How Much Will a Tesla Model 3 Cost?

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Now that the first Tesla Model 3 units have been delivered, everybody’s asking one question: How much will a Tesla Model 3 cost?

Since the Model 3’s first debut, Tesla has touted it as a $35,000 car and luckily, it has kept its promise. The Standard Tesla Model 3 will start from $35,000 and that nets you a range of 220 miles, a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, and a top speed of 130 mph. As for charging, the Standard model gets about 130 miles of range per 30 minutes on a Supercharger or 30 miles of range per hour on a home 240V outlet with 32A.

But the Standard version isn’t available until next year, as the first few months of production will focus on the Long Range option to simplify things as Tesla ramps up production. The Long Range Tesla Model 3 has a starting price of $44,000, returning a range of 310 miles, a zero-to-60 time of 5.1 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph. As expected, the Long Range version charges up a bit quicker, getting 170 miles of range per 30 minutes on a Supercharger or 37 miles of range per hour on a 240V outlet.

Both models get a few things standard, including a 15-inch touchscreen display, dual zone climate control system, FM/internet streaming radio, textile seating, and a front center console with open storage and two USB ports. Onboard maps and navigation along with Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity are also included, along with other high-tech features such as voice-activated controls, keyless entry and remote climate control using the Tesla app, Bluetooth hands-free calling, backup camera, auto dimming rearview mirror, one-touch power windows throughout, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a 12-volt power outlet.

Standard safety features on the Tesla Model 3 include full LED exterior lighting, seven cameras, forward radar, 12 ultrasonic sensors, six front row and two side curtain airbags, three-point safety belts with belt-reminders, two LATCH attachments in the second row, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic parking brake, child safety locks, anti-theft alarm system, and tire pressure monitoring system.

All Model 3 sedans come standard with a four-year, 50,000-mile limited warranty on the vehicle, and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. The Long Range version gets a 120,000-mile warranty on the battery.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Model 3 Adds ‘Long Range’ Variant with 310-Mile Range

While Tesla is sticking to the promise of delivering a well-equipped vehicle for $35,000, most shoppers will likely opt for the additional range at $44,000. But from there, the options could get pricey and what you end up truly paying for a Tesla Model 3 puts you in the same territory as a used Model S. For example, only the Solid Black paint color is standard, which means all other available paint shades cost $1,000 extra. Buyers will get to choose from Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Pearl White Multi-Coat, and Red Multi-Coat. Standard wheels are 18-inch Aero, while 19-inch Sport wheels will cost $1,500 more.

If you want more luxury in your Model 3, chances are you will want to spring for the $5,000 Premium Upgrades Package. That includes premium heated seating and cabin materials throughout, including open pore wood trim and two rear USB ports. Up front, the seats are now 12-way power adjustable, along with steering column and side mirrors, and custom driver profiles. The audio system also gets an upgrade with more power, tweeters, surround speakers, and a subwoofer, while up top there’s a tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection. The side mirrors are also swapped out for auto dimming, power folding, and heated units, while LED fog lamps adorn the front bumper. The center console also gets upgraded with covered storage and docking for two smartphones.

Lastly, if you want a Model 3 with Enhanced Autopilot, you’ll have to pay $5,000 extra. That package will allow the Model 3 to match speed to traffic conditions, keep within a lane, automatically change lanes, transition from one freeway to another, exit the freeway, and self-park at your destination. Like existing Tesla vehicles, additional features will likely roll out over time through software updates. Now, if you want a fully autonomous Tesla Model 3, that will be another extra $3,000. Tesla doesn’t have a time frame as to when the vehicles will be fully self-driving but does promise the hardware found in each production Model 3 will have the capability to do so.

If you’re wondering how much a Tesla Model 3 costs out the door, the extras could add up quickly and the total may surprise you. If you’re wanting a fully loaded Model 3 with all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at dropping $59,500 not including destination. That’s compared to an entry, base Tesla Model S that starts from $69,500. Package pricing for both the Model 3 and the Model S are the same, although some paint options on the Model S are $1,500 instead of $1,000.

There’s still quite a gap if you’re looking at comparably equipped cars between the Model 3 and the Model S. Keep in mind all these prices are before any government incentives or rebates, which may still be questionable depending on when Tesla sells its 200,000th vehicle and the rebates start scaling back. It’s best not to take that into consideration if you’re planning to put a deposit on a Model 3 right now since there are reportedly half-a-million pre-orders at the moment.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • K.C. K.C. on Aug 03, 2017

    $35,000 Tesla Model 3 base price $1,200 Destination $1,000 Color other than black $1,500 19" wheels $9,000 Long range battery (short range battery will be built later) $5,000 Premium Upgrades Package $5,000 Autopilot Average price is $57,700.00 Not including $3,000 Full self-driving (upgrade to come later) or Dual Motors (AWD)

  • K.C. K.C. on Aug 03, 2017

    Tesla estimates Federal tax credits will be: $7500 now-Mar 2018 $3250 Apr-Sep 2018 $1875 Oct 2018-Mar 2019 $0 Apr 2019

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