Tesla: "Model 3 is not the next-generation Tesla"

The Tesla Model 3, despite being the brand’s newest model by more than a year, will not be the most advanced car in the Tesla range, its maker has announced.

Following the huge hype built up around the car, Tesla clarified the Model 3’s position in relation to the rest of the lineup as a tier below the Model S and X – which it describes as “higher-priced premium models”, when responding to customers who asked if they should trade their Model S for a Model 3 upon the car’s release.

The statement also realigned the upcoming electric BMW 3 Series rival’s range to ‘at least’ 215 miles for the entry-level Model 3; 33 miles less than the entry-level Tesla Model S 60, which achieves 248 miles of range in rear-wheel drive set-up. This model is also soon to be cut from the Model S line-up.

Despite positioning the Model 3 as a non-premium model, Tesla claims it will be just as safe as the Model S, but will be ‘smaller simpler, and will come with far fewer options than Model S’. The statement also attempted to quell some of the hype around the much-anticipated Model 3, explaining: "it isn’t 'Version 3' or the next generation Tesla."