Talking Cars Goes Behind the Wheel of the 2018 Tesla Model 3

We share what it's like to drive Tesla's all-new electric luxury compact sports sedan

By Mike Monticello

March 01, 2018

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Main topic: The 2018 Tesla Model 3.

Our panel takes a deep dive into the latest Auto Test Center purchase, the all-new Tesla Model 3 sedan. (We pay for all products we test so that we get the same models consumers buy.)

We discuss everything from the car's quick acceleration and sharp handling to its battery range and solidly built interior.

Speaking of the interior, we question whether the massive 15-inch touch screen is the way of the future or a showy gimmick. We also enlighten viewers on the buying process that allowed us to get our hands on an early Model 3 and why this $35,000 machine ended up costing $59,000.

As with other "Talking Cars" episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You'll also find the audio on Spotify and video on YouTube.

• Top Picks: The Best Cars of 2018, episode 139
• Takata and Other Recalls, episode 138
• Viewer Questions, Ford EcoSport, episode 137
• Decoding Car Safety Systems, episode 136
• Jeep Wrangler, Hot Wheels, episode 135

Mike Monticello

After my dad gave me a ride on his Yamaha two-stroke motorcycle when I was 3, I was hooked on anything with an engine. I got a master's in journalism as a means to an end: To drive cars and get paid for it, which led me to jobs at Road & Track and Edmunds.com. My most thrilling moment so far has been hurtling down the autobahn at a GPS-timed 217.1 mph in a Ruf Rt12. On weekends you can find me churning dirt on my mountain bike or doing car or motorcycle track days. Follow me on Twitter. (@MikeMonticello)