Model 3 1st Generation
Tesla
2017 - 2020
Sedan
Body Type
RWD, AWD
Drivetrain
Description
The first generation Tesla Model 3 revolutionized the electric vehicle market by making premium EV technology accessible to mainstream buyers. Launched in July 2017, it quickly became the best-selling electric car globally and the best-selling premium sedan in the United States. Built on Tesla's third-generation platform, the Model 3 features a radically minimalist interior design dominated by a 15-inch horizontal touchscreen that controls virtually all vehicle functions. The car established new benchmarks for EV performance, efficiency, range, and over-the-air software updates. Available in Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance variants, it offered compelling combination of performance, technology, and practicality that transformed the automotive industry.
General Information
Height:
1443 mm (56.8 in)
Generation:
1st Generation
Production Years:
2017 - 2020
Body Type:
Sedan
Drivetrain:
RWD, AWD
Engines Used:
—
Drag Coefficient:
0.23 Cd
Braking & Suspension
Front Brakes:
Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes:
Ventilated disc
Front Suspension:
Independent double wishbone
Rear Suspension:
Independent multi-link
Dimensions & Weight
Length:
4694 mm (184.8 in)
Width:
1849 mm (72.8 in)
Height:
1443 mm (56.8 in)
Wheelbase:
2875 mm (113.2 in)
Ground Clearance:
140 mm (5.5 in)
Curb Weight:
1611-1847 kg (3552-4073 lbs)
Gross Weight:
2232 kg (4922 lbs)
Payload:
385 kg (849 lbs)
Towing (braked):
910 kg (2007 lbs)
Fuel Tank:
—
Trunk & Interior
Trunk (seats up):
425 L (15 cu.ft)
Trunk (seats down):
425 L (15 cu.ft)
Seating:
5 seats
Wheels & Tires
Wheel Size:
18 - 20
Tire Size (Front):
235/45R18, 235/40R19, 235/35R20
Tire Size (Rear):
235/45R18, 235/40R19, 235/35R20
Performance Range
0-100 km/h:
3.4 - 5.6 s
Top Speed:
225-261 km/h (140-162 mph)
Transmission:
Single-speed automatic
Gearbox Options:
1
Performance figures vary by engine modification.
Safety & Equipment
Airbags:
8
Safety Systems:
Autopilot (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer), Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Obstacle-Aware Acceleration, Sentry Mode, PIN to Drive, Cabin Camera, 8 airbags (dual front, front knee, side curtain, side thorax)
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with HEPA filtration, Bioweapon Defense Mode, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel
Power Steering:
Electric power-assisted steering
Euro NCAP Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2019)
Classification & Production
Car Class:
Compact executive car, Electric vehicle
Platform:
Tesla Model 3 platform (Third generation)
Production Country:
USA, China
Factory Location:
Fremont California USA, Shanghai China (from 2019)
Units Produced:
—
Original Price:
$35000-58000
Gallery
Advantages
- Exceptional electric range up to 499 km (310 miles) on single charge with Long Range variant using WLTP testing.
- Impressive acceleration with Performance model achieving 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, competing with sports cars.
- Access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network providing fastest charging infrastructure globally with V2 and V3 stations.
- Advanced Autopilot driver assistance system included as standard with optional Full Self-Driving capability.
- Minimal maintenance requirements with no oil changes, transmission services, or traditional engine maintenance.
- Over-the-air software updates continuously improve vehicle functionality, add new features, and enhance performance.
- Outstanding safety ratings achieving 5-star NHTSA crash test results in all categories and 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
- Low center of gravity from floor-mounted battery pack provides excellent handling dynamics and cornering stability.
- Very low operating costs with electricity significantly cheaper than gasoline.
- Instant torque delivery provides responsive and engaging driving experience.
- Large touchscreen interface with premium navigation and entertainment features.
- Spacious interior despite compact exterior dimensions with excellent rear legroom.
Pay Attention
- Build quality issues were common in early 2017-2018 production models with inconsistent panel gaps, paint defects, and trim alignment problems that improved over time.
- Interior feels extremely minimalist with complete lack of traditional instrument cluster and almost no physical buttons which requires adjustment period.
- Service center availability can be limited in some regions leading to long wait times for repairs and appointments.
- Repair costs can be very high due to specialized parts, aluminum body construction, and limited third-party repair options.
- Cold weather significantly reduces range by 30-40% and charging speed slows considerably in freezing temperatures.
- Touchscreen interface controls nearly all functions including mirror adjustment and glovebox which some find distracting and dangerous while driving.
- Ride quality can feel quite firm especially on 19-inch and 20-inch wheel options with low-profile tires.
- Road noise and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds despite being quieter than combustion engines.
- Rear visibility is limited by thick C-pillars and relatively small rear window.
- Insurance premiums tend to be higher than comparable luxury sedans.
- Resale values dropped significantly after multiple price reductions from Tesla.
- Quality control remained inconsistent throughout production run.
- Autopilot system requires constant supervision and has limitations in certain conditions.