Tesla delivered the first 30 production units of the Model 3 to customers (mostly Tesla insiders) at an event on Friday night. CEO Elon Musk revealed the basic specs about the vehicle, but didn't offer much else in terms of new information. Over the weekend, though, a number of reports have given a better glimpse into what the Model 3 is actually like to drive, as customers let a few people get behind the wheel of their new cars (mostly higher-spec cars than the base Model 3, of course). Here's what those drivers have to say.
Wired emphasizes the design and build quality of the Model 3. The author notes the attention to detail in the minimalist interior, as well as the giggle-inducing (if not ludicrous) acceleration. Wired goes on to describe the car as feeling "solidly built, rattle-free, and there's no noticeable whine from the motor. All you hear is wind and tire noise."
The Verge begins its review by saying "I felt like I was driving an Eames chair," and again emphasizing the clean, minimalist interior. A bonus for those who will actually use the rear seat, the author notes ample rear leg room and space for a car seat. The driver says of the few right turns she made, "Cornering was decent, and when I turned the wheel, I saw no sign of understeer."
Roadshow appreciates the low position and comfort of the power-adjustable premium seats. The mouse-like thumbwheels in the steering wheel are intuitive to use, and control a number of things in conjunction with the touchscreen menus (such as adjusting the steering wheel or side mirrors). Flat cornering and decent acceleration make the Model 3 feels nimble and composed. The lack of a traditional instrument panel helped the driver feel less distracted, but the author thinks that Tesla ought to offer a HUD for those who have trouble with it.
Electrek says the Model 3 still feels like a Tesla despite its lower price point, looking and driving like a smaller Model S. On the outside, its glass roof stands out in person, but the 15-inch touchscreen dominates the interior. It offers "sharp" handling, especially in sport steering mode, and has a solid feel, though the regenerative braking is weaker than the author anticipated. Furthermore, the author notes that Tesla was still calibrating its autopilot sensors when he drove it, so he couldn't use that feature. Those of you who say these first 30 customer vehicles are basically still testers might be onto something.
Motor Trend compares the firm ride to that of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Quick steering and extremely minimal body roll help provide "scalpel-like" precision in the handling. The interior is "light and airy," and the lack of an instrument cluster in front of the driver is easy to get used to, especially since the speedometer isn't partially hidden behind the steering wheel spokes. The author also digs the function-assignable thumbwheels on the steering wheel, as well as the large opening to the rear cargo area.
USA Today notes quick acceleration from the instant torque of the electric motor, and "direct and measured" feedback from the thick steering wheel. Front and rear – and upward – visibility is plentiful. Fit and finish are excellent. This review gets into the workings of the single, long air vent in the dash which you control using the touchscreen, by swiping on the parts of the car where you want more heat or air conditioning.
Top Gear notes minimal road noise and good steering. Unlike the above reviews, Top Gear also got to test out Autopilot in the Model 3. Without going into detail, the author puts his trust in the system and praises the system's processing power and overall capability, saying "if we're honest it's clearly concentrating a lot harder than most of us after a hard day at the office."
Bloomberg offers a little more detail about the Autopilot experience: "The road lanes were poorly marked, but the car had no problem smoothly tracking its course and slowing when traffic demanded it." The author states that Autopilot has improved greatly since the versions following Tesla's split with Mobileye. It needs to improve more to justify the price of the still limited "Full Self-Driving Capability" option.
Finally, race driver, environmental activist, and Tesla Model S owner Leilani Münter offered her own brief opinion of the Model 3 on Twitter after a short drive at Friday's event:
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Wired emphasizes the design and build quality of the Model 3. The author notes the attention to detail in the minimalist interior, as well as the giggle-inducing (if not ludicrous) acceleration. Wired goes on to describe the car as feeling "solidly built, rattle-free, and there's no noticeable whine from the motor. All you hear is wind and tire noise."
The Verge begins its review by saying "I felt like I was driving an Eames chair," and again emphasizing the clean, minimalist interior. A bonus for those who will actually use the rear seat, the author notes ample rear leg room and space for a car seat. The driver says of the few right turns she made, "Cornering was decent, and when I turned the wheel, I saw no sign of understeer."
Roadshow appreciates the low position and comfort of the power-adjustable premium seats. The mouse-like thumbwheels in the steering wheel are intuitive to use, and control a number of things in conjunction with the touchscreen menus (such as adjusting the steering wheel or side mirrors). Flat cornering and decent acceleration make the Model 3 feels nimble and composed. The lack of a traditional instrument panel helped the driver feel less distracted, but the author thinks that Tesla ought to offer a HUD for those who have trouble with it.
Electrek says the Model 3 still feels like a Tesla despite its lower price point, looking and driving like a smaller Model S. On the outside, its glass roof stands out in person, but the 15-inch touchscreen dominates the interior. It offers "sharp" handling, especially in sport steering mode, and has a solid feel, though the regenerative braking is weaker than the author anticipated. Furthermore, the author notes that Tesla was still calibrating its autopilot sensors when he drove it, so he couldn't use that feature. Those of you who say these first 30 customer vehicles are basically still testers might be onto something.
Motor Trend compares the firm ride to that of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Quick steering and extremely minimal body roll help provide "scalpel-like" precision in the handling. The interior is "light and airy," and the lack of an instrument cluster in front of the driver is easy to get used to, especially since the speedometer isn't partially hidden behind the steering wheel spokes. The author also digs the function-assignable thumbwheels on the steering wheel, as well as the large opening to the rear cargo area.
USA Today notes quick acceleration from the instant torque of the electric motor, and "direct and measured" feedback from the thick steering wheel. Front and rear – and upward – visibility is plentiful. Fit and finish are excellent. This review gets into the workings of the single, long air vent in the dash which you control using the touchscreen, by swiping on the parts of the car where you want more heat or air conditioning.
Top Gear notes minimal road noise and good steering. Unlike the above reviews, Top Gear also got to test out Autopilot in the Model 3. Without going into detail, the author puts his trust in the system and praises the system's processing power and overall capability, saying "if we're honest it's clearly concentrating a lot harder than most of us after a hard day at the office."
Bloomberg offers a little more detail about the Autopilot experience: "The road lanes were poorly marked, but the car had no problem smoothly tracking its course and slowing when traffic demanded it." The author states that Autopilot has improved greatly since the versions following Tesla's split with Mobileye. It needs to improve more to justify the price of the still limited "Full Self-Driving Capability" option.
Finally, race driver, environmental activist, and Tesla Model S owner Leilani Münter offered her own brief opinion of the Model 3 on Twitter after a short drive at Friday's event:
I drove the #Model3, it was FABULOUS, this car is a game changer. Congrats to everyone at @TeslaMotors thank you for electrifying our world! pic.twitter.com/QNobkhUdQo
— Leilani Münter (@LeilaniMunter) July 29, 2017
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