We own and love a "tent built" 2019 SR+. Every version of a 2019 Model 3 was cross-shopped with every available wheel and tire option. Settled on the SR+ on 19 inch wheels for the additional steering feel and responsiveness compared to the other models. Specifically, the weight of the front drive unit and larger battery just took a little something away from the responsiveness of the OG 3. Range was never the promised 240, not even close. More like 218 and now 204 with 12% battery degradation at 70K miles. Surprisingly, the 2019 has never gotten loose or sloppy. The upper control arms squeaked and were replaced, a 12V battery and one change of rubber despite my somewhat hard driving on the car. Haven't had problems with rattles or loose bit noises, although it is naturally a loud car with lots of wind and tire noise.
We also had two friends buy 2023's. A little more refined and a little heavier. Just explained all of this so the reader has a foundation.
The 2024 surprised me with just how different it is:
+ The refinement is what Mercedes had back when it made supremely comfortable cars (like a W210 with better steering and much better power). Got the sense the car would last forever.
+ Interior noise is controlled like the best Audi's. The interior fit and finish (because the LED catches the eye and it is spot on) is an entire class higher.
+ The new steering wheel is smaller and comes easily to hand. I think the blinkers are fine and will be a quick adjustment. Like other things "Telsa" you will become annoyed with cars that require the extra effort to grab a stalk, eventually.
+ The sightlines appear BETTER than the OG M3, which was already an industry best. Just drove a 993 Porsche 911 and even it doesn't have a cowl this low. The visibility has to be the best of any car currently in production making this a supremely easy car to drive and it adds confidence to the operator.
+ Didn't try the audio system, but, the rest of the interior's sound profile is a MUCH better place to start from. The SR does have speakers disabled (compared to the LR). In the OG I find myself trying to adjust music around the wind and tire noise.
+ Surely the LFP battery is a better choice for most people. Should be "infinite" in human terms.
+ Throttle mapping and brakes are just so spot on. No car has ever done this as well as Tesla.
O The car may not be THAT much quieter. It may be that the frequencies are just better managed. Instead of "whAack" think a better-sounding "whump."
- The new car is heavier, but the weight is well managed. While the OG M3 is light enough to be flicked around (and even tease lift throttle oversteer out of it) the new car did not feel like it would like being pushed that hard. The OG is an eager puppy.
- The new car feels a second slower 0 to 60. The OG M3 had a strong enough pull to keep up with most sports cars 0 to 60. This car is more in the league of a M7 GTI. You'll still beat a Camry, but not by car lengths anymore.
- OG M3 owners will keep checking to see if the car is in "chill." Nope, that's all there is unless you pay for more.
In conclusion, this is a very much-improved Model 3 for the vast majority of buyers who would never cross-shop a Mustang GT or something with an BMW M badge with a Model 3 SR. It is worth the $7,000 more than what someone might get a last-gen car for. But enthusiasts might want to spec the 19 inch wheels and put it on some summer tires or just wait for the performance M3.
The "highland" leaves me very eager to try a Model Y with these same updates. We bought a model X for the "grace, space and pace." A Model Y with the same enhancements as this year's M3 might be a really comfortable, useful, honest (simple) and damn near Luxurious Utility Vehicle.
This Model 3 makes me excited for what Tesla is capable of. We know they have the engineering chops. I've never sensed they knew how to build a refined car until now.
Image credit - Clean Technica / Tesla
We also had two friends buy 2023's. A little more refined and a little heavier. Just explained all of this so the reader has a foundation.
The 2024 surprised me with just how different it is:
+ The refinement is what Mercedes had back when it made supremely comfortable cars (like a W210 with better steering and much better power). Got the sense the car would last forever.
+ Interior noise is controlled like the best Audi's. The interior fit and finish (because the LED catches the eye and it is spot on) is an entire class higher.
+ The new steering wheel is smaller and comes easily to hand. I think the blinkers are fine and will be a quick adjustment. Like other things "Telsa" you will become annoyed with cars that require the extra effort to grab a stalk, eventually.
+ The sightlines appear BETTER than the OG M3, which was already an industry best. Just drove a 993 Porsche 911 and even it doesn't have a cowl this low. The visibility has to be the best of any car currently in production making this a supremely easy car to drive and it adds confidence to the operator.
+ Didn't try the audio system, but, the rest of the interior's sound profile is a MUCH better place to start from. The SR does have speakers disabled (compared to the LR). In the OG I find myself trying to adjust music around the wind and tire noise.
+ Surely the LFP battery is a better choice for most people. Should be "infinite" in human terms.
+ Throttle mapping and brakes are just so spot on. No car has ever done this as well as Tesla.
O The car may not be THAT much quieter. It may be that the frequencies are just better managed. Instead of "whAack" think a better-sounding "whump."
- The new car is heavier, but the weight is well managed. While the OG M3 is light enough to be flicked around (and even tease lift throttle oversteer out of it) the new car did not feel like it would like being pushed that hard. The OG is an eager puppy.
- The new car feels a second slower 0 to 60. The OG M3 had a strong enough pull to keep up with most sports cars 0 to 60. This car is more in the league of a M7 GTI. You'll still beat a Camry, but not by car lengths anymore.
- OG M3 owners will keep checking to see if the car is in "chill." Nope, that's all there is unless you pay for more.
In conclusion, this is a very much-improved Model 3 for the vast majority of buyers who would never cross-shop a Mustang GT or something with an BMW M badge with a Model 3 SR. It is worth the $7,000 more than what someone might get a last-gen car for. But enthusiasts might want to spec the 19 inch wheels and put it on some summer tires or just wait for the performance M3.
The "highland" leaves me very eager to try a Model Y with these same updates. We bought a model X for the "grace, space and pace." A Model Y with the same enhancements as this year's M3 might be a really comfortable, useful, honest (simple) and damn near Luxurious Utility Vehicle.
This Model 3 makes me excited for what Tesla is capable of. We know they have the engineering chops. I've never sensed they knew how to build a refined car until now.
Image credit - Clean Technica / Tesla
