutoSpies.

MorePower - 5/24/2017 3:35:38 AM

+4 Boost

I'm a little disappointed that it only has 14 cubic feet of cargo space. I can not really be mad at 5.6 seconds to 60, but I thought it would be closer to 5.0 or high 4s.

SanJoseDriver - 5/24/2017 4:01:54 AM

-5 Boost

14 cubic feet is similar to a Camry, which is one class-size larger. The cargo room in the S is probably overkill, have only had to use both trunks twice.

0-60 in 5.6 seconds is amazing for $35k, that is faster than my S. I think the bigger battery will bring it down to the low 5s and the dual motor might be enough for 4.9. The P75D will surely be in the 3s or lower.

SanJoseDriver - 5/25/2017 11:08:45 PM

+1 Boost

The eGolf doesn't exist today, just a prototype that will look nothing like that final car.

mre30 - 5/24/2017 10:11:01 AM

+2 Boost

CRASH TESTS?

Anyone know when Tesla is scheduled to submit the Model 3 to the US Govt and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for Crash Testing and Occupant Protection?

I find it hard to believe that a vehicle with "crumple zones" so small and with no front engine to deflect crash forces can adequately protect occupants in a serious collision. The Model S is a large vehicle, the Model 3 is a small vehicle.

Any intel on this?

HenryN - 5/24/2017 10:41:29 AM

+1 Boost

The large engine block to serve as "protection" is a misconception. Read the article below:

http://www.livescience.com/39545-electric-vehicles-safe.html

" The Model S, and other electric vehicles, perform well in crash tests for a variety of reasons. First, electric vehicles don't have big engines that can slam into passengers during a frontal collision. With the electric motor in back and a trunk in the front (also known as a "frunk"), the Model S and similarly designed electric vehicles have large, frontal crash-protection crumple zones.

Also, while the weight of an electric vehicle's battery is a challenge for engineers trying to extend driving range, batteries make such vehicles more stable on the road ... "