Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
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Find all cars near me?Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Overall Rating
To make the electric vehicles (EV) more accessible to the masses, Tesla launched the Model 3 way back in 2017. With every passing year and rising competition in the market, the Model 3 received its fair share of updates for the past years.
With cleaner and greener transportation being the need of the hour, automotive manufacturers are working day and night to advance the technology of electric vehicles. Tesla has already shown us with its Model S and Model X, that it is more than capable of changing the electric car landscape singlehandedly.
an incredible driving range and excellent advancements in the field of safety, Tesla leads the pack in this race towards a greener future. Tesla is adamant on its mission to make people choose electric cars over gasoline-powered vehicles, and they are doing a great job at it.
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range is quite a complete vehicle in itself and is being offered at an acceptable price. We would recommend picking up the Long Range trim with 19-inch Aero wheels. Also, it offers us the best of both worlds. As for the performance trim, all you get for the extra $8,000, is a shave off of 1.2 seconds in terms of acceleration figures. It ups the top-speed to 145 miles per hour, and the most exciting part, it features a carbon fiber spoiler. We would also recommend you to opt-in for the Autopilot Package. It’s not a true Tesla without one.
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Standard Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
To make the electric vehicles (EV) more accessible to the masses, Tesla launched the Model 3 way back in 2017. With every passing year and rising competition in the market, the Model 3 received its fair share of updates for the past years.
With cleaner and greener transportation being the need of the hour, automotive manufacturers are working day and night to advance the technology of electric vehicles. Tesla has already shown us with its Model S and Model X, that it is more than capable of changing the electric car landscape singlehandedly.
an incredible driving range and excellent advancements in the field of safety, Tesla leads the pack in this race towards a greener future. Tesla is adamant on its mission to make people choose electric cars over gasoline-powered vehicles, and they are doing a great job at it.
Not only is the Model 3 the cheapest in Tesla's lineup, but it is also the newest addition too (we are not counting the Cybertruck as it hasn't been launched yet). Starting off at around $40K, the Model 3 is offered in 3 trims, the "Standard Range Plus", the "Long Range" and the "Performance". Each name describes the focus of the car. While the base Standard Range Plus comes in an RWD setup, the Long Range and Performance variants are offered in AWD setups.
Model |
Standard Range Plus(Rear-Wheel) |
Long Range |
Performance |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$39,990 |
- |
- |
MSRP (AWD) | - | $48,990 | $56,990 |
Key Features |
Long Range of 250 miles |
Features of the Standard Range Plus trim as standard and additional features such as- |
Features of the Long Range trim as standard and additional features such as- |
12-way Power-adjustable heated front seats |
Long Range of 322 miles |
Long-range of 322 miles |
|
Upgraded Audio-immersive sound |
18” Aero Wheels |
Faster acceleration and more powerful with the optional performance upgrade | |
Premium Connectivity(30 days included) |
Heated front and rear seats |
Power folding, heated side mirrors |
|
Custom Driver profiles |
Premium audio-14 speakers,1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and an immersive sound |
||
Center Console with Storage |
LED fog lamps |
||
4 USB ports and docking for 2 smartphones |
Music and media over Bluetooth |
||
Tinted Glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection |
Premium Connectivity(1 year included) |
||
Power Folding, heated side mirrors |
Custom driver profiles |
Our Recommendation
Although the price of the Long Range variant is a decent jump from the base, we still recommend it. The price of the middle trim here is justified in our eyes. We further recommend to pick up the Long Range trim with 18-inch Aero wheels. We would also recommend you to opt-in for the Autopilot Package. It’s not a true Tesla without one.
Tesla packs a powerful 258 hp electric motor that feels planted. Tesla Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity, and thus it feels stable in corners. the base rear-wheel-drive trim can travel 250 miles on a charge, whereas the long Range model is an all-wheel-drive car that can travel for 322 miles on a stretch.
Unlike traditional all-wheel-drive systems, Tesla has two motors that digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels for far better handling and traction control. The advantage being, if one motor stops working completely, you can always safely continue to your destination with the second.
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$48,990 |
$38,500 |
$37,495 |
$44,450 |
Engine |
Electric |
Electric |
Permanent magnet Drive Motor |
Synchronous Traction Motor |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD | RWD |
Transmission |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
Power |
258hp@N/Arpm |
201hp@3,800rpm |
200hp@0rpm |
170hp@4,800rpm |
Torque |
317lb-ft@0rpm |
291lb-ft@0rpm |
266@0rpm |
184@0rpm |
*2019 MY Version used for reference purpose only
Tesla Model 3 is equipped with the biggest battery pack and thus is the most powerful car of the lot. With 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, KIA Niro holds second place on the podium. Although with a bigger stronger engine, Tesla also comes with a heftier price tag of $10,000 more than the cheapest car of the bunch. BMW i3 fails to impress us, as even with a greater price tag, the power figures fail to justify this kind of price.
Tesla Model 3 feels sporty, with its solid off-the-line performance and even though it is not a proper sports sedan, it is still definitely among the fastest electric vehicles on the planet. Tesla has always been associated with prooving the capability of their cars with its acceleration times, and thus the same can be applied for Model 3 as well. With a breath-taking acceleration time of 4.4 seconds, it stands out as the fastest across its segment. On the topic of Tesla’s acceleration figures, to put things into perspective, Tesla’s roadster does it in 1.9 seconds!
Considering it is powered by independent motors for the front and the rear, you get almost and instant delivery of power from the time you step on the pedal. Once you get used to such a high amount of power on point, chances of driving a gasoline-powered car again in the near future might look bleak
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
4.4 sec |
N/A |
6.5 sec |
7.2 sec |
Quarter Mile |
13.1 sec |
N/A |
15.3 sec |
N/A |
Top Speed | 145 MPH | 104 MPH | N/A | N/A |
Engine |
Electric |
Electric |
Permanent magnet Drive Motor |
Synchronous Traction Motor |
Tesla having the strongest engine across the board has the best acceleration figures of a mind-boggling 4.4 seconds and it outperforms all of its rivals by quite some margin. The direct-drive transmission from acceleration to higher speeds is quite easy to manage and is also one of the very few reasons that help it in achieving such a time. In the second place, the Chevrolet Bolt holds the podium with a time of 6.5 seconds. The 2019 BMW i3 follows thereafter. Tesla has no competition whatsoever in this regard as it has the biggest battery pack and the highest rated power and torque figures.
Tesla has equipped the Model 3 with 18-inch wheels with corresponding all-season tires. This can also be upgraded to 19-inch wheels in the Long Range trim. The wheels have the Tesla logo in the wheel hub cap and are accompanied by the corresponding tire size depending on the size you choose. Tesla’s powerful brakes feel natural. In addition, the Autopilot feature helps in detecting vehicles ahead and thus applies the brakes, in those rare cases where hard braking is required.
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
12.6" |
11" |
11" |
11" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
13.2" |
10.3" |
10" |
11" |
Curb Weight |
3549 lbs |
3106 lbs |
3563 lbs |
2965 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
119 ft |
122 ft |
132 ft |
125 ft |
The car rides on 12.6-inch rotors as standard in the front and with 13.2-inch rotors in the back. This helps Tesla to come to a complete halt in a segment-best 119 ft, which is pretty impressive, considering its hefty weight. It is followed by KIA Niro with a distance of 122 feet, which has a lot to do with its light curb weight and thus locks itself in second place. The Chevrolet Bolt being the heaviest of the lot and also because it has the smallest brake rotor diameters of the bunch, comes last by stopping at 132 feet from 60 to 0 mph.
Tesla’s driving dynamics are remarkable enough to hook you into driving it, again and again, day after day. The car is agile and nimble and also packs the punch to thrill you as well. The independent motors have the provision to electronically control the torque output to the wheels. Handling, stability and traction control are also improved due to independent torque delivery, which adds to the experience of driving the electric sedan.
The battery pack is floor mounted in the typical Tesla fashion. Since its an electric, there is no noise of the engine, but then in-turn leads to clear cut audible sounds of the road irregularities to creep in. One thing, that has not been improved upon, is the steering feedback from Model 3. Equipped with different steering modes to suit your comfort, the car carries itself with remarkable elegance around corners. Tesla's sleek and streamlined body does wonders for the car while it's being trashed around at high speeds.
What are the different safety features that come packed with the Model 3?
How reliable is the Model 3?
This is one area, where electric cars have set their footprint as opposed to gasoline cars. Electric cars are mainly about the mileage range it can offer from a full charge. The long-range models are good for 330 miles in rear-wheel drive and 322 miles with dual-motor all-wheel-drive. Though one thing that we’ve learned from the past experiences is that estimated mileage runs from major Automotive car makers are seldom found to be true.
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPGE (City) |
148 |
123 |
128 |
129 |
MPGE (Highway) |
132 |
102 |
110 |
106 |
MPGE (Combined) |
141 |
112 |
119 |
118 |
Range | 322 miles | 239 miles` | 259 miles | 153 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
In terms of the competition, the Tesla Model 3 rakes in the best MPGe figures, while the others are on par with each other. Although the 2019 version of Model 3 had not lived up to its claimed mileage, so we hope the 2020 version range will not follow the same story either. The next best is the Chevrolet Bolt EV with a combined mileage of 119 MPGe.
The Tesla Model 3 has an interior like none other. Purebred luxury and futuristic inside but at the same time minimalistic, the car has set the bar high, for others in the same segment to compete with. It is an ultimate luxury compact electric sedan. No gimmicky buttons are present with the 15-inch infotainment system that takes center stage. Tesla’s floor is immensely flat and grants it a spacious appearance since it also functions as a protective casing for the lithium battery pack mounted on the floor.Â
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.3/56.3/42.7 |
40.1/56.0/41.7 |
39.7/54.6/41.6 |
39.1/56.1/42.2 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.7/54.0/35.2 |
37.7/55.1/36.0 |
37.9/52.8/36.5 |
37.4/55.0/35.7 |
The BMW i3 is the only car among the others which can house only 4 people. Now, this is where the Tesla comes into the mix, as for the front row space, the Tesla holds the spotlight while KIA and BMW hold the second place. BMW’s short footprint is quite evident on the inside and especially at the rear. On coming to the rear seats, Tesla might have won the battle but loses the war to its other contenders. The Chevrolet Bolt, on the other hand, impresses us with its segment-leading rear headroom and legroom, although it feels cramped when 3 people are seated in the back.
The interior package from Tesla is shockingly simple and minimalistic, yet futuristic enough to be set in its own ways. Tesla’s infotainment systems are responsible for controlling all in-vehicular functions. The screen has been placed elegantly in the middle of the dash but still in the comfortable reach of the driver. Navigation and USB connectivity are standard but are devoid of SiriusXM Satellite. The other major disappointment, it also can’t be equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The major noticeable infotainment features inside the Model 3 are-
The features that will be added in the near future are:
So, with the 2020 Tesla Model 3, you won’t have to worry about having been left out behind technology-wise.
Tesla Model 3 has easier trunk access which can store quite a few bags despite most of the space being eaten up by the batteries. It has an above-average boot space, with easy access for loading and unloading your baggage.
Cupholders in the center console and bottle holders in the door pockets are also quite usable. Cubby holes for hanging on small items on the go are also quite helpful. If this is not enough, Model 3 just like the Model Y has fully-flat folding rear seats in the rear, for an uninterrupted cargo floor for hauling large items.
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
15.0 cu.ft. |
18.5 cu.ft. |
16.9 cu.ft. |
15.1 cu.ft. |
When compared to the other rivals, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Sedan has the least cargo volume of 15 cubic feet, only a point less than the i3, which is ironic as Tesla has the longest wheelbase of the bunch. The Kia Niro EV enjoys the most spacious trunk volume with 18.5 cu.ft. The Chevrolet Bolt EV holds the second position.
The other features it comes equipped with are:
Fancy an uber-luxury Tesla
Is the Model X the best SUV you can buy?
Unmistakably Tesla, the Model 3 packs the name Tesla in every which way possible. It is an attractive prospect for anyone looking for a compact luxury car. The LED DRL and the Tesla logo make you realize that the Model 3 is a Tesla from far behind. Tesla always manages to make its cars look futuristic, all the while still adding a bit of conventional side to it. The Model 3 carries heavily from Model Y Sedan and it is pretty evident from all angles. The car rides lower than the Model Y, which in hindsight was already pretty low.
Models |
Tesla Model 3 Sedan long Range |
Kia Niro EV* |
Chevrolet Bolt EV |
BMW i3* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3554 lbs |
3854 lbs |
3563 lbs |
2965 lbs |
Length |
184.8" |
172.2" |
164.0" |
158.3" |
Width |
72.8" |
71.1" |
69.5" |
69.9" |
Height |
56.8" |
61.8" |
62.8" |
62.9" |
Ground Clearance |
5.5" |
6.3" |
N/A |
5.2" |
Wheelbase |
113.2" |
106.3" |
102.4" |
101.2" |
The BMW i3 falls short with the outright space in the cabin and that’s down to it having the shortest wheelbase in the segment. Although this helps the i3 to have an upper hand by being the lightest among its competitors. Tesla holds the second position in terms of curb weight and therefore it accounts for better driving dynamics, all the while casting the longest shadow.
Tesla takes its safety prowess quite seriously. Safety was and always will be an integral part of an overall Tesla design. Model 3 is no different. The Government-owned safety organization NHTSA and the non-profit IIHS have both tested the previous versions of the Tesla Model 3 and deemed it to be very safe, with the car receiving perfect scores every time. So we would expect the 2020 Model 3 to carry forward the legacy. Besides that Tesla packs a slew of both active and passive safety features to keep you safe no matter what the cost or conditions.
Tesla Model 3 has the most sumptuous yet minimalistic interior
How does it fare in the safety tests conducted by IIHS?
The Chevrolet Bolt might not be the fastest or have the better engine out there, but then once you take Tesla out of the race, the Bolt seems to be the jack of all trades as it is the most powerful compact electric hatch here and can go the farthest on a single charge. Tesla, on the other hand, is much better and well put together package. It feels more premium and has a much more communicative chassis. The Chevy’s ride feels much less plushier than that of Tesla. With all that being said, the price gap is a lot for Tesla to win the battle completely.
When it comes to making luxury vehicles, BMW certainly knows its art. The 2020 BMW i3 has been one of the pioneers of the segment by being a luxury electric hatchback that has withstood many tests of time. When compared to the Tesla Model 3 Sedan, the BMW has a less powerful engine, slow acceleration, and braking, and thus it needs a lot of tweaking to even put up a fight with the Tesla.
Model 3 is Tesla’s answer to the compact luxury EV segment. Although it is a bit overpriced on paper, then you get a slew of driver-centric features and creature comforts for that price. And in addition, you get the Tesla Autopilot system, Nuff said!
So, if electric mobility has piqued your interest, and you want a car that is future proof the Model 3 makes a very strong case for itself.