The electric vehicle arena, both in market and innovation, has really opened up to new players and new perspectives. But, we never forget the first, do we? Tesla’s latest Model 3 launch certainly ups the ante with its understated style and consummate functionality.
It has also made it to the ‘Car and Driver 2022’ Editor’s Choice List, so our interest is officially piqued. The question has to be asked – does the EV buck stop at the 2022 iteration of the Tesla 3?
Design
The Exterior
- The Tesla 3, in keeping with its minimalism, refrains from flash in the exteriors and goes for strength instead.
- The frame is built for safety – rigid structure, impact protection in the bonnet, and the low floor guarantees low rollover risk.
- The car sports a tinted glass roof, a pert rear, slick LED detailing at the front and rear of the vehicle with 18-inch Aero wheels that can be upgraded to 19-inch Sport wheels.
- The standard color choice is a pristine pearl white, but you can also opt for metallic silver at no extra cost. For a price, you can snazz up your Tesla with bright red, solid black, or metallic blue.
Cabin style and interiors
- Tesla 3 stays true to itself with a chic interior design. Most of the features are controlled by the touchscreen in the dashboard, allowing for easy access for the driver.
- Its low floor heightens the feeling of spaciousness in the vehicle.
- The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear seats don’t match up and can feel cramped for adults.
- You can fold all the seats flat, creating an uninterrupted cargo floor for hauling large items. There’s actually enough room for 15 carry-on suitcases.
Tech and Infotainment
- The infotainment is kind of puzzling because despite its sophistication, the car does not come with AM radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also does not sport Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
- Navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity are available in Tesla 3.
- Entertainment options are aplenty with Netflix, YouTube, and a host of arcade games to make the charging-station layover time pass without frustration.
- On the chargers – The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an 11.5-kW charger and a 75-kWh battery pack, which would take around 6.5 hours to charge fully using a Level 2 charger.
- The Tesla Supercharger charges at 250 kW, lowering the charging time to approximately 15 to 25 minutes.
Efficiency and Mechanics
- The Tesla characteristically holds the battery under the floor, which yields a low center of gravity and cuts chances of a rollover in an accident. Additionally, steering is a lot easier and the car stays stable as it swerves on sharp turns.
- Electric Vehicle is one half of the equation – the complementary parts are charging stations available conveniently across your region, much like fuel bunks for the humble petrol or diesel-powered car.
- The Model 3 has several charging options, including Tesla’s Supercharger network, adapters for DC public-charging stations, 240- and 120-volt outlets, and a home-charging station.
- The UAE has 629 connectors across 277 locations, so you know your Tesla will not run out of juice when you’re gunning your EV with no clear destination for the joy of driving.
Engine and Performance
- The performance varies considerably across the three trims of Tesla 3. The most affordable base trim that will afford a stunning Tesla parked in your driveway without breaking your bank offers a range of 272 miles. The middle tier, Long Range trim offers the most impressive range of 358 miles.
- This EV’s strong, silent engine gains speed smoothly, with the Long Range model going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and the higher trim spanning the same speed in just 3.5 seconds.
Safety
- The Tesla 3, being the cheapest of all vehicular offerings, has some amenities cut down, but Autopilot is not one of them. It comes with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. For the complete Self-Driving package, you need to pay a steep price.
- Other safety features include standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Fuel Economy
- Is it evolution if we’re not learning something new? Tesla’s economy is not measured in kmph or mpg but in MPGe, meaning miles per gallon equivalent. MPGe indicates the distance a car can travel on 33.7kWh of electricity. So, if a vehicle can travel 60 miles on 33.7kWh of electricity, its MPGe is 60.
- The Tesla, of course, fares superiorly, for the various versions of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 141 MPGe by the EPA.
Near Misses
- The puzzling lack of infotainment certainly weakens Tesla compared to its counterparts.
- Another issue is buying a Tesla if charging stations are not ubiquitous in your region, but that should improve with the increased adoption of EVs in the future.
Nemesis
- The Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out for its sporty performance and practical cargo area, while the all-new BMW i4 is a true luxury sport sedan that also happens to be an EV.
X-Factor
- The most striking feature of the Tesla 3 is how it subverts expectations. Instead of glamor, it goes for sturdy exteriors, clean-cut interiors, and superior functionality to offer the everyman a chance to own a Tesla and do their bit for the environment while gaining some bragging rights for owning this coveted brand.
Price Point
- Rear wheel drive – AED 184,990
- Long range – AED 215,990
- Performance – AED 235,990
When Does It Launch?
- Ordering this vehicle now in UAE guarantees that you can call this EV delight your own by January to March 2023.