Tesla is out testing the latest vehicle in its portfolio, the Model 3. Our spy photographers have caught the first images of the prototype while it was undergoing real world testing sans any camouflage.
The Model 3 spotted here is the test model or what Tesla likes to call the ´test candidate´ before the production spec is revealed. By the looks of it, Tesla has remained true to the Model 3 prototype showcased back in March 2016. It basically resembles a toned down Model S, and the overall design remains similar to the elder siblings. The test mule here looks almost production ready in these images. In the case of interiors, the large vertical screen stacked at the centre of the cockpit of the Model S won’t be available in the Model 3. Instead, it will get one horizontal central display and the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel will be ditched as well.
Interestingly, Tesla is keeping the BMW 3 Series as a benchmark for the Model 3. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that initially Model 3 will be available with rear-wheel drive configuration only. The electric carmaker promises a range of 380+km. However, a more expensive model with all-wheel-drive will likely follow with an extended range and the famous ´Ludicrous´ Mode. Tesla is expected to price the Model 3 somewhere around 35,000 USD after it arrives in the showroom sometime next year.
