2017 Tesla Model 3 Review: Design, Driving and Specs
After the success of Model Y, Tesla continued to launch a new car model - Tesla Model 3. This is a low-cost sedan version, designed based on the chassis of Model S. 2017 Tesla Model 3 is the first version officially opened for sale. So, what's new in the 2017 Model 3? Let's find out!
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2017 Tesla Model 3 Overview
With the tremendous appeal of the Model S, Tesla has planned to produce a new car model, a car model based on what the Model S has. And then the Model 3 was born. The Tesla Model 3 has almost all the features of the Model S, but at a much cheaper price. Perhaps that is why the Model 3 has made an impact in the electric vehicle industry.
2017 Tesla Model 3 is Tesla's second sedan. Inheriting the design from the Model S, this low-cost sedan offers an experience quite similar to the high-end version, but with some features omitted. 2017 Tesla Model 3 was born with the expectation of becoming the most popular electric car in the world.
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2017 Tesla Model 3 Exterior
Model 3 is simplified in both exterior and interior to ensure a good price for buyers to easily access.
Exterior Design
The car is equipped with a set of 18-inch 5-spoke wheels with a plastic exterior to help increase the fashion of the car.
Model 3 is equipped with an Omnidirectional camera and LED rear lights. The door handle is made from metal, hidden inside the door. Model 3 has dimensions of 4,694 mm x 1,894 mm.
To protect the glossy exterior paint, or to keep your car looking like new, we recommend: 2017 Tesla Model 3 Car Covers
Exterior Color Options
- Solid Black
- Midnight Silver Metallic
- Deep Blue Metallic
- Silver Metallic
- Pearl White Multi-Coat
- Red Multi-Coat
2017 Tesla Model 3 Interior Design
Interior Design
The interior of the Model 3 is similar to other Tesla models. Only has a 3-spoke steering wheel and a large 15-inch touch screen. This screen integrates all control functions of the vehicle. All information and technical specifications of the vehicle are displayed on this screen.
The steering wheel has 2 adjustable roller keys. The gear lever is moved to the back of the steering wheel, similar to the Mercedes-Benz or Ford Escape 2002.
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Seat Design
The seats are covered with high-quality leather and designed in a sporty shape. The steering glass and sunroof are quite wide, helping to expand visibility. The luggage compartment can hold up to 542L.
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2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance and Driving
Performance and Engine
2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range is equipped with an 80.5 kWh battery with a range of 310 miles. The car is equipped with an electric motor with a capacity of 258 horsepower and 404 Nm of torque. The car has the ability to accelerate quite well, from 0 - 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. In addition, the car reaches a maximum speed of 225 km/h.
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Driving
Braking
Regenerative braking works very effectively and the 18-inch wheels have good road holding ability, while also helping save energy consumption. According to statistics, when traveling at 100 km/h, Model 3 only takes about 133 feet to come to a complete stop.
Handling
The 18-inch tires grip the road well, making the turning process very smooth. In addition, the low chassis design also helps make turning and steering feel comfortable, not as heavy as the Model X. You will clearly feel the comfort when the car goes into curves.
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Charging and Battery
The car is equipped with an 80.5 kwh battery with a charging time of 12 hours if using 240v power. But with the Tesla Supercharger, Model 3 only takes 15 minutes to charge 60%, going about 177 miles on a single charge.
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Safety
2017 Tesla Model 3 is equipped with 8 airbags, 8 cameras, front radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors to help the car avoid collisions and automatically activate the emergency braking system. The battery system is located under the floor so the hood is quite spacious and can hold many items.
Integrated safety features include:
The Automatic Emergency Braking system will warn of the risk of an impending collision. If the driver does not react in time, Model 3 will brake automatically to ensure safety.
The active cruise control system also helps the vehicle maintain a safe distance from surrounding objects.
In addition, the Lane Keeping Assist system will also warn you if you are going beyond the designated lane. Model 3 will help the car keep its lane.
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Comfort
Model 3 is considered to have a comfortable sitting feeling. The seats are wide and comfortable and the cabin is quiet, not making noise like the Model S and Model X. When encountering bad road surfaces, the Model 3 may make noise due to collisions with the road surface.
Model 3 feels very good and smooth to drive. Quite a perfect structure and reasonable steering wheel adjustment have helped Tesla create a Model 3 that is highly rated for Driving Comfort.
The electric motor is located under the floor, the vehicle structure is solid. That helps Model 3 not make noise when moving, extremely quiet and smooth. In addition, the 18-inch tires also grip the road well, helping to reduce noise when going through bad terrain.
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2017 Tesla Model 3 Technology
Model 3 is highly appreciated for its technology. Excellent sound quality with lane management systems and blind spot control systems. However, only being able to connect to the phone via Bluetooth is a minus point.
The large touch screen can control all vehicle functions. This is quite controversial. Many people think that this screen will be very convenient to use. While others think that driving and controlling the screen at the same time will cause distraction.
As mentioned, Tesla does not integrate applications such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto into its car models. Maybe they don't want a third party appearing in their system. Therefore, you can only connect to your phone via Bluetooth.
Model 3 is also equipped with the Autopilot option for very good cruise control. The sensitivity of collision warning and lane departure warning can be easily customized.
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2017 Tesla Model 3 MSRP
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Standard: $35,000
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: $44,000
2017 Tesla Model 3 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower price: With a price of just over $40, users have a high-end experience on the Model 3. The experience is no different from a high-end sedan like the Model S.
- Great performance: This mid-range sedan can travel within 300 miles, easily meeting the needs of traveling around the city, going to work and going out.
- Integration of Tesla Supercharger: Integrating into the supercharger network helps Model 3 charge faster and go further.
- Many modern technologies are equipped: Just a mid-range sedan, the Model 3 is still equipped with high-end features on the Tesla Model S. This has enabled low-income people to experience the most modern technology.
Cons
- No Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration: Not integrating Apple Carplay and Android Auto is something Tesla has been considering for a long time. But users still think that controlling and connecting with these applications is necessary and useful
- Touch screens are distracting: Large touch screen can control all vehicle activities. But this type of control makes the driver distracted and not paying attention while driving. Therefore, users need time to get used to this type of control.
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2017 Tesla Model 3 SPecs
| Specifications | Details |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Engine Options | one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 258 hp |
| Range | 310 miles |
| Charging Time | 15m to charge 60%(Supercharger, 12h (240v) |
| Torque | 404 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5.1s |
| Fuel Efficiency | 126 MPGe |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches |
| Overall Width | 82.2 inches |
| Overall Height | 56.8 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 inches |
| Cargo Capacity | 15 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 15 inches |
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FAQs
How much is a 2017 Tesla Model 3?
2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range has price of $44,000.
How many Tesla Model 3 sold in 2017?
Tesla sold 1,770 Model 3 vehicles in 2017.
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What wheels come with 2017 Tesla Model 3
2017 Tesla Model 3 is equipped with 18-inch wheels.
Conclusion
After the success of Model S and X, 2017 Tesla Model 3 continues to be a remarkable development step for Tesla. Model 3 in its first year of sale received much positive feedback from customers. Hopefully with future versions, Model 3 will improve remaining weaknesses and become the national electric car.
2017 Tesla Model 3 Video
Jame Daniel
