IAA Mobility 2023: Tesla Model 3 – first seating test

Visually, the Tesla Model 3 doesn't look much different from its predecessor. The structural changes are mostly cosmetic: Acoustic glazing and the new Hankook ion tires make the Model 3 significantly quieter – previously, you could hear every pebble clicking in the wheel arches. The air-conditioned seats at the front and rear also add more comfort, with the front seats being new. There's also a small infotainment screen in the rear – all things that unfortunately make the Model 3 heavier.

The Trick with the Top Speed

But how can it still become more efficient when the battery and drive remain unchanged? By optimizing the aerodynamics, reducing the top speed to 201 km/h for all versions, and switching to fuel-efficient tires. The Hankook Ion tires also roll more quietly! Other tricks: the front trunk lid has been slightly raised in front of the wipers to direct air over it and onto the windshield. Additionally, aerodynamically optimized wheels have been added.

Steering Column Lever? It's Gone!

Unfortunately, the steering wheel has lost the steering column lever, which we consider to be an ergonomic folly... it saves costs but doesn’t offer any advantages in daily use. On a more positive note, Tesla has developed a new sound system that provides a subtly richer sound. There are also now three USB-C ports available for charging smartphones.

Many details that make the car, for 1,000 Euros more, primarily more comfortable. The build quality remains at best at an "Okay" level – this is evidenced by the gaps and the alignment of the interior light strip and its connection from the door to the A-pillar. This can wobble wildly like the Peugeot 3008 (at the very beginning, then it got dramatically better) or run smoothly like the Opel Insignia – the Model 3 falls somewhere wobbly between both Stellantis products.

The taillights are now part of the trunk lid, and the Model 3 is illuminated at night by reflectors and parking lights at the bottom of the bumper. Side impact protection has also been improved, with an additional reinforcement in the B-pillar area.