Driving Report Tesla Model 3: The Worsen-Improved

The Cybertruck presentation in Munich Parsdorf was also an opportunity for a test drive in the new Model 3, which was offered to us like hot cakes: “Do you already have a Tesla?” – “No, we are from the press and just wanted to drive the new Model 3”…which we certainly wanted to do. “Then you should actually contact the press department…” but they don’t respond to such requests from us, so we gladly drive “privately.”

The sales pressure seems to be enormous

“You absolutely have to drive the Model 3 – have you driven a Tesla before?” Yes, we have driven all the Teslas except for the Roadster, Cybertruck, and Semi, some multiple times. “Then you know your way around: The selector is now on the left side of the screen and the indicator is in the steering wheel.” Very well, we know and want to start, not without the final hint:

"You MUST buy a Tesla!”

Oh my God, how badly does this hyped company need to clear its full yard???

For us, facts count, and swiping on the screen is okay, but the indicator lever is not, because to get onto the highway in Parsdorf near Munich, you have to go through two roundabouts and the solution with the steering wheel indicator buttons is just complete rubbish, since you always have to check the steering wheel position in the curve to indicate correctly.

But enough complaining, our Dual Motor Model 3 still drives like a go-kart, but not as sensitive anymore. The new glass provides great tranquility inside, even the stone clinking in the wheel wells is gone. The sound system, now with 17 instead of 14 speakers and two subwoofers, sounds noticeably richer. And in the rear, you sit on the slightly higher, newly shaped bench a bit better than in the predecessor.

Quick charging, economical, and strong

Acceleration and space utilization remain above reproach, the onboard computer reports a net consumption of 18.7 kWh/100 km over the last 7,166 kilometers with probably rather careless driving, which gross is 20.6 kWh, more economical than the Polestar Long Range in our test. But we expected that – we would probably easily get to 18 kWh/100 km minus x in summer, having also achieved nearly 15 in the Long Range – the economy remained, as did the dense (per station) generously equipped supercharger network with vehicle recognition. Plug in, charge, continue driving, invoice comes automatically. That’s how it all should be!

Noise, comfort, and workmanship all subtly improved

The workmanship also subtly improved and became more valuable, although the line between cool premium and roller-coaster cheap furniture store at Tesla is very thin – although we very much appreciate the restrained design.

And so we swiftly move along, we simply believe the 4.4 seconds to 100, anything under five is wow anyway, of course at 201 km/h it is regulated, otherwise the range would shrink too quickly. Though the sovereignty above 160 km/h does slightly diminish, but it flows most relaxed anyway between 120 and 150 km/h, always knowing that you have generous reserves at any time…well, the 629 km WLTP become rather 375 to 425 km range in reality, but it fits. Mathematically, the Tesla battery should provide 88.06 kWh at 14 kWh/100 km consumption, but in reality, it’s 75…with which the Model 3 can be effortlessly driven, also maintaining its directness and joy of cornering.

Despite everything being packed onto the screen, the operation is still reasonably clear and straightforward – you can still get the hang of the menus, despite their diversity and depth, quicker than with some other manufacturers, especially since there is less swiping needed and instead a lot can be selected directly. What a difference that makes!

On the way back, it starts to drizzle and if blinkers, wipers, and yes, actually the drive selector had just been left as physical LEVERS, that would have simply been more ergonomic. And so, we curve joyfully and briskly, omitting the blinking, through the roundabouts back to the Tesla Center. Where we now get to use the Fastlane to experience the Cybertruck show. Which winks with its LEDs and opens its huge frunk.