2018 Tesla Model 3 Review: A Game-Changing Electric Sedan

Tesla’s 2018 Model 3 is without a doubt one of the most talked-about cars of its time. People were waiting for years to get their hands on the more affordable option in Tesla’s lineup. And for the most part, it delivered on its promises – a sleek design electric powertrain cutting-edge technology and a drive experience that makes it stand out from its rivals. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2018 Tesla Model 3 a standout electric vehicle while touching on potential drawbacks that buyers should consider before making a decision.

Design and Exterior

At first glance the 2018 Tesla Model 3's design screams minimalism. The sleek aerodynamic shape and clean lines give it a futuristic look without going overboard. One of the most striking features is the absence of a traditional front grille – a signature Tesla move that sets it apart from the usual gas-powered sedans. Tesla's decision to remove the grille not only helps with aerodynamics but also makes the car's front appear more streamlined.

Paint and Customization Options

The 2018 Model 3 came with a variety of paint options though some were more popular than others. Most owners opted for the Metallic Silver or Deep Blue Metallic but there was a sense that customization options were a bit limited. Tesla has always focused on keeping its production simple to streamline manufacturing which means fewer choices for personalization.

• Metallic Silver
• Deep Blue Metallic
• Midnight Silver Metallic
• Solid Black
• Red Multi-Coat

Some buyers have mentioned that while the exterior is undeniably beautiful it doesn’t necessarily scream "luxury" when you see it in person. Compared to other premium sedans it might seem more understated which isn’t a bad thing unless you’re after something flashy.

Potential Drawbacks: Exterior Build Quality

However some early adopters noticed minor build quality issues. Gaps between body panels were a common complaint among 2018 Model 3 owners. It's not something that affects performance but it’s noticeable if you’re paying attention to the details. A few Tesla owners mentioned that the paint quality especially on the darker colors could be inconsistent with some reporting chipping and scratches after just a few months of ownership. For a car that boasts cutting-edge tech some of the basic cosmetic issues could be a dealbreaker for picky buyers.

"I absolutely love my Model 3" said Alex Collantes a Tesla enthusiast from California "but I had to take it back to the service center a few times because of minor issues like door alignment and paint scratches. Tesla’s customer service is great though so they took care of it right away."

Interior and Comfort

Minimalistic and Tech-Centric Cabin

Step inside the 2018 Tesla Model 3 and you’re immediately struck by the simplicity of the interior. No physical buttons or knobs just a 15-inch touchscreen that controls everything from the air conditioning to the sunroof. Some might call it sparse but it’s a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of traditional car interiors cluttered with controls.

The lack of a traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is a bold move by Tesla. Instead, all relevant driving information like speed and navigation is displayed on the central touchscreen. Some drivers might find this disorienting at first but it quickly becomes second nature once you get used to it.

• Materials: The materials used inside the Model 3 are high quality but perhaps not at the level of luxury brands like Audi or BMW. The seats are vegan leather and soft to the touch but there are some harder plastics in areas where you'd expect softer more premium materials.
• Seating Capacity: The Model 3 comfortably seats five adults with plenty of legroom in both the front and rear. The panoramic glass roof gives the cabin a spacious airy feel. However taller passengers in the back might find the headroom a bit tight due to the sloping roofline.

Potential Drawbacks: Cabin Noise and Comfort

While the interior design is sleek and futuristic there are a couple of minor drawbacks. Some drivers have reported that the cabin can get a bit noisy at highway speeds. Since there's no engine noise to drown out external sounds you might notice more road noise than you would in a traditional gas-powered car. This is especially noticeable on rougher roads.

Another common critique is the touchscreen interface. While it’s visually stunning it can be a bit cumbersome to use when driving. Simple tasks like adjusting the climate controls require you to take your eyes off the road for a moment which could be a safety concern for some.

"I love the minimalist design but sometimes I wish there were a few more physical buttons" says Alex Collantes. "It’s not a big deal but adjusting things on the touchscreen while driving can be a little distracting at first."

Performance and Driving Experience

Electric Powertrain: Instant Torque and Smooth Ride

When it comes to performance the 2018 Tesla Model 3 delivers in spades. The electric powertrain provides instant torque which makes acceleration feel effortless. Even the Standard Range model goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds which is faster than many traditional gas-powered cars in its class.

For those who crave even more speed the Long Range and Performance versions of the Model 3 are blisteringly fast. The Performance variant can hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds making it one of the quickest cars on the road.

• Acceleration: Smooth and instantaneous no matter which version you choose.
• Handling: Thanks to the low center of gravity (from the battery pack) the Model 3 handles corners with precision and minimal body roll.
• Steering: The steering feel is precise but some drivers have mentioned that it can feel a bit too light. Tesla offers different steering modes so you can adjust the weight to your liking.

Potential Drawbacks: Regenerative Braking and Ride Quality

While most Tesla drivers love the instant acceleration some have noted that the regenerative braking system takes some getting used to. When you lift off the accelerator the car slows down quite dramatically as it captures energy to recharge the battery. It’s not a bad feature but if you’re used to coasting in a traditional car the abrupt deceleration can be surprising.

The ride quality has also been a point of contention for some owners. While the suspension does a great job of keeping the car stable in corners it can feel a bit stiff over bumps and rough roads. This is especially true for the Performance version with its sport-tuned suspension which might be too firm for those looking for a more cushioned ride.

Range and Charging

Impressive Electric Range

One of the key selling points of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is its impressive electric range. Depending on the variant you choose the Standard Range model offers 220 miles on a single charge while the Long Range version boasts up to 310 miles. For most drivers this is more than enough to cover daily commutes and longer road trips with minimal charging stops.

Supercharger Network and Home Charging

Tesla’s Supercharger network is a major advantage for Model 3 owners. With thousands of fast-charging stations around the world you can recharge your car quickly while on the go. A 30-minute stop at a Supercharger can add around 170 miles of range.

For home charging Tesla offers a Wall Connector which can fully charge the Model 3 overnight. If you’re using a standard household outlet (Level 1 charging) be prepared for much slower charging times – it can take up to 30 hours to fully charge the battery this way.

• Standard Range: 220 miles
• Long Range: 310 miles
• Charging Time (Supercharger): 30 minutes for ~170 miles
• Charging Time (Home): 10-12 hours with Wall Connector

Potential Drawbacks: Charging Infrastructure and Cold Weather

While the Supercharger network is a huge plus for Tesla owners it’s important to note that it’s not as ubiquitous as gas stations – especially in rural areas. If you live in a region with limited charging infrastructure you’ll need to plan your trips carefully.

Additionally cold weather can impact the Model 3’s range. Batteries are less efficient in colder temperatures so you might notice a drop in range during winter months. It’s not a dealbreaker but something to be aware of if you live in a colder climate.

"I’ve done a few road trips in my Model 3 and the Supercharger network is great but there are some stretches where I had to plan my stops carefully" says Alex Collantes. "It’s not like driving a gas car where you can just stop anywhere."

Safety and Technology

Advanced Driver Assistance Features

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance features as standard. Autopilot which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist is one of the car's standout features. While it’s not fully autonomous it’s a big step toward that future.

The Model 3 also comes with automatic emergency braking forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. These features contribute to the car’s 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA making it one of the safest cars on the road.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Tesla’s infotainment system is entirely based around the central touchscreen. It includes navigation music streaming and Bluetooth connectivity. However unlike many traditional cars the Model 3 does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead Tesla uses its own proprietary software which is regularly updated over-the-air.

• Autopilot: Available as an add-on with advanced features like lane change assist.
• Navigation: Powered by Tesla's maps and real-time traffic updates.
• Software Updates: Tesla regularly pushes over-the-air updates improving features and sometimes even adding new functionality.

Potential Drawbacks: Tech Over-Reliance

While the technology in the Model 3 is undoubtedly cutting edge some owners have voiced concerns about over-reliance on the touchscreen. In particular some drivers find the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto frustrating especially since these systems are standard in many of Tesla’s competitors. Additionally Tesla's in-house navigation system while good can’t always match the accuracy and convenience of Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Worth It?

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is undeniably a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. With its sleek design impressive range and cutting-edge technology it’s easy to see why it has garnered so much attention. For those looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle the Model 3 offers an exciting and practical option.

However it’s not without its flaws. Minor build quality issues potential discomfort with the ride road noise and the learning curve with the touchscreen interface might be turnoffs for some buyers. And while the Supercharger network is excellent it’s still not as widespread as traditional fueling options.

But for anyone who’s excited about the future of driving and wants to be part of the electric revolution the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is an excellent choice. As Alex Collantes summed it up:

"Yeah there are a few small issues but every time I get behind the wheel and feel that instant acceleration I know I made the right choice."