The more affordable options in the electric-vehicle marketplace is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 that gains the name recognition. This borrows the styling cues from the Model X SUV and Model S sedan companies. It has its own way of the unique interior design with the all-glass roof.
The Model 3’s chassis is playful with quick acceleration. The performance model receives a sportier suspension and a track driving mode. The EV buyers are interested to drive that range with handling or speediness and the Model 3 delivers there. Base model has 263 miles of driving range based on the EPA, and the expensive Long Range model goes up to 353 per charge
Tela gives the entry-level Model 3 sedan a host of enhancements for 2021, that includes exterior styling elements that swapped bright chrome for satin black trim. Three new wheel designs are giving the rolling stock a fresh look along with the trunk lid power-operated.
The appearance upgrades inside the car’s metallic door-sill protectors inherit the black satin trim to match the exterior. Model 3’s centre console is redesigned to accommodate two wireless smartphone charging pads, the sun visors use the magnet to hold them in place.
Seat-adjustment controls and the steering-wheel-mounted infotainment scroll wheel has new finishes, the former of graphite coloured paint and the latter in metal. The important one is the Model 3’s improved driving range. The base standard range plus model has a driving range of 263 miles per charge, up from 250, the long-range model has a 353- mile range, 31 miles more than the 2020 model.
The standard range plus model starts under $40,000 that is the best value. This has 263 miles of estimated driving range that’s enough for most people. It comes standard with navigation and heated front seats. The car usage has more long-distance drives with frequent commutes. The long-range model and the 353-mile range worth the upgrade.
Model 3 gains the speed more smoothly and silently with the electric motor that provides strong power from a stop. It’s extremely fast and has some trims. The Rear-wheel-drive long-range model was tested with printed from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
The model 3 performance goes to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, that is 0.5 seconds faster than our long-term model long-range. The Model 3 carries its battery under the floor that results in a low centre of gravity. This changes the direction crisply, stable in corners and feels planted.
Steering is well-weighted and accurate with three different settings that adjust the level of steering effort. The ride serves firm without being harsh, without the noise of the gas-powered engine. But you can hear plenty of noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack over pavement imperfections.
There are three distinct Model 3 trims offered, each with the different estimated driving range. The most affordable one is the standard range plus model with the claimed range of 263 miles.
Upgrade of Long-range or performance models can increase the Model 3’s estimated range to 315 miles for performance and an impressive 353 for the Long-range. This distance is not easy to achieve, as found in our long-term long-range model 3 test vehicle.
Model 3 offers various options for charging: The Tesla’s network of fast-charging stations known as Superchargers, 240- and 120- volt outlets, adapters for DC public-charging stations and a he-charging station.
There are various versions of Model 3 rated between 113 MPGe and 141 MPGe by the EPA. The test vehicle managed only 84 MPGe on the 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. The model 3 comes with standard aluminium wheels covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps.
The Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other car of the market today. It is simple inside, with everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. The Tesla’s low flat floor makes airy feel inside and spacious.
The rear seats are cramped and uncomfortable, while the front seats are comfortable and supportive. To fold the 60/ 49 split-folding rear seats is simple as it expands the trunk considerably.
An uninterrupted cargo floor occurs in the Model 3’s seatbacks fold flat for hauling the larger items. The rear seats are folded to provide enough room for the Model 3 to 15 carry-on suitcases. Generously sized cubbies and bins throughout the cabin.
Bluetooth, navigation and USB connectivity are standard. The Model 3 is not available with AM radio or Sirius XM satellite radio. Many internet-streaming radio options are standard. It can’t be equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Making the charging-station layovers more bearable with the Model 3 that offers plenty of entertainment options on its central display, including YouTube, Netflix and a host of arcade games.
Model 3 is crash-tested with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and has received a five-star score. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named this as the Top Safety Pick+.
The driver-assist system has the best feature sets of the industry, with smooth operation and impressive capabilities like automatic lane changes. The key safety features include the standard lane-departure warning, standard automated emergency banking and standard adaptive cruise control.
The Tesla’s warranty coverage is the longest in the EV segment, the coverage doesn’t include corrosion protection. The long-range model has an additional 20,000 miles on the coverage period of its drive components and battery. There is no complimentary for scheduled maintenance, has the limited warranty that covers 4 years or 50,000 miles and powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles.
