Diehards Are SCREAMING That The Tesla Model 3 ISN'T Luxury — We Get It. But, If TRUE, Then Cars Like The 3-Series And CLA Aren't Either, Right?

I'll tell you, it's been an interesting 24 months. The automotive landscape continues to evolve, and twist and turn. It's been a wild ride, really.

And Tesla is still in business. Funny enough, it seems to be a lightning rod for debate — always heated.

Around here it seems that there's a sentiment that the Tesla Model 3 is NOT a luxury automobile. Even though it looks the part on the inside and out, and boasts the features of a luxury automobile. People are screaming from the rooftops in every thread that it should not be considered a luxury vehicle.

This makes me laugh. Because if that's the case there's absolutely NO way you can consider vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class or even the BMW 3-Series a luxury product then.

This is where things get muddy though. Because, of course, there are badge snobs in the world.

So, Spies, we've got to ask: IF the Model 3 isn't a luxury product, then the CLA, 3-Series, et al. aren't either, right?

What say you?

Car4life1 - 2/3/2019 4:44:38 PM

+9 Boost

LIES! The old CLA was manufactured at Toys R Us and it still had better quality/materials than the model 3 and the all new CLA makes the model 3 seem more like a Mazda 3

Truthy - 2/3/2019 5:25:43 PM

+7 Boost

The model 3 does not look like a luxury car "inside and out."

cidflekken - 2/3/2019 6:28:49 PM

-3 Boost

Personally I think the Model 3 is a luxury car. The exterior is a little plain and from the front looks like a toad but the interior reminds me of some very modern high end hotels I’ve stayed in.

dumpsty - 2/5/2019 2:06:42 PM

+1 Boost

So, you'd make excuses to justify the "luxury" perception. And your views are based on some misc hotel somewhere.

Foncool - 2/3/2019 7:04:56 PM

-2 Boost

They’re not!

MDarringer - 2/3/2019 7:20:53 PM

+5 Boost

The horrifically bad quality control of the Tesla Model 3 for $60K is that makes it a premium by virtue of price. "Premium" cars are called that because they cost a "premium" over conventional cars and that has been the traditional marketing definition.

Thus, some versions of the F150--the Raptor for example--is "premium".

The CLA and the A3 by virtue of their CamCord base prices would make them near premium at that price point. The 3 Series has been so de-contented to get to a price point that it is a near premium and laughably inferior to a well-optioned CamCord or FusNata.

As for LUXURY, that comes down to "cush", gadgets, and bling of which the Model 3 has NONE.

SSP350 - 2/3/2019 7:29:28 PM

-1 Boost

I've been in a Tesla Model 3 and have even driven it. I would say it feels very premium. Something I can't say about the MB CLA, A3 or entry level 3 Series.

MDarringer - 2/3/2019 8:55:38 PM

+1 Boost

#BS #TealaTroll #PaidGlowingReport

dumpsty - 2/5/2019 2:19:19 PM

+1 Boost

So, you're saying premium like Buick, Lexus ES/NX, or a loaded Accord/Camry, Kia K900/Cadenza.

SanJoseDriver - 2/18/2019 11:35:18 PM

+1 Boost

Just because someone like a car doesn't mean they are a troll. If anything, those are troll-like comments you are making.

PUGPROUD - 2/3/2019 8:07:27 PM

0 Boost

Have you not heard the term "near luxury" before?

Truthy - 2/4/2019 11:24:18 AM

+1 Boost

Ouch indeed. Confirms that the burst in sales in 3rd and 4th qtr was backlog filling.

And to the first poster on this thread, the Mazda3 has a nicer interior than the Tesla.

senft - 2/6/2019 5:57:06 AM

+1 Boost

The prices are luxury level if nothing else about the vehicles are.