I test drove the Tesla Model 3. Here are some things you need to know

This article is translated by Leifeng.com.

In Tesla's product line, Model 3 is undoubtedly the latest and most "affordable" model. However, when I stepped on the accelerator of Model 3, I immediately found the familiar feeling that this is still a Tesla.

The Model 3 is still incredibly quiet while still delivering its signature frenetic acceleration and without losing its AutoPilot semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Although Tesla CEO Elon Musk always reminds users that Model S is Tesla's true flagship sedan, if you are not pursuing perfection in everything, then Model 3 will definitely satisfy you.

In my opinion, this car can be regarded as a new tipping point in the automotive industry. Its arrival means that electric vehicles and their supporting infrastructure are finally entering their heyday.

However, Tesla's fate still needs time to prove, and Musk must meet a deadline to complete the production task. After all, the number of Model 3 orders has exceeded 500,000. If there is a problem with Tesla's factory, Musk and the team will feel the pressure of delivery. However, judging from today's delivery ceremony, Tesla still has a bright future.

In order to ensure the speed of mass production, Tesla only prepared two configurations for Model 3:

• One is a base version priced at $35,000, with a range of 220 miles (about 354 kilometers) and a 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.6 seconds;

• The other model has a range of 310 miles (499 kilometers) and accelerates 0.5 seconds faster, but the price has increased to $44,000.

It should be noted that both configurations use single-motor rear-wheel drive, and the dual-motor four-wheel drive version may not be officially launched until a few months later.

Of course, Tesla also provides optional services, and the price is not low.

From the outside, the Model 3 is just a smaller Model S, and its trunk does not adopt a hatchback design. However, Tesla still said that as long as the rear seats are folded down, a mountain bike can be stuffed into the car smoothly.

Although hidden door handles are also used, the door handles of Model 3 will not pop out automatically. They are pushed to open, and the user's mobile phone needs to be connected to Model 3 via Bluetooth to complete unlocking and other operations.

At the same time, Model 3 also replaced the traditional car key with an object similar to a hotel room card . You can unlock the vehicle by touching the B-pillar with this card.

The interior design is the most distinctive feature of Model 3. It implements the minimalist style in every corner and looks full of Nordic style.

"At Tesla, everything has to meet the standard of beauty," said Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's chief designer . "We cut out everything that was not necessary to create this clean and minimal interior."

However, the interior of Model 3 is also quite simple. Apart from the 15-inch horizontal screen, the buttons, switches and even the dashboard on traditional cars have been removed by the designers. The air conditioning, radio, navigation, headlights, etc. must be adjusted through the screen.

Another highlight of the Model 3's interior is actually the design of the air-conditioning vents. A long vent runs through the entire center console without feeling abrupt at all.

Although this design is a bit minimalist for the sake of simplicity compared to traditional mechanical air outlets, Tesla said that its design actually saves a lot of moving parts. The meticulous attention to details is probably an important reason why everyone becomes a fan of Tesla.

After getting seated, lightly step on the Model 3's accelerator, and the car will rush out quickly. The acceleration of electric cars is always surprising, and the Model 3 is no exception. Although it cannot compare with the "ludicrous mode" of the Model S, the future high-performance version will probably not disappoint.

Although this is Tesla's cheapest model, the Model 3 is still solidly made, with no unusual noises from either the body or the motor. The only sounds you can hear are wind noise and tire noise.

In terms of gear design, Tesla uses a hand-shift gear similar to that of Mercedes-Benz. The control lever on the right side of the steering wheel can control functions such as parking, reversing, neutral, forward and Autopilot.

In addition, there are two rollers on the Model 3's steering wheel, which are used to perform operations such as adjusting the volume and rearview mirror.

Although the price is much lower than that of Model S, the Model 3's Autopilot suite has not reduced the number of sensors (8 cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors and an on-board computing platform) .

At present, the function of Autopilot is relatively limited, but Musk has promised that fully autonomous driving functions will be available to users in the future, but the upgrade time is still unknown.

Model 3 is not the first mass-market electric car on the market. Chevrolet Bolt and BMW i3 are its competitors, but at the same price, I'm afraid no one can resist the charm of Model 3.

Under Musk's halo as the "Iron Man of Silicon Valley", Tesla has entered the "must-buy list" of many people. It is reasonable that the Model 3 has received 500,000 orders with such a conscientious price.

At the Model 3 delivery ceremony, Tesla employees came out in full force to witness the historic moment when Musk handed over the car keys (cards) to the first 30 car owners (all Tesla employees) .

The first batch of Model 3 was sold to its own employees not only to reward their efforts, but also to make them the first batch of "guinea pigs" for Model 3 and find out the defects of the vehicle.

After the short delivery ceremony, Tesla employees returned to the factory to start their intense work. Musk said: "In order to meet user needs, we will go through hellish challenges in the next six months."

Indeed, Tesla aims to achieve an annual production target of 500,000 vehicles next year.