In a remarkably short period of time since its launch, the Tesla Model 3 has become America’s best-selling compact luxury sedan, dethroning long-established nameplates such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
It must have been quite a shock for the bean counters in Munich and Stuttgart but the truth is the Model 3 has a lot going for it besides the all-electric powertrain that is its main advantage over ICE-powered rivals.
Edmunds’ Carlos Lago wanted to find out if driving fun is among the Tesla’s qualities — more specifically, can it compete with the 3 Series, arguably the best car to drive in the segment?
Also watch: Tesla Model 3 Sets Impressive Lap In Laguna Seca – But There’s A Catch
He pitted a 2017 Tesla Model 3 long-term tester against the all-new 2019 BMW 330i on the track and reached some interesting conclusions. One is that the 3 Series has become too luxurious for its own good, in the sense that it insulates the driver too much from what’s going on with the car.
The Tesla, on the other hand, offers more direct feedback. Of course, it’s in the inherent nature of the electric powertrain to offer instantaneous response and exhilarating acceleration. But the Model 3 goes beyond that. Lago says is it genuinely more fun to drive fast in corners and that’s a really big statement.
Given the placement of the batteries (and mass) in the vehicle floor, the Tesla is deemed more stable in corners, more nimble and, therefore, more enjoyable. Obviously, not everything is perfect in the Tesla and the video will fill you in on its weak points. Still, it’s quite an achievement to be described as more fun to drive on a track than the 3 Series.