We Finally Have an Idea of How Good the Model 3 Is!

Well, it's about time for owners to start receiving their Model 3's. Tesla says owners of the base trim will wait. Higher trims will be produced first. The $44,000 dollar Model 3, with a 310-mile range, will ultimately be delivered first. The rest won't be on the streets until Fall 2018, unfortunately. A few Teslas have been produced already and we've seen lots of comments from the lucky few who have test driven them.

It's difficult to find something to criticize when you look at the Tesla Model 3 on paper. It goes from 0-60 mph in 5.1 to 5.6 seconds, depending on trim. It goes 220 miles on one charge, in the case of the base trim. The high-mileage version goes 310, as we mentioned before. (That's a huge step forward for EVs.) It has beautiful style, as almost everyone agrees, and it's got a lot of comfort, safety and performance features for a vehicle with its price. It's the perfect small sedan for anybody. We're not surprised the hype didn't die down when people started driving it.

Kim Reynolds, in a Motortrend article, says "the ride is Alfa Giulia (maybe even Quadrifoglio)." That would suggest the Model 3 may be a little too firm for some drivers. It won't replace a Chevy Impala when comfort is needed, perhaps. On the other hand, the Quadrifoglio isn't a Jeep Wrangler over bumps. It's also very responsive to the driver's feet and hands, which is exactly what people say of the Model 3.

There's another comparison worth making between the 3 and the Giulia. Their interiors look similar, especially the seats. They are simple yet sporty looking, with black being the color everyone seems to like. Leather is everywhere, in both vehicles.

Let's move on to the dash. Nothing really looks like a Tesla's dash. That gigantic touch screen dominates the aesthetic. If it wasnt there, it might look like the dash of a completely autonomous car from the future, where instrumentation and nav panel are obsolete. We're not there yet, though. The screen could be too big from some tastes but I don't think it gets in the way of anything.

Can the Tesla be replaced by anything? Surely the answer is "no" for anyone who as already developed an appreciation for the brand. There is a vehicle that gives the 3 some competition in terms of specs, though. It's call the Chevy Bolt. The base Bolt is a little more expensive than the base 3, starting at $36,620, but it can go 238 miles on a single charge. Certainly a competitor on normal commute grounds. It's far from being as quick as the Tesla, on the other hand. It only reaches 60 mph at 6.5 seconds. And it just lacks the luxurious feel of the Tesla. That could be fine for some of you, though. What do you think? Would you consider the Chevy?

Whatever car you choose, your best bet for the best deal is to get quotes from all your local dealers. You can do that for free, with no obligations, right here.