New Tesla Model 3 2018 - pictures

Read the full story of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tesla/model-3/87867/new-tesla-model-3-specs-and-full-details-ahead-of-production-car-launch">Tesla Model 3</a>

Read the full story of the <a href="https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tesla/model-3/87867/new-tesla-model-3-specs-and-full-details-ahead-of-production-car-launch">Tesla Model 3</a>

The Model 3 will go head-to-head with some of the best compact executive cars around - namely the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class.

The Model 3 will start from just $35,000 in the US - around £24,400 - so will doubtless worry producers or more mainstream electric cars like the Nissan Leaf or BMW i3.

The Model 3's interior is spartan and futuristic, with a minimum of controls and a massive central tablet controlling all the car's functions.

Tesla founder Elon Musk says 'Tesla doesn't make slow cars,' which accounts for the Model 3's sub-6-second 0-60mph time.

The Model 3 promises a minimum range of 215 miles thanks to advanced lithium ion batteries.

Appearance-wise, the Model 3 looks very much like a shrunken Model S - albeit without the front grille.

It's not often a car is as eagerly anticipated as the Tesla Model 3, and now the company has unveiled it in full at an event in California.

The Tesla Model 3 is likely to go on sale in the UK in 2017.

Tesla Model 3 customers queuing at a dealership in California ahead of the car's reveal.