I’ve heard many gas-guzzler-loving people poking Tesla for the fit and finish of its vehicles, citing they aren’t luxurious. And honestly, any premium vehicle from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, or Genesis will have a higher quality interior. In other words, the materials will be plusher and will fit together more snugly.
But is that what makes a luxury car? Does putting a leather dashboard in a Nissan Sentra make it a luxury car? Sure, the answer to those questions is a clear NO! I believe a luxury car should combine all ingredients perfectly! This brings me to Tesla’s most popular vehicle, the Model 3. The American EV brand markets the car as a premium product, but the naysayers wouldn’t accept that. If you are one of those doubting the Model 3 as a luxury car, here are 8 points that might make you think otherwise (or make you even angrier!). Let’s have a deeper look!
Exceptional Refinement
There is no getting around the fact that internal-combustion cars are not very refined. All those moving parts inside the transmission and engine create noise and vibrations, which enter the cabin. Of course, those are reduced to a minimum on a premium vehicle, but they are still there.
Meanwhile, the Model 3 has an all-electric powertrain, meaning almost zero noise and vibrations. In Tesla’s electric sedan, there is no clunky gearbox or a noisy engine, which makes the whole driving experience more refined, especially in urban scenarios. And isn’t higher refinement the No1 reason why people buy premium cars in the first place?
Okay, Model 3’s performance tires might be on the loud side, but you can easily rectify that with a set of quiet and comfortable tires and have a truly silent daily driver.
Hi-Tech, Yet Clean Interior
While I agree that Model 3’s interior needs more buttons for easier navigation while driving, there is no denying it looks minimalistic and classy. Sure, many buyers will still prefer the more extravagant interiors from Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus, but for many others, Scandinavian minimalism is the way to go!
And, that big screen in the middle has by far the best software of any infotainment system in the industry. The interface is not only intuitive, but it’s also very fast and responsive, in contrast to what the competition offers. It even has some video games you can enjoy while charging your Model 3!
Huge Passenger and Cargo Space
EVs have a huge advantage over gas cars when it comes to packaging. Namely, the battery sits below the vehicle, while the tiny electric motors sit between the wheels; as a result, there is more cabin space, particularly in length.
Thanks to the smart packaging of EV components, the Model 3 offers the largest knee room in its category, but it’s also very spacious in the head area. Besides, thanks to the floor being completely flat, even the passenger in the middle back seat will be comfortable.
On top of that, the Model 3 has one of the largest trunks in the category while also adding a frunk (front trunk) for smaller items!
Largest Glass Area of any Car in its Class
The Model 3 is unlike any other premium vehicle in the sense that it has an exceptionally large glass area, particularly when equipped with a panoramic roof. This creates the sense of even more space in the cabin, making it feel airy and bright.
The large windows might not bother you much as a driver (though it delivers much better visibility), but trust me, they have a very positive effect on the passengers’ wellbeing.
Outstanding Straight-Line Acceleration
The Model 3 is easily the quickest-accelerating car in its category – it’s even quicker than performance models like the BMW M3 and Lexus IS500. Simply put, electric propulsion provides maximum torque the minute you touch the gas pedal, propelling you forward almost like a catapult. And you’ll have all this power every time – there is no transmission to delay the response!
Let me give you some numbers – the Model 3 Performance needs only 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and won’t stop until it reaches 162 mph!
Very Capable in the Corners, Too
Thanks to the electric powertrain, the Model 3 has real torque-vectoring, meaning the computer can instantly change the speed of any wheel to help you turn into a corner. As a result, Tesla’s sedan can drive tremendously fast on a twisty road, with exceptionally high cornering speeds. Now, a BMW M3 would still be more fun, but for most people buying luxurious cars, the “driving on rails” behavior is certainly preferred.
(Mostly) Free OTA Upgrades
Perhaps the best thing about the Model 3 that’s not related to it being an EV is the free over-the-air updates. Tesla continuously improves your vehicle with new updates, which aren’t only related to the infotainment screen.
For instance, the company recently pushed an update that uses the front cameras to scan the road for potholes and adjust the suspension so that it glides over them in a more comfortable manner. The same tech is already available on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but only when built in from the factory.
Low Maintenance
Electric cars, in general, are much easier and cheaper to maintain than internal-combustion engine cars. In an EV, you won’t be changing the engine oil or transmission fluid every year and many other parts that are exclusive to gas/diesel vehicles.
And while the Model 3 isn’t without its reliability flaws, it requires much less maintenance than a comparable gas car, including a Lexus IS.
Conclusion
Overall, Tesla’s compact sedan is one of the most accomplished in its category, regardless of the powertrain. It’s fast and cheap to run, has a minimalistic and peaceful interior, and lots of space. Put some quieter and more comfortable tires on the Tesla Model 3, and it will also become one of the most refined luxury vehicles. What’s not to like!
Still, the eight reasons to buy a Model 3 might not be enough for you to enter the Tesla world. In that case, other brands have recently produced some excellent electric sedans.
For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a svelte-looking sedan with some seriously cool features, while the i4 injects some BMW genes into the driving experience. And more models are set to arrive in the near future, with all premium brands announcing an all-electric lineup by 2030-2035!