EV Review: 2019 Tesla Model 3

Photo Credits: Tesla, Car and Driver, Carwow, ClipperCreek

Built for Safety. Electric Powered Performance.

Overview

Performance: Electric motor, estimated 258 horsepower

Mileage estimate: Equivalent of 121-130 mpg

Price estimate: From $36,200 to $58,190

—

Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 8 years / unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Corrosion Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

2019 Tesla Model 3 Review

Intro

That’s not the imagination working overtime in regards to the number of Tesla Model 3 vehicles one encounters. Indeed, there are lots of the eye-catching, sleek compact sedan Teslas on the road these days.

Let’s consult the numbers for proof. In 2018, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 had sales of nearly 140,000, making it the 11^th best-selling car in the U.S. And the Model 3 was the only luxury vehicle among the top-19 in 2019 sales.

The bad news regarding purchasing a 2019 Tesla Model 3: the cost is on the rise. Not the base price by Tesla, but the kickback from the feds. Because Tesla has now exceeded the government’s 200,000 model sales quota, the $7,500 federal tax credit for the Model 3 no longer applies.

Note that a new Model 3 still starts at around $35,000. Yet the cost can rise quickly if the base model is upgraded. The top-of-the-line Performance model can skyrocket as high as $60,100.

There’s lots of reasons to pull the trigger on the Model 3, the most affordable vehicle in the Tesla lineup. It has been lauded for its performance, styling, agility, high-tech nature, no emissions and low operating costs.

Billed as a car for the masses, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 does some amazing things, like scan a parking lot for an available space and self-park the vehicle. It has one thinking – “welcome to the future.” And Tesla is definitely a leader in the automobile future. It not only manufactures vehicles that go further without a charge than any other EVs, they have few rivals in regards to speed.

Interior Space and Features

Even though this is the smaller of the three Tesla models, the Model 3 is still roomy for even taller individuals. Rear legroom is solid for 6-footers and overall is fairly comfortable. The cargo area measures 15 cubic-feet and the rear seats fold flat for additional space.

The defining interior feature of the Model 3 is a standard 15-inch touchscreen display mounted in the center of the dash. There is no traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel; all the functions are monitored and controlled through the center screen.

That’s both a good and bad thing. Getting comfortable operating the touchscreen comes with a learning curve and skeptics feel it will always be a safety issue – too distracting they say. Is it really necessary for routine functions like windshield wiper speed, steering wheel adjustment, audio, lights, and much more, all done by tapping the touchscreen? However, because many things can be programmed to the driver’s particular habits, the adjustments will become less and less.

Performance and Speed

The standard rear-wheel-drive Model 3 has a 258-horsepower electric motor and is incredibly quick, going 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and is capable of topping out at 140 mph. That makes the Model 3 a real thrill to drive, assuming you enjoy excessive speed. For real speed freaks, the Model 3 does not offer the insane Ludicrous Mode that’s an option with the Tesla Model S. Ludicrous lowers the 0-60 mph time to 3.0 seconds. It also costs an additional $15,000.

Even at higher speeds, the Model 3 exhibits great driving qualities. It delivers a smooth, quiet ride while giving the driver a feeling of tremendous control. It possesses a terrific ability to take corners and navigate challenging roads at high speeds. Thanks to its regenerative braking, stopping quickly is never an issue. Take your foot off the brake and the Model 3 immediately begins to slow down.

Battery and Range

The 2019 Model 3 now has a range of 260 miles, up roughly 20 miles over last year’s version. Both the upgraded Long Range Battery and Performance models increase the range to 310 miles and also are faster than the standard Model 3. On average, it will take approximately 10 hours to fully charge the Model 3 at home through a 240-volt outlet. But a Tesla Supercharging station should take only 15-20 minutes to add 180 miles of range.

One thing unique to Tesla is it updates its vehicles on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, which means if a Model 3 was purchased in January 2019 it’s already better than the original car that was delivered.

Conclusion

With sales of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 likely to exceed last year’s impressive total, it’s not a stretch to say this luxury EV sedan has quickly gained a foothold among American drivers.

— J.W.

Media Video Review: 2019 Tesla Model 3