I watched a comparison video between a guy's Model S and a Bolt that he borrowed from someone. One thing of note was that general build quality seems to noticably lag on the Model S and I am bearish on Tesla's ability to completely fix that for a car that is supposed to sell for a fraction of the price. In other words, wait and see.
All I'm saying is that to be completely behind the Model 3 is kind of like the same argument someone would make about a lower end 3-series, and why would someone ever buy a Camry XLE since they are the same price. It turns out, there are lots of reasons, as most people aren't driving enthusiasts.
For us, the main two things to note are probably general reliability as well as depreciation. That said, I don't even consider the Model 3 in my sights as an enthusiast buy - I think we are a few vehicle generations away from this being superior to an ICE car I can buy used (pick a price point).
M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
I'd have to see it in person but based on pictures, this comes off as kind of a rough, concept-car-level approximation of a car interior.
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Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
http://www.motortrend.com/news/tesla-mo ... 3AE48487A2
With the base version of the Model 3 not really being available until 2018 or 2019 I am curious about sales. Also, the Model 3 apparently has 35 more hp and the base model weighs the same, so it should do a few ticks better for trap speed. For normal driving, they are closer than people think. The RWD Model 3 has an undoubtedly superior launch. If you want something sporting, I think there is no doubt the Model 3 would satisfy. But an available Bolt now at prices the Model 3 is not available at, combined with the fact that it is very well packaged and still drives really well, plus the FWD for snow belt buyers, mean that I would still expect the Bolt to sell pretty strongly. We'll see.
With the base version of the Model 3 not really being available until 2018 or 2019 I am curious about sales. Also, the Model 3 apparently has 35 more hp and the base model weighs the same, so it should do a few ticks better for trap speed. For normal driving, they are closer than people think. The RWD Model 3 has an undoubtedly superior launch. If you want something sporting, I think there is no doubt the Model 3 would satisfy. But an available Bolt now at prices the Model 3 is not available at, combined with the fact that it is very well packaged and still drives really well, plus the FWD for snow belt buyers, mean that I would still expect the Bolt to sell pretty strongly. We'll see.
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
Full instrumented test:
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/tesla/mo ... C148F7D84E
Ran 13.4 @ 105, which is about what I would expect I guess.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/tesla/mo ... C148F7D84E
Ran 13.4 @ 105, which is about what I would expect I guess.
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
That's in the ballpark of my CTS-V. I can't be too amazed by this as I paid $15,400 for my car over 7 years ago. But that is a V and this is a regular 3-series competitor.
But I still stand behind this:
But I still stand behind this:
That said, I don't even consider the Model 3 in my sights as an enthusiast buy - I think we are a few vehicle generations away from this being superior to an ICE car I can buy used (pick a price point).
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
So this was $45k base and $57k as tested. Then subtract tax incentives which in CA is $10k. I think the base has a 50 kWh battery. So I think performance will drop.
Anyway, I couldn't help but notice they graphed specs compared to a BMW 330i. As I mentioned, that is the market segment for this car. The segment is known for base prices that seem tempting, a boat load of extras that most people will want some of, and favorable lease rates to look more wealthy than you are.
Anyway, I couldn't help but notice they graphed specs compared to a BMW 330i. As I mentioned, that is the market segment for this car. The segment is known for base prices that seem tempting, a boat load of extras that most people will want some of, and favorable lease rates to look more wealthy than you are.
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
So you are saying that this is basically my Mazda3, with 2005 CTS-V performance, and an enthusiast wouldn't care about this? At the minimum, it will attract people looking for a daily driver electric car. That is way way better than just about any 4 cyl commuter appliance (Yes it costs more).
I agree 45K is a little high, but this isn't just some slow ugly electric car. It looks decent, dash is weak, but seats seem ok, and exterior styling is way above average for electric cars. If you are someone that is adamant about having an electric car, to me this is the only one I would actually want to own (Aside from the way more expensive Teslas).
I agree 45K is a little high, but this isn't just some slow ugly electric car. It looks decent, dash is weak, but seats seem ok, and exterior styling is way above average for electric cars. If you are someone that is adamant about having an electric car, to me this is the only one I would actually want to own (Aside from the way more expensive Teslas).
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
How in the world is it basically your Mazda 3? Because it has 3 in the name?
This is in the entry level luxury segment.
And for equivalent money the SS is a better performance car, and also bigger inside, and not really any heavier. The entry level luxury segment has never, ever been the go-to for performance value. And I don't think this car changes anything.
This is in the entry level luxury segment.
And for equivalent money the SS is a better performance car, and also bigger inside, and not really any heavier. The entry level luxury segment has never, ever been the go-to for performance value. And I don't think this car changes anything.
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
I wouldn't call the interior of the Model3 Luxury. It is the basic form factor - size, shape (sure maybe this is a little bigger than the Mazda) of the Mazda with an electric drive train. That is how I see it. What about this is luxury besides the price?
Re: M/T first drive of Tesla Model 3
Ok I'll turn it around: What's in a 3-series that isn't available in some Mazda 3 trim?
I think it's hilarious that you are taking ownership of the car in terms of "it's basically my car but with really good performance."
It's no more like your car than a 3-series is basically a Camry XLE with rear drive. Which is not at all.
The Model 3 is no more the everyman performance vehicle than the Kia Stinger is. These guys are all going after the BMW 3-series class which is "premium" and priced higher than the Dodge Charger class. You want the Model 3 to be the affordable family muscle car. It's not. And we already have that. If you want a Dodge...
I think it's hilarious that you are taking ownership of the car in terms of "it's basically my car but with really good performance."
It's no more like your car than a 3-series is basically a Camry XLE with rear drive. Which is not at all.
The Model 3 is no more the everyman performance vehicle than the Kia Stinger is. These guys are all going after the BMW 3-series class which is "premium" and priced higher than the Dodge Charger class. You want the Model 3 to be the affordable family muscle car. It's not. And we already have that. If you want a Dodge...