The New Model 3 Is Such a Promising EV That It Doesn't Make Sense To Buy Anything Else

The price is the first thing that matters to a new car buyer who isn't too rich. When writing, the yet-to-be-updated Model 3 Long Range (the best drivetrain configuration) has a starting cost of $47,240. Europe, Asia, and Australia get the new version of the EV because China's ready to manufacture it. North America will probably have to wait for the Freemont plant to overhaul its production line. Tariffs helped Tesla to decide what to do.

For the sake of it, let's assume the all-new Model 3 will arrive stateside with an MSRP of $50,000. It's a round number, which allows us to add the car sales tax on top of it easily. Living in a state like Nevada, where people pay 8.25% to buy a car, means you will end up paying $54,125.

A downpayment of $5,000 for someone with an excellent credit rating who wants a loan with 6% interest to buy a brand-new Model 3 and keep it after five years results in a monthly payment of approximately $870. Keep in mind that this is all hypothetical.

Assuming you're eligible for the EV tax credit makes this acquisition more enticing because it allows you to shave off $7,500 of this year's federal dues in 2024. Some states like Colorado or California also offer their own EV incentives. But we won't dwell on these perks because they apply to individuals living in specific areas who meet certain income limits. It's also a topic that's best left to tax professionals.

$50,000 for an electric vehicle

We'll focus on this round figure as we advance and underline that in today's hectic car market and high interest rates, this is an acceptable price.

But let's see what I, the convinced buyer, would get in exchange for my hard-earned cash.

I'm looking at a brand-new all-wheel-drive EV made by the company that forced the automotive industry to shift from gas-powered vehicles to cleaner powertrains. It's the newest edition of a popular car, one that's sold on nearly every continent on Earth.

Besides that, the novelties include:

• 421 miles of range (based on WLTP data, not EPA), which in a real-world scenario will be closer to 350-ish miles;
• A sleeker exterior and a more stylish interior;
• Ventilated front seats;
• A new infotainment screen with slimmer bezels and sharper graphics;
• A smaller rear screen for the second-row passengers;
• Double-glazed front and rear windows with acoustically insulated windshield and rear window glass;
• A revised suspension setup;
• An upgraded A/C system with more controls;
• The latest Tesla internals for advanced driver-assistance systems;
• Adaptive cruise control (Autopilot);
• A beefier sound system;
• Better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Sadly, this vehicle is missing a bumper camera and the stalks for blinkers, wipers, and shifting. Tesla has put them all on the steering wheel or on the large center display in the name of cost-cutting and streamlining production. This facelift previews just how minimalistic the brand wants to make its units.

Context matters

My daily commute usually means traveling around 45 miles from home to work and back. A complete charge of the battery would be enough for at least a week, even when the outside temperature is too high or too low.

But I wouldn't have to visit a Supercharger or any other high-power charging station when weekly driving plans get unexpectedly extended because I can plug in the car overnight at home. If you have solar panels, that's even better! However, having access to one of the most reliable DC fast-charging networks out there allows me to completely forget about range anxiety.

I don't have a large family, so I can easily accommodate everyone in the Model 3 and even take a friend with us on a trip.

The roads are also good in my area, which allows me to not worry about damaging the tires, the rims, or the suspension system.

Gas is expensive, and it seems like it won't stop from maintaining this uptrend. Moreover, I also want to do more for the local environment. Not burning fossil fuels is a great way to minimize my carbon footprint in my area. I do plan on putting more than 50,000 miles on the odo before selling it, so I could (at least theoretically) offset the pollution associated with the production process.

Looking at the car market today reveals that the new Model 3 Long Range doesn't have any serious competitors. All other all-electric sedans are either too pricey or are in their first, yet-to-be facelifted generation. I am not particularly inclined to pay more (looking at you, BMW i4, and Mercedes-Benz EQE) for less range and to test the experiments of other brands. At the same time, I don't look at crossovers that are made just to fill a gap or exist to grow some profit margins.

There truly isn't something that would seriously make me consider other all-electric vehicles. I'd even go as far as to say that the new Model 3 could be the only car someone like me would need for the foreseeable future.

A couple of small worries

The only real problems I see are Tesla ditching the stalks, the brand's service centers that lately don't have enough parts, the build quality that stained Tesla's reputation, the absence of a head-up display (HUD), the forgotten ultrasonic sensors for parking, and physical controls for the A/C, and the obsession with presenting unfinished software as a marvelous tech solution.

But if some people learned how to drive with a yoke, I believe figuring out how to indicate by pressing one of the two buttons on the steering wheel when turning can't be that hard.

The build quality is already a known issue with Tesla, so a comprehensive check before accepting delivery will ensure that I won't have to deal with a service ticket that could take weeks to resolve.

Moreover, liking physical controls might just be the stubborn gearhead in me talking, so that could also be resolved.

We're at a point where Tesla could become a true industry leader. I'm willing to overlook not having certain useful things like a HUD, stalks, and parking sensors because a car mainly used for traveling around town and in neighboring counties doesn't need the fanciest gadgets and all the options in the world. A simpler build could also translate into a more dependable car.

Leaving FSD Beta and the promises of Elon Musk aside, the refreshed Model 3 Long Range is shaping up to become a champion. If the brand can churn out enough cars without compromising on fit and finish again, it will certainly be a winner.

Like it or not, the latest Model 3 will most likely be the new Toyota Camry. It was a great commuting appliance that just got better. And I'm very close to pressing the "Order with card" button. If news about the facelifted Model Y doesn't come soon enough, I might just do it!

Paying $50,000 for a car has never made more sense than now. And I'm not even a Tesla fan or investor.