Yahoo Autos How We'd Spec It: The Best-Value Tesla Model 3 Is Not the $35,000 One
Tesla has finally fulfilled its promise for a $35,000 version of its Model 3 electric car-sort of. But although this long-awaited cheapo Model 3 is the one getting all the attention right now, we're not so sure that this Standard Range car is the Model 3 we would choose. The expanded lineup now offers much more choice than before, and it seems to us that-however paradoxical it may sound-there's better value to be had if you're willing to shell out a bit more cash.
Not only does the Standard Range Model 3 have a stripped-down interior with far less equipment than its more expensive siblings, its estimated range of 220 miles on a charge is hardly competitive among similarly priced EVs. The Hyundai Kona Electric offers an EPA-estimated 258 miles of range, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV promises 238 miles, and each of those cars offers more standard equipment for a starting price of $37,495-just $1295 more than the base Tesla. We looked elsewhere in the Model 3 lineup and found a better compromise.
MODEL WE'D PICK:
Model 3 Mid Range (base price: $41,200)
The Model 3 Mid Range, a new addition to the lineup as of October 2018, is the one that caught our eye. For a starting price of $41,200 (don't believe the Tesla website, which quotes it at $31,950 due to the company's confusing pricing structure) it has an estimated driving range of 264 miles. That sounds like plenty to us, and it also comes standard with rear-wheel drive, making it lighter and more efficient than the optional all-wheel-drive models that have an extra electric motor up front, adding weight and complexity.
The Mid Range car also comes standard with the so-called Premium interior that includes features such as heated power front seats trimmed in leatherette upholstery, a better audio system, and navigation functionality for the huge central touchscreen-all worthy upgrades.
OPTIONS WE'D CHOOSE:
19-inch Sport wheels ($1500)
Autopilot ($3000)
Tesla charges extra for any color that isn't black, and given the questionable paint quality we've seen on various Model 3s, we wouldn't shell out between $1500 and $2500 for any of the four other hues (gray, blue, white, and red). The 19-inch wheels are worth $1500 in our mind, however, as the base 18-inch wheel and tire setup with Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires we tested achieved unimpressive skidpad grip of 0.84 g and a braking distance of 176 feet from 70 mph. While we haven't tested a Model 3 with the 19-inch option, we suspect that its Continental ProContact tires would perform better.
The option for Autopilot is a fairly easy box to check, despite its steep $3000 cost, as a Model 3 without these driver-assist features just seems out of sync with the times. The $5000 "Full Self-Driving Capability" package is skippable, as it's unclear how many of its functions actually pass muster in terms of regulations, which vary state by state.
Our Model 3 adds up to $45,700. While that strays considerably from the base price that probably caught your eye in the first place, we think this better-equipped and longer-range Model 3 is a better representation of the electric-vehicle leadership that Tesla aspires to.
[gallery id='6a946c76-9e92-40a7-9d0b-e17a546fdd45' mediaId='' display='list' align='center' size='medium' share='true' expand='' captions='true' suppress-title='false'][/gallery]
('You Might Also Like',)
