Tesla Model 3 - Stunning - Says An Owner of 2

Stunning - the one word that describes the Tesla Model 3 all-electric sedan - according to an owner of two 2018 long range rear-motor Model 3s. This Tesla owner who previously owned numerous luxury vehicles and raced high performance cars, can't stop raving about his Model 3 that cost him around $56,000 (including California tax and registration fees and after receiving the Federal tax incentive). Extras included the $2,000 Red Multi-Coat paint and the $6,000 Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features which Tesla will later upgrade to a 100 times more powerful computer with regular software updates. The over-the-internet upgrades occur at least once a month, one has already boosted range and power by 5 percent.

Autopilot enables your car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically for other vehicles and pedestrians within its lane, while Full Self-Driving is automatic driving from highway on-ramp to off-ramp including interchanges and overtaking slower cars, automatic lane changes while driving on the highway, Autopark in both parallel and perpendicular spaces, and, believe or not, Summon where your parked car will come find you anywhere in a parking lot, currently to be upgraded at no cost.

Stunning - the relaxation of highway driving with the aforementioned features and the automatic stop-and-go in traffic, the cabin's quietness, clear display screen, large trunk, and, of course, the all-glass roof which especially benefits rear seat passengers adding immense visual space to the generous interior legroom. He feels much more refreshed after long trips due to the absence of typical vehicle vibration and engine noise.

Registering about 11,000 miles since buying his red Model 3 in November, he's very satisfied averaging about 260 miles per charge which is about 80 percent of the posted 325 miles due to driving style and terrain. The batteries charge from empty to full overnight on a home charger or 30 minutes for $20 at a commercial charging station.

The only cautionary words from this very happy Tesla owner is that there's no AM radio, possibly because of electric motor interference, and the Model 3 is wider that you expect, something I found out from scuffing the curb with the right rear wheel while turning a corner. The 41 PSI tire pressure creates a road feel that can bother some passengers.

(The standard range Tesla Model 3 gets an estimated 220 miles and the price starts at $35,000.)

Tesla Model 3 Starting At $35,000 In Late 2017

Tesla Model 3, with seating for 5 adults, autopilot safety features and designed to exceed a five star safety rating, achieves 215 miles of range per charge with a zero to 60 mph time of under 6 seconds. Supercharging is standard. The price starts at $35,000 before incentives, like a $7,500 Federal rebate. Deliveries begin in late 2017 with orders being taken now at the Tesla website with a $1,000 deposit.

As of last night at the Tesla Model 3 launch, Tesla founder Elon Musk said orders had reached 115,000 in the first 24 hours. Musk is confident its Freemont, California, factory can produce 500,000 a year. Batteries will be made at its gigafactory which will produce more lithium-ion batteries than anywhere else in the world combined in a building to have the largest footprint of any building in the world.