Tesla Unveiled the Model 3 And I Got To Ride In One

Affordability or luxury—traditionally you could choose only one when it came to electric cars. On the low end you had the spartan, $25,000 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, and on the other end there’s the Tesla Model S, the commuter chariot for the one percent, with little in between. Tesla has promised the seemingly impossible with the Model 3, an attainable premium electric car that won’t have you fretting about range, and the momentous response and long queues to reserve one echoes that of a new iPhone launch. Does it live to the hype?

I had a chance to ride in a preproduction sedan, and it blew away my expectations—with an asterisk.

As rumored the Model 3 will start at $35,000, but that’s before incentives. That means it’ll cost around $25,000 if you’re in California, costing only a couple grand more than the Volt and as much as a loaded Honda Civic. That’s ludicrous, insane. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is promising that buyers “won’t be disappointed” even with a base model, which will have a range of 215 miles and go from 0-60 in under six seconds. Musk adds that these are “minimum numbers” and “hopes to exceed them.”

Both Supercharging at Autopilot hardware come standard, and the five-seater touts more cargo capacity than any car with similar dimensions. It’s achieved with the firewall pushed forward while still providing space for a front and rear trunk. As a Tesla for the mass market, it will also appeal to families with a purported 5-star safety rating in every category.

We took a quick ride inside the higher end sport trim, with dual motors and an optional air suspension. Aside from the screen that looks like an high-definition PC monitor attached to the center console (there’s no dash cluster), it’s high-end luxury through and through. French-stitched leather adorn the door panels, with real metallic touches, and a stunning rear window arches over your head providing a panoramic view of your surroundings. While not providing the mind-bending acceleration of a P85D, the dual motor Model 3 feels like it has more kick from a stop than a BMW 340i, and my neck actually got sore from the snap of the low-end torque. The test driver did an impromptu mini-slalom on a closed off street, and there was minimal body roll with ample grip from the front 235/35/R20 and rear 275/30/R20 tires. Tesla gave no word of price for the pricier trims, but even at $50,000 it’d feel like a bargain.