The electric car that really did electrify the world when it was unveiled – generating 325,000 orders in a week – is coming to West Sussex. This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will mark the European debut of the much-anticipated Tesla Model 3.
Nine things to know about the Tesla Model 3
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The Model 3 is Tesla’s ticket into the automotive big-time, its smallest and most affordable model to be rolled out across the world in huge numbers. With the Model 3, the hi-tech Californian “disruptor” firm wants to do to the compact saloon market what it’s already achieved in luxury sedans (with the Model S) and SUVs (with the Model X).
And FoS this year will be the first time anyone in Europe has been able to see it in the metal, ahead of local sales which are tipped to begin in 2019. If reaction to the car’s launch in the US is any guide, expect Tesla’s FoS stand to be mobbed by inquisitive enthusiasts keen to see what all the fuss is about. The Model 3 will be on show all four days of FoS, alongside its Model S and X bigger brothers.
What’s so special about the battery-powered Model 3? Here are nine things you should know…
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It’s brisk and it’s got range. 0-60mph takes 5.6 seconds, top speed is 130mph and estimated range is up to 220 miles.
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Optional long-range batteries boost performance and range: 0-60 in 5.1secs, 140mph and 310 miles on a ”tankful”.
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In the US it costs from $35,000, well under half the price the other Teslas cost.
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It’s been acclaimed by road testers as having the roomiest, airiest five-seat cabin in the class despite being only 4.7m long (same as a BMW 3-Series).
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Thanks in part to eight cameras, forward radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors the car can drive itself – as much as data and the law allows anyway – with the $8,000 extra AutoPilot system.
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That touch screen in the centre of the dash measures a whopping 15 inches – and controls virtually everything apart from steering, braking and accelerating.
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Using one of Tesla’s “Superchargers” the car can get a 130-mile electric top-up in 30 minutes. Using a home socket, charging-up takes an hour for every 30 miles.
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The Model 3 in the US comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty with an eight-year, 100,000 guarantee on the battery.
- You can see it making its European debut at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard.
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