2024 Tesla Model 3: New car shoppers concerned about environmental impact will find the 2024 Tesla Model 3 to be an appealing option thanks to its affordable price tag, attractive estimated driving range, and stylish redesign. By bringing electric vehicle prices down to a level where they are affordable for a wider range of American households, the electric sedan rewrote the rules of the game with its 2017 debut.
There are a few issues, though. The Model 3 has always had shoddy build quality, the interior is cramped, and popular features like Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio aren’t standard. There are no physical buttons or sliders for the majority of the Model 3’s features either.
There aren’t many buttons on the dashboard beyond the standard fare of a steering wheel, pedals, and window switches; even the most basic controls, like adjusting the outside mirrors or the steering column, are controlled by the enormous infotainment display. Competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Polestar 2, and the BMW i4 offer comparable packages at comparable prices with fewer sacrifices, which is bad news for Tesla.
What’s Exciting About 2024?
In 2024, Tesla gave the Model 3 a much-needed facelift, which included a more streamlined front end, a more refined interior, and modernized standard features. Although the Model 3’s aesthetic has undergone minor revisions, the results are noticeable: the vehicle now appears more modern and refined. Tesla asserts that they have increased the amount of sound-deadening materials and installed more acoustic glass to help muffle road noise, and that the upgraded materials used inside are of better quality.
The steering column no longer has stalks for the blinkers and the gearshift, and the seats have new perforated upholstery that allows air to circulate and helps keep the front passengers cool. Now, those riding shotgun in the back have their very own 8.0-inch screen, perfect for controlling the temperature or streaming Netflix. Similarly, the Model 3 Performance gets 510 hp (up from 455), an estimated 296 mpg on the road, an adaptive suspension, a Track mode, improved brakes, sport seats, and a staggered tire and wheel configuration, among other upgrades.
Battery Life, Charging Capacity, and Range
There are three different Model 3 trim levels, and each one has a different predicted range. With a stated range of 272 miles, the most affordable model is the base rear-wheel-drive model. With the Long Range upgrade, you can get an estimated 341 miles out of your Model 3. (The estimated range numbers are lower if you opt for the extra-cost 19-inch wheels.) Despite a decrease in range due to increased power, the Model 3 Performance still has an admirably good estimated range of 296 miles per charge. Naturally, our long-term Long Range Model 3 test vehicle discovered that this distance isn’t easy to achieve. The Model 3 comes with a variety of charging options, including a home charging station, adapters for DC public charging stations, 240-and 120-volt outlets, and Tesla’s network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers.
EV Drivetrain, Capacity, and Efficiency
Going from a standstill to 60 miles per hour is a breeze in the Model 3, as it does in most electric vehicles, thanks to the electric motor’s powerful punch. And it’s quick—very so in certain trim levels. The Model 3 has a low center of gravity because, like all Teslas, it stores its battery under the floor. This allows for sharp directional changes and a solid feel when turning corners.
There are three settings to customize the amount of steering effort, and the steering is both accurate and well-weighted. Although there is no audible gas engine noise, the ride is firm without being harsh, and the cabin is filled with road noise from the tires’ thwacking and thrumming on uneven pavement. The Performance trim, which debuted in 2024, is a major upgrade over its predecessor. A sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers is standard on this model only Model 3. The Performance model features a staggered set of wheels and tires, upgraded brakes, and an all-wheel drive powertrain that produces 510 horsepower.
Price
Depending on the trim level and optional features, the price of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 can range from $40,630 to $54,630.
All but the most basic model come standard with two motors and four-wheel drive, while the base model only has one. Although it’s a bargain, some drivers might be worried about having insufficient power due to the base model’s 272 miles of EPA-estimated driving range. The Long Range model is our top pick because of its impressive estimated 341 miles of driving range on a single charge. The Model 3 is equipped with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving system, Autopilot.
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