The Model 3 will only sport a single 15-inch display screen (rather than the S's dual digital displays) and offer a far more streamlined customization process with fewer than 100 options for customers to choose from. The Model S, for comparison, boasts more than 1,500 customization schemes.
It's designed to unlock as you walk up to it, using a low-power bluetooth connection to your phone to recognize you. There’s also a card, like a hotel room key, to hand to the valet—no conventional key.
The inside is much improved over the S in terms of usability. I know they're dull, but there are things like door pockets. And twin charging points for driver and passenger phones which is a nice touch.
Which future options will be made available to order, and when?
We are planning to introduce the following options in the coming months:
Fall 2017: White interior option, standard configuration (non-Premium Upgrades)
November 2017: Standard Battery, $35,000 car
Spring 2018: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Additional options will become available over time.
OPTIONS
Long Range Battery - $9,000
Paint
- Range: 310 miles
- Supercharging rate: 170 miles of range per 30 minutes
- Home charging rate: 37 miles of range per hour (240V outlet, 40A)
- 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- Top speed: 140 mph
- Deliveries begin: July 2017
Wheels
- Solid Black: Standard
- Midnight Silver Metallic: $1,000
- Deep Blue Metallic: $1,000
- Silver Metallic: $1,000
- Pearl White Multi-Coat: $1,000
- Red Multi-Coat: $1,000
Premium Upgrades Package - $5,000
- 18” Aero: Standard
- 19” Sport: $1,500
Upgraded interior with additional features and premium materials.
Enhanced Autopilot - $5,000
- Premium heated seating and cabin materials throughout, including open pore wood décor and two rear USBs
- 12-way, power adjustable front seats, steering column and side mirrors, with custom driver profiles
- Premium audio system with more power, tweeters, surround speakers and subwoofer
- Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
- Auto dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors
- LED fog lamps
- Center console with covered storage and docking for two smartphones
Model 3 will match speed to traffic conditions, keep within a lane, automatically change lanes, transition from one freeway to another, exit the freeway and self-park at your destination.
Additional features will roll out over time through software updates.
Full Self-Driving Capability - $3,000 (requires Enhanced Autopilot)
In the future, Model 3 will be capable of conducting trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.
This feature is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval, which may vary by jurisdiction.
Another test drive review:
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/tesla/model-3/2018/exclusive-tesla-model-3-first-drive-review/
Video from the article too
Model 3 is so unexpected scalpel-like, I’m sputtering for adjectives. The steering ratio is quick, the effort is light (for me), but there’s enough light tremble against your fingers to hear the cornering negotiations between Stunt Road and these 235/40R19 tires (Continental ProContact RX m+s’s). And to mention body roll is to have already said too much about it. Sure, that battery is low, way down under the floor. But unlike the aluminum Model S, the Tesla Model 3 is composed of steel, too, and this car’s glass ceiling can’t be helping the center of gravity’s height. Nearly-nil body roll? Magic, I’m telling you. Magic.
...
...penciled me into a 2.0-liter Alfa Romeo Giulia to get here, and it feels like a wet sponge by comparison.
Curious ... batteries perform poorly in cold weather. Is it really wise to have a heated seats option? Imagine, you are in your Model 3 and it is cold. Must get to work (or anywhere else). You know your batteries will perform poorly because of the cold so why not task the battery package further by heating your butt. Seems like a smart move, no?
Curious ... batteries perform poorly in cold weather. Is it really wise to have a heated seats option? Imagine, you are in your Model 3 and it is cold. Must get to work (or anywhere else). You know your batteries will perform poorly because of the cold so why not task the battery package further by heating your butt. Seems like a smart move, no?
As an i3 driver the sealed frunk that fits something the size of a carry on piece of luggage is almost a dream come true.
Curious ... batteries perform poorly in cold weather. Is it really wise to have a heated seats option? Imagine, you are in your Model 3 and it is cold. Must get to work (or anywhere else). You know your batteries will perform poorly because of the cold so why not task the battery package further by heating your butt. Seems like a smart move, no?
I'm amazed at how much stuff you can fit in the back of an i3. My buddy is a photography & fits loads of equipment in it.
15 cubic feet of storage? Barely bigger than my MR2! Trunk looks useless for lots of stuff. Too bad Tesla guys hate hatchbacks. It's funny to see a car so big that has such a tiny trunk.
The biggest MR-2 (2nd generation) had a cargo volume of 6.6 cubic feet.
The Tesla has more than double, and you can fold the rear seat flat, and throw a bicycle, or big screen TV in the trunk then.
Hmm I googled my aw11 last night and it said 11 cubic feet. Maybe the site I found was wrong.
Since the driver took over, we just don’t know whether autopilot would have failed to pull the exact same evasive maneuver.On a tangent, looks like Autopilot didn't quite work this time:
http://jalopnik.com/moist-warm-human-brain-saves-teslas-ass-when-autopilot-1797303641
steering wheel controls, some sort of display behind the steering wheel, air vents...