DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, What's One Of The OLDEST Auto Pubs Think Of The Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is probably one of the most talked about vehicles in the past two years. That's because of two things.

First, it is the vehicle that will essentially catapult Tesla into profitability — at least that was the original thinking. Second, it was created to be a BMW 3-Series competitor and the Model 3 is more modestly priced than the Model S and Model X that can run into the six figures.

But it hasn't been smooth sailing. From the Elon Musk-described "production hell," to the suspect build quality, the Model 3 hasn't had an easy ride so far.

So, what does a traditional, enthusiast-focused publication make of all this? See below as Autocar dives into the Model 3.



Tasked with taking the Californian company into uncharted territory when it comes to sales volume, this Audi/BMW/Mercedes-rivalling sedan is based on a new architecture, has a 300+ mile range and an affordable price - from $35,000 in the US, before options (of which the big battery is one).

We head, then, to California to try it out, on roads that represent the narrower, more interesting Tarmac than America’s wide highways. Places where cars like the BMW 3-Series are design to excel. How does the Model 3 shape up against the world’s best executive cars?

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 10:31:54 PM

+3 Boost

God its styling us ungainly from the rear.

Dexter1 - 5/20/2018 11:24:02 AM

+6 Boost

The front end is even ungainlier.

MDarringer - 5/20/2018 11:39:05 AM

+6 Boost

yes it is. The body of the car looks a foot too thick. The Model X is even more horrible.

SanJoseDriver - 5/20/2018 6:29:51 PM

-4 Boost

It doesn't look as good as the S, but looks better than the X. I like the front, back, and side of the 3. Not a big fan of the quarter view (similar to the X which looks terrible from that angle).

carloslassiter - 5/20/2018 10:41:07 AM

-3 Boost

Stop with the "ungainly" nonsense - it's as modern and clean as anything else out there.

MDarringer - 5/20/2018 11:02:58 AM

+4 Boost

NO it's not.

carloslassiter - 5/20/2018 12:06:36 PM

-4 Boost

That's it everyone. The arbiter of taste and design has spoken. The only well-styled cars on the market are apparently all Kias.

t_bone - 5/20/2018 12:26:32 PM

+4 Boost

Love the touchscreen with good UI for secondary functions...but despise it as a replacement for normal buttons/switchgear like climate control and even side mirror adjustment.

I suspect there's lots of cost savings for a small maker to go all-touchscreen.

SanJoseDriver - 5/20/2018 6:28:22 PM

-6 Boost

You do get used to it pretty quickly. Once in a while you do miss buttons on bumpy roads. Voice controls should help eventually. Like smartphones, this is a one-way road--more cars will go all screen in the future.

TomM - 5/21/2018 8:02:52 PM

+6 Boost

I note that Musk has Finally admitted that the $35,000 model three would NOT be profitable - and that they must produce the more expensive version to survive - which is something I have been posting here for a while

dumpsty - 5/22/2018 8:21:38 AM

-1 Boost

With these criticisms, it's easy to remember that Tesla is still basically a boutique brand - albeit on a larger scale. People like the tech, but want the designs to look "better" - or at least more like what they'd prefer to drive alternatively.

Thinking back 20-25 years & all those funky EV concepts from these various warehouse operations; the Tesla lineup is quite well-done in comparison. Honestly, I'd like to see Tesla EV tech a lot current ICE cars & CUVs being made today.

SanJoseDriver - 5/23/2018 1:51:07 PM

+1 Boost

There is a lot about the Tesla that is better than other cars, even without the powertrain. The software is top notch in terms of functionality. The Nav, audio player, calendar integration, car controls, gps-linked suspension, user profiles, OTA updates... are all the best I have seen on any car of any price. Model 3 and all future cars will inherit that.