After almost a decade of teases, promises, and back-of-the-envelope calculations from journalists and fans the world afar, Tesla Motors has finally unveiled the Model 3, a $35,000 product that aims to bring high-end electric cars to the masses. We?ve had lower-priced EVs before, including the Nissan Leaf, the dowdy Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and the sort-of-kind-of Chevy Volt. What makes the Model 3 special is the Tesla pedigree?which should mean BMW 3 Series-like performance, and certainly does mean striking styling, as is evidenced by the final reveal.

The base model car seats five comfortably, and should be good for 0-60 in less than six seconds, CEO Elon Musk says: ?At Tesla, we don?t make slow cars. And of course, there will be versions that go much faster.? The base model will have a 215-mile range. That puts it within spitting distance of a 328i with the turbo four, and while a gas tank will still offer more range and faster fill-ups, 215 miles puts the Model 3 at more than double what you?ll get out of any non-Tesla EV on a single charge. The glass roof extends from the base of the windshield all the way back to the trunk lid. The overall look emphasizes the wheelbase, with the four wheels pushed out to near the edges and what promises to be a roomier-than-usual interior. Musk promised the car will achieve 5-star safety ratings ?in every category,? and will include an array of standard (not optional) Autopilot-style safety features. ?We really believe safety has to come...