In the meantime, it is no longer a secret that the Tesla Model 3 was the blast of sales in the Netherlands in 2019. With the Standard Range Plus you deliver something when it comes to action radius. Is that really bad?
The entry-level Standard Range Plus comes considerably less far on a battery charge than the Long Range. In practice we come about 350 km far. Tesla does not specify a battery capacity, but it is said that about 50 to 55 kWh goes into the Model 3. Thanks to a three-phase charger, the Tesla is fully charged again in about 6 hours at the correct charging station. Tesla does not mention power and torque, but states that the rear-wheel drive Model 3 Standard Range Plus needs about a second more on the sprint from 0 to 100 than the Long Range, which has more power and four-wheel drive thanks to a second engine . However, there is also plenty of traction in the Standard Range and those who go full on the “gas” get a serious boost. That contributes to driving pleasure, which is already at a very high level with this car. With the Model 3, Tesla has created an extremely dynamic car that takes full advantage of its low center of gravity. Grip is plentiful, the car stays flat even in fast corners and the steering is wonderfully meaty and communicative. Anyone who prefers to use the power supply to move forward will be delighted with a well-adjusted, yet comfortable car. Tesla makes an effort to take the work off your hands by delivering standard Autopilot. In its simplest form, this consists of an active lane assistant and adaptive cruise control, but is still far from flawless. The car sees everything, but rarely knows how to anticipate slowing traffic and sometimes slows down undesirably. The Tesla does well between the lines.
Easy
The Tesla app does not provide insight into the usage history, but it does work quickly. With the app, the user’s phone immediately serves as a “hands-free” key. As a result, even boarding is an experience at Tesla. Driving away is also so different than usual: no start button here, but simply put the car in “D” and drive away. The driving direction lever on the steering column is one of the few physical controls in an otherwise empty and buttonless interior. Speedometer, blind spot assistant, climate control, audio, adjustment of mirrors and steering wheel plus almost all other functions are hidden in the central touchscreen. That works surprisingly well in practice. The reaction speed is top notch, frequently used parts are always on the screen and those who have to dig a little deeper will have to deal with a smartly structured menu structure. Moreover, due to smart collaboration with user accounts, many things only have to be set once. Differences with the more expensive Long Range version of the Model 3 are almost all software-based. For example, the Spotify function is missing and the navigation system based on Google Maps does not have satellite maps. Fortunately, the system does have a view of all Tesla Superchargers and, like other Teslas, it automatically calculates how long and where to load to reach the destination. The seat behind the wheel is excellent and completely different than in the other two. No high command post here, but a sporty low with an unusually wide view to the front. Thanks to the empty dashboard and the low nose, the windshield extends emotionally to just above the asphalt, which together with the standard glass roof provides a spacious feeling. Unfortunately, the view to the rear is very limited due to the high butt. Here too there is enough space in the back, although adults are forced into an uncomfortable position. The thin glass roof is good news for the main room, which does not last. In terms of ease of use, the Model 3 loses some points due to its small sedan tailgate, which makes it difficult to load large items. However, the car hits back by exploiting the available space much better. The 425-liter luggage space is supplemented by a huge ‘basement’ under the floor and a small extra space in the front to 542 liters.
Equipment
With Tesla, every version is only available in one version. Although the Standard Range plus has to miss some things compared to its more expensive brothers, this car is also in good gear. Electrically adjustable and heated seats with synthetic leather upholstery, climate control, autopilot, 18-inch light metal and the extensive infotainment and navigation system are standard and the option list is limited to colors and wheels, a towbar and a more extensive version of Autopilot.