10 Tesla Model 3 Competitors to Consider

2018 Tesla Model 3 ・ Photo by Tesla

Elon Musk’s Tesla started accepting $1,000 deposits for the 2018 Model 3 in 2016, and received somewhere in the range of 455,000 reservations by July 2017. The first delivery of Model 3 (to Musk himself) took place on July 7, 2017. By August 31, 2018, more than 58,000 Model 3 sedans had been delivered.

Rear-wheel drive Model 3 starts at $49,000; Dual-motor all-wheel drive Model 3 starts at $55,000; and Performance Model 3 starts at $64,000 – all with a long-range battery and premium interior. Model 3 is rated to achieve a range of 310 miles on a full charge, with 0 – 60 mph estimated at 3.5 seconds (Performance) to 5.1 seconds (RWD). Enhanced Autopilot adds $5,000, and full self-driving capability requires an additional $3,000 on top of that – though “this functionality is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval,” according to Tesla.

Here are 10 Tesla Model 3 Competitors to Consider.

2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD

The 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is Acura’s flagship sedan, and a good competitor to consider if you’re looking at the Model 3. It combines luxury, efficiency and performance, with an emphasis on performance.

The RLX Sport Hybrid uses three electric motors in concert with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine to produce 377 total system horsepower, delivering EPA fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city/29 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) gives lightning-fast gear changes, and uses an electronic gear selector. The RLX employs torque vectoring from the twin rear electric motors to enhance its cornering feel. The AcuraWatch suite of advanced driver assistance features is standard on every RLX. Prices start at $61,900.

Photo by Acura

2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Audi is set to reveal details about its future e-tron all-electric SUV, but the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid is available right now to compete with the Model 3. Though it is a compact model, its hatchback layout makes it a very useful vehicle with a small footprint.

A 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine gets additional boost from a 75-kW electric motor to deliver impressive acceleration off the line. A3 can be ordered with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS services. Four drive modes allow A3 e-tron drivers to decide how they want to use their electric power – for efficiency or for enhanced performance. Prices start at $39,500.

Photo by Audi

2019 BMW 330e iPerformance

With an impressive MPGe estimate of 71, the 2019 BMW 330e iPerformance sedan brings some of the technology from the futuristic BMW i8 to the proven chassis of the 3 Series. While Tesla has just a few years of premium performance under its belt, BMW has decades of experience to back up the 330e.

The 330e uses a 2.0-liter twin turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an integrated electric motor to deliver 248 system horsepower, good enough to scoot from 0 – 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and an exclusive eDrive Remote App points you to the location of nearby charging stations. Prices for the 330e iPerformance start at $45,600, and you can pile on options like a head-up display and premium audio to up the luxury quotient.

Photo by BMW

2019 Chevrolet Bolt

It’s not a luxury vehicle. It’s a compact, not a mid-size. But the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt still is a potent competitor to consider when you’re looking at the Tesla Model 3.

Prices start at $36,620, and Bolt can travel up to 238 miles on a single charge. It comes with a 10.2-inch diagonal color touch-screen interface, and can go from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Chevy has tuned Bolt’s regenerative braking system so that you can practice one-pedal driving, using the throttle almost exclusively as the brake engages on deceleration. Using a 240-volt/32-amp charging unit (not included), Bolt can be recharged at a rate of 25 miles per hour of charge – easily topping off the battery to full overnight, when electricity rates are at their lowest.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Ford Fusion Energi

Don’t worry about the announcement that Ford plans to shift to developing and building more SUVs in the near future. We live in the present, and the present is rich with the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid with EV Mode.

Intelligently, the Fusion Energi lets you pick which way you want to expend your energy when you drive. You can choose gasoline power only, electric power only (EV Mode), or a combination of both (Hybrid Mode). This is particularly useful and efficient if you have a daily commute that involves mixed driving. Pick gas mode for the freeway, and save EV mode for the heavy traffic in the city. Fusion Energi’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide can help train you to be a more efficient driver. Fusion Energi starts at $34,595.

Photo by Ford

2019 Jaguar I-Pace

Starting at $69,500, the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. A mid-size luxury crossover vehicle, I-Pace has a range of up to 240 miles on a single charge, and is capable of accelerating from 0 – 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

I-Pace’s 90 kWh battery pack is a collection of lithium-ion pouch cells that are mounted low in the chassis for balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors combine to drive the I-Pace with 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque. I-Pace’s generous rear cargo hold can swallow up to 25.3 cubic feet of luggage, and a bonus front cargo compartment can handle an additional 0.95 cubic feet of stuff.

Photo by Jaguar

2019 Lexus ES Hybrid

Lexus has plenty of experience building premium sedans with a high level of fit and finish, and the most experience of any premium car maker in building electrified vehicles. The 2019 Lexus ES 300 h hybrid starts at $41,310. With 215 total system horsepower, it can deliver a combined mpg estimate of 44 and a total range of 581 miles.

With an all-new exterior and interior design for 2019, ES is more attractive, sporty and luxurious than ever, with hand-stitching on the dash and available aluminum interior accents that are inspired by Japanese sword-making. ES is the first Lexus to offer Apple CarPlay (finally). Lexus Enform can be ordered with onboard Wi-Fi and remote smartwatch functionality, and Mark Levinson Pureplay sound is specially matched to the ES interior.

Photo by Lexus

2019 Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

The C-Class has moved up the ladder from entry-level luxury to premium sports sedan, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-in Hybrid Sedan takes that formula to a new, more efficient and sustainable level, securing its position as a viable competitor for the Tesla Model 3.

C 350e uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor to generate 275 system horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, good enough to get from a dead stop to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at up to 51 MPGe by the EPA. A seven-speed automatic transmission drives the rear wheels. Pricing for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 350e Sedan starts at $47,900.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Nissan Leaf

The original Leaf was the best-selling electric car in the world, and a makeover for 2018 improved just about every aspect of this compact, affordable all-electric vehicle. Prices start at $29,990 and go up to $36,200.

Leaf uses a 110 kW AC synchronous electric motor that puts out 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, drawing charge from a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery. A 6.6 kW onboard charger is included, along with a portable 120-volt trickle-charge cable. A 120-volt/240-volt portable charge cable allows you to sneak a charge from a standard 240-volt wall outlet, without the need for an external charging box. There’s no transmission – just a single-speed reduction gear. Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control improve handling and ride quality from the independent front/torsion beam rear suspension system.

Photo by Nissan

2019 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

When it comes to premium sport performance cars, you have to consider Porsche’s offerings. The 2019 Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (starting at $99,600) is a rocket ship of a sport sedan, thanks to a maximum combined gasoline/electric power output of 462 hp. The all-wheel drive Panamera 4 can get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 172 mph.

A twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine and single electric motor with a 14-kWh lithium-ion battery take care of propulsion, delivering up to 46 MPGe. The roomy sedan can travel up to 16 miles on electric power alone in EV mode. And when it comes time to compare a Tesla Model 3 with a Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, there’s an easy answer – hey, it’s a Porsche. Case closed.

Photo by Porsche