The cars produced by Tesla have become very famous in recent years, with its EV technology being spoken about in the media for sometimes good reasons and sometimes very bad reasons. There have been some very successful cars to come from the brand, with the Cybertruck being hyped up considerably and the Tesla Model S Plaid looking to be one of the fastest cars on the market. At the same time, the Tesla Model 3 has been very successful among car lovers, and the car has received an update for the 2021 year.
The Tesla Model 3 has been praised for its styling and appeal to EV fans, and for some, it is the perfect EV on the market. However, some considerable competitors are squaring up to the Tesla Model 3, with cars like the Polestar 2 being capable of matching it in many areas. As such, making up our minds on which one to buy can be difficult, especially when owning an EV is a serious investment. With this in mind, we are bringing you some reasons why the Tesla Model 3 is the perfect EV to buy, but also some reasons on why buying the competition may be better.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About The Tesla Model 2
10 Why The Model 3: Cheaper Than Its Rivals
The Tesla Model 3 is actually a considerable amount cheaper than its rivals. For a standard Tesla Model 3 2021 model, the car costs $39,400 which is a very affordable price for an EV of the mid-size sedan range. Especially when looking at the Model 3s most formidable rivals, the Polestar 2 and the Mercedes EQA, there are big differences in the prices.
The Polestar 2 starts at $59,900 and the expected starting price for the Mercedes EQA is $55,300. Both of these are a considerable amount more than the Tesla Model 3 as standard, but when adding on optional extras too the price of the Polestar and Mercedes become even more expensive than the performance Tesla 3. However, sadly it doesn't look like the Tesla will become any cheaper, with the brand getting rid of the cheapest model.
9 Why The Competition: Build Quality Problems
The build quality of the Tesla Model 3 has been brought into question. There have been reports of large panel gaps and poor paintwork on the cars. Indeed, it has received many complaints regarding its reliability, as has been the case with many other Tesla models too.
When looking at competing brands like Volkswagen with the VW ID.3, its cars have long been known for quality and reliability. As such, if it is considerable levels of reliability that you're after, you should probably look for the brands which are known for reliability that offer a similar experience to the Model 3 instead of taking a big gamble.
8 Why The Model 3: Spacious
While the Tesla Model 3 and its competitors share having five seats, the Tesla is actually feels much bigger inside thanks to the design of the car. Thanks to the glass roof, the car is very much open and it feels like there is more room than there is because of this. Indeed, the car being so open provides a much nicer driving experience in a mid-size sedan and will make the car feel more luxurious.
Also, the minimalist design of the car makes it look much more futuristic, bringing with it a clear driving experience and the car isn't too bulky inside because of this. Compared to the Mercedes EQA, there is generally more space at the dashboard, and there is less of a busy instrument cluster and infotainment space. As such, if it's a clean space you're after, the Tesla may be the correct choice.
7 Why The Competition: Improved Technology
Tesla isn't the only brand making technological improvements to its cars and being pioneers in the tech world. Many other brands are working hard to make their technology even better. This is true with competition like the Chevrolet Bolt. Chevrolet has made some improvements to the Bolt, with a world-class Regenerative Braking mechanism.
The Regenerative Braking is used through a Regen on Demand paddle and when pulling back the paddle the maximum amount of regenerative force will be applied without having to use the friction brake. This improves the amount of time which someone needs to be on the pedal and it easily enforces urgent braking, but not emergency braking. The braking system also helps to recharge some of the battery, even while this may not be a lot, it is still a refined feature and one that puts the Bolt in some ways ahead of the Tesla in this regard.
6 Why The Model 3: Autonomy Improvements
There have been many problems with autonomous vehicles recently, with crashes being caused and their general safety has been called into question. Indeed, it has been deadly in some situations and this is far from ideal from the Tesla brand. However, there have been some improvements made to the updated Tesla Model 3.
With an over-the-air update, a person always has to be behind the wheel when a car is autonomous driving. This is far safer than previously, with there being tales of people sleeping while the car was driving itself. As such, this is a bonus point for the new Tesla Model 3.
5 Why The Competition: More Refinement
When it comes to looking at cars like the Polestar 2, there is a general refined nature about them that the Tesla Model 3 doesn't have. One key part of this is that the Polestar 2 comes with better use of materials. This is not to discuss build quality, but the fact that the Polestar feels a little bit more luxurious and more appealing to sit in.
For example, the Volvo interior feels a bit more refined thanks to the decedent use of sound-deadening and wood. Indeed, while the Tesla Model 3 is very nice inside, the Polestar just feels that little bit extra, which certainly pays off as the overall refined appeal of the car is increased.
4 Why Model 3: Superior Performance
The Tesla Model 3 is fast, and this pays off when looking at how slow its competitors are. For a top-of-the-range performance Tesla Model 3, the car can accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, and it can go 162 mph at top speed. When comparing this to the Polestar 2 and the Mercedes EQA, the Tesla out-performs them with ease.
The Polestar 2 takes 4.1 seconds to go 0-60 mph and the Mercedes EQA takes 5.8 seconds in its fastest model. At the same time, their top speeds are 127.4 mph and 100 mph respectively. As such, the Tesla is definitely the one to buy if you're looking for a fast EV that dominates over its competition.
3 Why The Competition: Better Infrastructure
When looking at the dealership networks and servicing offered by Tesla's competing brands, this is often much better than what Tesla has to offer. With the Tesla Model 3, there may be better charging networks available for the vehicle and, indeed, no one is really doing it better than Tesla at the minute.
However, competitors like VW and Mercedes are offering much better dealership networking and servicing of their cars. Indeed, this is providing them with an edge over the Model 3 as the support from these brands is making them very lucrative for what could have been Tesla buyers. As such, if you're looking for plenty of support and dealership networks, maybe a different car is the best way to go here.
2 Why The Model 3: Range
The range of the Tesla Model 3 is fantastic. Indeed, not many cars can come close. The Model 3 can go 353 miles once charged up, which is very far considering that the Polestar 2 can do 261 miles in terms of range and the Mercedes EQA can do 302 miles. Here, the competitors of the Model 3 are less substantial in terms of range and their ability to take drivers on long journeys.
This is definitely a bonus for the Tesla brand when it comes to owners looking for a car that is suitable for long journeys, and it gives the brand another edge over its competitors in this regard. Indeed, combining this with the fast speeds of the Tesla, it offers a much better package than its competitors in this sense.
1 Why The Competition: Brand History
When looking at cars like the Polestar 2 and its owner being Volvo, the car is set up to be very safe and very much like all other Volvo cars in this regard. However, the history of Tesla being safe isn't as common and this offers Polestar a much better entry into competing with the Model 3. Despite Tesla's Model 3 being one of the safer models as improvements have happened, the brand's history still precedes itself.
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While we have mentioned the issues with autonomous driving above, there have been substantial problems with the Tesla cars previously blowing themselves up. This is not safe and there are bound to be worries of similar stories occurring again, so some may wish to opt for a brand that has been safe for years and prides itself on how safe its cars are - EV or not.