2018 Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 is the next logical step of Tesla's "secret master plan" and mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Like every Tesla, Model 3 is engineered to combine range, performance, safety and utility. Smart design maximizes interior space, to comfortably fit 5 adults and all of their gear. Tesla makes fast cars, Model 3 is no exception. The high efficiency electric motor provides zero to 60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds. And when equipped with electric all-wheel drive, Tesla Model 3 provides safe and dependable traction in all conditions.

Designed with safety as a priority, Tesla Model 3 should be the safest car in its class once testing completes. This, combined with over 200 miles of range while starting at $35,000 before incentives, makes Tesla Model 3 an extraordinary mid-size sedan.

Tesla Model 3 will begin production in late 2017, ramping Tesla vehicle production to 500,000 vehicles per year.

However, the compact received many features to help it stand out next to the Model S. Arguably the most intriguing detail is the lack of a conventional front grille and the big black insert the Model S sports right above the bumper. The Model 3 has a nearly featureless nose with the "Tesla" badge moved on the front lid, but that’s far from upsetting to the eyes, as the area that should have a grille was sculpted as to suggest one.

The only openings are the lower grille just above the splitter and the thin strips that act as daytime running lights. The headlamps are also brand new, featuring a significantly different shape compared to the Model S’. The headlamps remind me a bit of the Porsche Macan’s as far as shape and size goes, but the pattern inside is unique to the Model 3. The front fenders are nearly identical to the Model S, but the front overhang is shorter.

When viewed from the side, the Model 3 showcases more similarities to its bigger brother, such as the muscular rear haunches, the curved roof, and the graceful beltline. However, the roofline sits higher on this model, likely for enhanced head and shoulder room inside the cabin, and the result is a shape that’s not as sleek as the Model S’. That’s not to say that the Model 3’s design isn’t balanced. A closer look also reveals a different rear quarter window design and a less noticeable signature line on lower area of the doors, which is almost parallel to the side skirt.

Around back, the Model 3 has very little in common with the Model S. There’s a new trunk lid that’s wider toward the bumper, a wider spoiler, and a new pair of taillights. The latter are smaller than the Model S’ and feature C-shaped LED clusters that extend into the hatch. The Model S’ big chrome insert between the taillights is gone, giving the Model 3 a cleaner and more mundane appearance. The new bumper lacks any interesting features and the diffuser-like element of the bigger sedan.

All told, the Model 3 is Tesla’s most common vehicle to date design-wise. But, while it might not have the Model S’ sporty stance and the Model X’s fancy "gullwing" doors, the compact feels modern and appears to have been penned with efficient aerodynamics and maximum comfort in mind. Its notchback-like body style is perfect for the compact segment and the styling has everything a 21st century vehicle needs.