Is the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive?
2 Answers
The domestically produced Model 3 is rear-wheel drive, while the imported version is all-wheel drive. The domestically produced version is a single-motor model, whereas the imported version is a dual-motor model. The Model 3 is a medium-sized pure electric vehicle under Tesla. The domestically produced Model 3's motor has a maximum power of 202 kW and a maximum torque of 375 Nm. The imported Model 3 comes in two variants: one is the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version, and the other is the Performance All-Wheel Drive version. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive version has a front motor with a maximum power of 147 kW and a rear motor with a maximum power of 188 kW. The Performance All-Wheel Drive version has a front motor with a maximum power of 147 kW and a rear motor with a maximum power of 211 kW. The dimensions of the currently available Tesla Model 3 models are 4694 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1443 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2875 mm.
Regarding the drive configuration of the Model 3, Tesla's design employs a rear-wheel drive system for the standard version, meaning a single motor operates at the rear of the vehicle. This setup makes the car lighter and more energy-efficient, particularly suited for daily commuting or urban driving, with smooth acceleration feel. The Long Range and Performance versions, however, feature all-wheel drive with dual motors working simultaneously at the front and rear, delivering enhanced traction and stability on slippery roads or during high-speed cornering, effectively addressing the rear-wheel drive's tendency to slip in snowy conditions. I find Tesla's multi-version strategy quite smart—it allows users to choose based on their needs. Having test-driven the Performance version, I can attest to its exhilarating acceleration, though the rear-wheel drive variant is perfectly adequate for those mindful of budget. Additionally, all-wheel drive adds some weight, which may slightly impact range, but overall optimization is excellent.
