Skip advert
Advertisement

World exclusive – Tesla Model 3

We have a world exclusive on the Tesla Model 3, an electric-powered rival to the BMW 3 Series

Tesla is planning a BMW 3 Series rival called the Tesla Model 3, which will look similar to the Tesla Model S (pictured). The plans were revealed in an exclusive interview with Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk by our sister title, Auto Express.

It is thought that the new saloon will be 20 per cent smaller than the Tesla Model S and will be an all-new model. Tesla’s reputation as a builder of performance electric cars will be central to the Model 3’s design. We expect the fastest model to be capable of 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Tesla is also likely to offer the car with different levels of power – the Tesla Model S (BMW 5 Series rival) is available in 60kWh, 85kWh and 85kWh Performance forms.

The car will have a theoretical range of more than 200 miles and, as with any other Tesla, Model 3 owners will have use of Tesla’s Supercharger network. By 2015, the infrastructure will be in place to allow Tesla drivers to run the length and breadth of the UK for free.

Model 3 prices are expected to start from around £30,000, and it could make its first public appearance in 2016 with the first cars going on sale in 2017.

News of the new model is the latest step in Tesla’s plan to sell more than 100,000 cars worldwide by 2020. The Tesla Model S will help the company to sales of nearly 35,000 cars this year.

Tesla is planning a new research and development base in the UK, which will be involved in the development of the Model 3. Another new factory will mass-produce batteries cheaper than before, with customers already said to include BMW and Mercedes.

The Tesla Roadster – the company’s Lotus Elise based inaugural model – is set to get a range boost from 245 miles to more than 400 miles. Those extra miles come courtesy of the latest battery technology, making the model more appealing than ever before.

For our road tests on the Tesla Roadster and Tesla Model S – including Mat Watson’s video review of the car – visit the Carbuyer Tesla reviews page.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The safest cars to buy in 2024
2023 safest cars - header
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The safest cars to buy in 2024

Top 10 fastest saloon cars 2024
The fastest saloon cars
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 fastest saloon cars 2024

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability
Tesla Cybertruck side view
News
1 Dec 2023

Tesla Cybertruck finally delivered: specs, prices and UK availability

Self-driving cars: all you need to know
Self-Driving Interior View
Tips and advice
9 Nov 2023

Self-driving cars: all you need to know

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024