First-generation Tesla Model 3 (Gen. 1)

Tesla Model 3 (Gen. 1) is an electric car with a WLTP range of up to 500 km, ready to compare across key specifications before buying.

Model years: 2017-2020

Tesla Model 3 (Gen. 1)

Tesla Model 3 (Gen. 1) is an electric car with a WLTP range of up to 500 km, ready to compare across key specifications before buying.

Power: 275 hp
WLTP range: 500 km
EPA range: 418 km
Drive: RWD
Battery type: Li-ion
0-100 acceleration: 5.9 s

* specifications are for the base version of the vehicle. Other configurations are available in the trims section.

Trims

4 trims available

Choose a First-generation Tesla Model 3 version by range, power, battery and price guide.

Mid Range
Mid Range RWD
from $46 000 price guide
The Mid Range RWD trim with key specifications for comparison.
- WLTP range — 500 km
- Power / torque — 275 hp / 404 N·m
- Drive — RWD
- Battery capacity — 62 kWh
- 0-100 acceleration — 5.9 s
- Top speed — 201 km/h
Long Range
Long Range RWD
from $49 000 price guide
The Long Range RWD trim with key specifications for comparison.
- WLTP range — 600 km
- Power / torque — 275 hp / 404 N·m
- Drive — RWD
- Battery capacity — 75 kWh
- 0-100 acceleration — 5.4 s
- Top speed — 225 km/h
Long Range AWD
Long Range AWD
from $55 000 price guide
The Long Range AWD trim with key specifications for comparison.
- WLTP range — 560 km
- Power / torque — 441 hp / 493 N·m
- Drive — AWD
- Battery capacity — 75 kWh
- 0-100 acceleration — 4.8 s
- Top speed — 233 km/h
Performance
Performance AWD
from $64 000 price guide
The Performance AWD trim with key specifications for comparison.
- WLTP range — 530 km
- Power / torque — 461 hp / 623 N·m
- Drive — AWD
- Battery capacity — 75 kWh
- 0-100 acceleration — 3.5 s
- Top speed — 249 km/h

Specifications

Full specifications

Technical data is grouped into tabs for quick switching between range, battery and dimensions.

Motor, range and performance

Range, real-world consumption, motors, power and acceleration figures for the First-generation Tesla Model 3.

Group	Specification	Value
Range	WLTP range	500 km
	EPA range	418 km
	Real-world range, combined mild	≈440 km, estimate
	Real-world range, combined cold	≈320 km, estimate
Consumption	Official consumption	≈14.8 kWh/100 km
	Real-world consumption, combined mild	≈14.1 kWh/100 km
	Real-world consumption, combined cold	≈19.4 kWh/100 km
Motors	Number of motors	1
	Front	PMSRM
	Rear	PMSRM
	Platform	Tesla Model 3 platform
Power	Power	275 hp
	Overboost / Launch Control	No
	Torque	404 N·m
Performance	0-100 km/h	5.9 s
	0-60 mph	5.7 s
	Top speed	201 km/h

Battery, architecture and charging

Key battery data, architecture, AC/DC charging and Plug & Charge support.

Group	Specification	Value
Capacity	Gross capacity	62 kWh
Capacity	Net / usable capacity	58.9 kWh
Architecture	Architecture	360 V
	Battery type	Li-ion
	Cell format	Cylindrical 2170
	Battery manufacturer	Panasonic
Thermal management	Thermal management	Yes
Thermal management	Heat pump	No
AC	AC charging	8 kW
AC	AC 0-100%	≈8.1 h
DC	Maximum DC power	200 kW
DC	DC 10-80%	27 min, reference / ≈30 min in tests
Port	Port	Tesla connector / Supercharger
	Plug & Charge	No
	Autocharge	Yes

Dimensions, weight, wheels and tires

Physical dimensions, clearance, weight, payload and standard wheels for the First-generation Tesla Model 3.

Group	Specification	Value
Dimensions	Length	4 694 mm
	Width without mirrors	1 849 mm
	Width with mirrors	2 088 mm
	Height	1 443 mm
	Wheelbase	2 875 mm
	Ground clearance	140 mm
Weight	Curb weight	1 672 kg
	Gross vehicle weight	2 126 kg
	Maximum payload	454 kg
Wheels	Wheels	18″ Aero
Tires	Tires	235/45 R18 front and rear

Interior

Interior gallery

Cabin, dashboard, digital displays, seating position and trim details of the First-generation Tesla Model 3.

Exterior

Exterior gallery

Bodywork, lighting, wheels, rear design and charging port of the First-generation Tesla Model 3.

Model overview

First-generation Tesla Model 3 in detail

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 was positioned as a more compact and more affordable alternative to the premium Model S, while retaining long range, quick acceleration, and over-the-air updates. At first, buyers were offered the Long Range with rear-wheel drive; later, the Long Range Dual Motor and Performance versions with all-wheel drive appeared, and in autumn a cheaper Mid Range version was added. The promised Standard Range had not yet reached sales in 2018.

First-generation Tesla Model 3 — section image

Design and positioning

The Model 3 has a short front overhang, a smooth nose, a sloping roof, and flush door handles. A drag coefficient of around 0.23 helped improve efficiency. The Performance version can be recognized by its 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, spoiler, and lowered suspension.

With a length of about 4.69 m, the sedan can accommodate four adults. As in all Teslas, the battery is located in the floor, so the center of mass is low and there is no central tunnel. Luggage space is divided between the rear trunk with an underfloor compartment and the front trunk. The total claimed volume was approximately 425 liters, but the sedan opening limits taller items.

Interior and technology

The interior is arranged in typical Tesla style around a horizontal dashboard and a 15-inch central screen. There is no separate instrument cluster in front of the driver: speed, navigation, climate control, charging, and vehicle settings are all gathered on the display. The interface works quickly and has clear graphics, but changing the airflow direction or adjusting the mirrors requires looking into the menu.

The front seats are comfortable, the glass roof adds light, and the flat floor creates a sense of space. The rear bench has a low cushion, so tall passengers may lack thigh support. Rear visibility is also limited by the high trunk shelf. The 60:40 folding seatbacks create an almost flat loading surface.

Navigation, the mobile app, and over-the-air updates were strong arguments in favor of the Model 3. In 2018, Tesla shortened the braking distance through software after comments from Consumer Reports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not supported. On an early example, it is worth checking body panel gaps, paintwork, seals, cameras, and cabin noises.

Charging and range

The most efficient version was the Long Range RWD: one rear motor and a range of 310 miles, or 499 km, according to the EPA cycle. The Long Range AWD and Performance were also certified at 310 miles, although all-wheel drive, the Performance version’s 20-inch wheels, temperature, and speed noticeably affect the real-world distance. The later Mid Range RWD received 260 miles, or 418 km EPA. But as with all electric cars, if you use the car in winter, only God knows how far it will actually go.

American cars are equipped with the Tesla connector, now called NACS. In the United States, it provided easy access to Superchargers and home charging, but in Ukraine the compatibility of a specific car must be checked separately. Adapters do not always support fast DC charging; some imported cars have a converted port or an additional module.

Early Model 3 versions worked mainly with Supercharger V2 stations with power up to 120 kW, although updates expanded the capabilities of some cars. Charging speed depends on battery temperature and state of charge. For daily use, it is most convenient to have a 220 V home charging line.

Performance and handling

The Long Range RWD accelerated to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds and reached around 225 km/h. The Mid Range was slower — about 5.6 seconds and 200 km/h. Even these versions respond quickly to the accelerator, and rear-wheel drive makes the car’s behavior predictable. The Long Range Dual Motor added a front motor and better traction on slippery roads. In an independent MotorTrend test, it reached 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. The Performance version was already created as a rival to sports sedans: the claimed acceleration was around 3.5 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 250 km/h.

The battery in the floor reduces body roll, and regenerative braking often allows one-pedal driving. The downside is a somewhat firm suspension and tire noise on rough asphalt. The 20-inch Performance wheels are more expensive, more vulnerable to potholes, and less comfortable.

Pros of the 2018 Tesla Model 3

1. Long range. The Long Range received a 499 km EPA rating, which was one of the best figures of its time.
2. High energy efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range consumes less energy than the all-wheel-drive versions.
3. Quick and precise handling. The low center of mass and sharp steering responses make the sedan enjoyable on winding roads.
4. Well-developed digital ecosystem. Navigation, the app, and over-the-air updates make daily use easier.
5. Practical cargo compartments. The rear trunk is supplemented by an underfloor compartment and a front trunk.

Cons of the 2018 Tesla Model 3

1. Inconsistent quality of early cars. Panel gaps, paint, seals, and noises require careful inspection before purchase.
2. Excessive dependence on the screen. Even some simple settings are hidden in the touchscreen menu.
3. Compromised rear bench. The low cushion provides poor thigh support for adult passengers.
4. No CarPlay or Android Auto. The owner depends on Tesla’s built-in multimedia services.
5. Nuances of the American charging port. For full charging functionality in Ukraine, an adapter or conversion may be needed.
6. Firm ride. This is especially noticeable in the Performance version with 20-inch wheels.

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 will suit you if range, speed, strong digital features, and an affordable used EV price are important. At the same time, the early production year requires more careful diagnostics of the battery, body, suspension, electronics, and charging equipment. The Mid Range is suitable for the city, while the Long Range RWD offers the best balance of efficiency and distance. The Long Range AWD is worth choosing for winter traction and quicker acceleration. The Performance is aimed at those who are ready to sacrifice some comfort and spend more on wheels for maximum performance.