Tesla Model 3

With Tesla finally beginning its Indian innings with the launch of the Model Y, all eyes are now on the Model 3, the brand’s most affordable and most popular model globally. While it's not yet launched in India, the chances of it arriving soon are quite high. Here’s everything you need to know about the Model 3 if you're waiting for a stylish, tech-loaded electric sedan.

The Tesla Model 3 was launched in 2017, and it then underwent a minor refresh in the year 2020 and a major one in 2023. The Model 3 sports a clean, futuristic look with a low-slung front, minimalistic grille-less design, and sleek LED headlamps. It looks sporty yet elegant, just what you’d expect from a modern EV.

Its aerodynamic shape, sloping roofline, and smooth curves give it an upmarket vibe, and the flush door handles add to the clean aesthetics. It typically rides on 18 or 19-inch wheels globally, but Tesla could tweak the options for India.

At the rear, it continues with a simple yet premium look with C-shaped LED tail lamps, a subtle lip spoiler (depending on the variant), and a smooth, curvy bumper. Overall, the Model 3 balances sportiness and simplicity quite well.

Step inside the Model 3, and you're greeted by a minimalist cabin that feels futuristic. There’s no clutter, just a massive 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls everything from media and navigation to climate and vehicle settings.

You don’t even get a traditional instrument cluster. All driving-related info is displayed on the central screen itself. Materials used are mostly soft-touch plastics and faux wood/metal finishes, giving it a premium and modern appeal.

Tesla globally offers the Model 3 with black and black/white interior options, and we can expect something similar for India as well.

Features

The Tesla Model 3 is packed with high-tech and comfort-oriented features that make it feel like a car from the future. The centrepiece of the cabin is the massive 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controls everything from navigation and music to air conditioning and even the glovebox. 

The screen also supports fun elements like in-car gaming and streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube.

Other highlights include dual wireless phone chargers, a panoramic glass roof, heated front and rear seats (in higher variants), power-adjustable front seats with memory, and dual-zone climate control. 

Rear-seat passengers also get their own 8-inch display for entertainment and controls. The cabin experience is further enhanced by ambient lighting.

On the safety front, the Tesla Model 3 has a strong reputation globally, having scored a full 5-star rating in both Euro NCAP and US NCAP crash tests. 

It comes equipped with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. 

Tesla also equips the Model 3 with its suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision avoidance, and more. 

For those willing to splurge, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which uses a network of cameras, sensors, and AI to enable autonomous driving features, may also be offered as an optional extra in India, although it could come at a steep premium similar to the Model Y.

The Tesla Model 3 offers a good amount of storage for a sedan. It comes with a 473-litre boot, plus an 88-litre front trunk (frunk). Folding the rear seats further increases space for those weekend getaways or airport runs.

While Tesla hasn’t officially revealed India-specific specs for the Model 3, here’s what we can expect based on global figures:

Considering the quick acceleration all three versions offer, there is no doubt that the Model 3 should offer more than enough performance for everyday and spirited driving. 

As for the charging infrastructure, Tesla plans to set up 16 Superchargers across India before deliveries of the Model Y begin. These 250 kW fast chargers are quite fast and could offer quick top-ups on the go for Model 3 owners, too.

The exact versions for India are yet to be confirmed, but given that the Model Y is only offered in RWD for now, Tesla might start with that for the Model 3 as well.

Since the Tesla Model Y starts at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), we expect the Model 3 to be priced slightly lower. If launched, the expected price range for the Tesla Model 3 could be between Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.