Tesla Model 3: It Remains Kinda Ugly In Person

I have started to see some Tesla Model 3’s around town. As I see the vehicle in person, it falls into the ‘photographs bad’ and ‘looks bad’ category. I really hope it will grow on me though.

*Preemptive disclosure: I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.*

When Tesla is in the news, it seems to dominate my mind for quite some time. This time, however, it is because I have started to see a couple Model 3’s in my area and what I had originally chalked up to bad photo angles is confirmed.

In my opinion, it is not a pretty car.

Sometimes cars just don’t photograph well.

I always give a car the benefit of the doubt on judging how it looks until I can see it in person.  There are a ton of cars that just do not come across right in a photo. The prime example of this, for me, is the second gen (2011-2017) Mercedes-Benz CLS class coupe. In person, the car is easily one of the most gorgeous vehicles out there right now.  t hits all the spots just right.

In photos though, it looks awkward and weird – just doesn’t come across right. This is what I was hoping would be the fate of the Tesla Model 3.

I wanted the Model 3 to be as sleek as the Model S.

The Model S is a pretty good-looking car; it has had some minor updates in its time, but they have all worked well. The Model X SUV is a victim of scaling that design language. I have never met someone who thinks it is an attractive vehicle. I believe that Tesla’s Model 3 falls into this category as well. Tesla has the right idea, though, in carrying the design language throughout its entire vehicle lineup.

This is how all automakers should be. The average person should be able to instantly tell “this is an X” just by the design cues. BMW does this with the kidney grills and Ford with the Aston Martin-like front end. Tesla’s distinctive roofline and lack of grill are its telltale signs.

It is a design language that works very well on low and stretched-out cars, but has not translated well when shortened or heightened.

With that said, I still want one.

Watch the video clip below from Top Gear to get a closer look inside Tesla’s Model 3.

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I have a weakness for cars that do what they are meant to do extremely well. That is exactly what I think the Tesla Model 3 will end up being. Once some of the kinks are worked out, I feel the Model 3 will be a great and reliable people mover. It might just slot into my garage perfectly.