Tesla Model 3 Released, Affordable to the Mass Markets

Tesla has four main objectives with the Model 3, an all-new fully electric car similar in design to the Model S that's set to take on more conventional rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and recently redesigned Audi A4. Those are:

1. Real World Range
2. Performance
3. Safety
4. Spaciousness

One advantage that Tesla has over all other competitors is the battery range. Even the worst Model S can travel up to 260 miles between charges, with the best achieving 340 miles. The heavier Model X is a similar story with 220-257 miles.

Tesla claims that the Model 3 will have a real world range of 215 miles and boast a 0-60 mph time of less than 6 seconds. However, as truthful as this is, what they haven't mentioned is that there are bound to be versions with more power, range and performance, just like the other Models. 

American tests have resulted in a 5-star safety rating for the Model 3, and it's likely that top marks will be awarded this side of the pond too, especially considering that its older brother, the Model S, achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2014.

Elon Musk proudly mentions that there's room for 5 adults in the Model 3, however some skeptics may think it's a bit of a bold claim. It is, however, quite a realistic thought! The rear windscreen flows into the roof and as far as the B-pillars meaning that headroom is very generous, and with the front seats moved closer to the front axle than in the Model S, the Model 3's rear legroom is also particularly good.

Where the American auto maker tried to make the Model S and Model X look somewhat like conventional cars, the Model 3 breaks away from this trend. Despite boasting 2 boots (front and rear) like its siblings, it doesn't have a grille, or even something that remotely looks like a grille. This makes the car look somewhat unfinished from the front.

The theme of breaking away continues inside, too. Instead of the huge 17-inch portrait touchscreen, Tesla has opted to fit the Model 3 with a more modest landscape touchscreen to keep costs down. 

Deliveries of the Model X are only just starting, with more expected to arrive later this year. That means the Model 3 will not be on our roads until the end of 2017. That hasn't put off Tesla's loyal customers though, as hours before the car was even launched people were queueing up with their $1,000 (£700) refundable deposits. At the beginning of the launch, no less than 115,000 orders had been taken, with the total rising to some 135,000 2 hours after it had finished.

The Model 3 can be seen as the third step that Musk has taken in electric transport. First he wowed us with the Roadster, essentially an electrified Lotus Elise. Its 244-miles range was provided by a 53 kWh battery pack, however it was a short-lived car. Its price of $109,000 in the USA and £87,000 in the UK didn't attract too many customers either. But that's ok, Tesla had entered the market with a car that had truly convinced many a petrol-head.

Step 2 was a dual-entry, the Model S and Model X, the latter being heavily based on the former. This brought Tesla into the luxury end of the market with both starting at around the £55-65k mark. That's BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé money.

Lastly, step 3, is the Model 3. A mass-market fully-electric car with a great range, bigger appeal, and attractive starting prices.