Tesla rivals mainstream sedans with Model 3
Model S, Model X and soon the Model 3; A planned reveal for Tesla’s BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Opel Ampera-e competitor could be as early as 31st March at an intimate event in Los Angeles. Elon Musk tweeted that online orders in the US would start from 1 April, and Tesla stores will be taking orders from 31 March. Production will start early in 2017.
So what do we know about the Model 3 other than that it will ape the dimensions of those competitors mentioned above? Still a pre-production model for now, Tesla has suggested that the Model 3 will come in at a similar price point which would also mean that this is the least costly model in the Tesla range – some suggestions that it could cost nearly half the price of the SUV Model X.
This keen pricing is the result of more conventional doors than the Model X’s gullwings and streamlined battery production from the firm’s futuristic gigafactory in Nevada, which will begin operation later this year.
Competing in a segment still dominated by fossil fuels or hybrid technology, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 will have an approximate range of 400 kilometres and thanks to instant power delivery will set new benchmarks in straight line acceleration.
Musk also hinted at a staggered unveiling for the Model 3 similar to that which we saw for the Model X SUV. “The first pictures of the Model 3 will be end of March” Musk said. “I am being a little coy here, we are not gonna show everything about the Model 3 until a lot closer to production time.”
