Just got home from an hour's drive on some slippery, slush/snow covered roads. After 20 years of driving Audis with quattro AWD, a few observations about my Model 3 Performance, currently running Michelin Pilot Alpin tires in the OEM 20" size:
- First thing I noticed is that the car feels much more stable in these conditions with acceleration set to "Chill" and regen set to "Low". Otherwise, quick wheelspin in stop and go traffic (though reined in quickly by the stability control) and momentary loss of traction when transitioning to regenerative braking. Maybe not that surprising, but in contrast to the "set and forget" Audis, takes a couple of extra screen taps and a bit more concentration.
- The wipers, set to "Automatic", still required several button taps to maintain reasonable visibility in between automatic swipes in the falling snow. Not surprising, based on what others have experienced.
- Powering out of a corner, the tail will step out slightly - not enough to be troublesome, but still a contrast to the nose-heavy Audis that understeer gently in those scenarios.
- Seat heaters work really well, as do the front and rear defrosters
- Acceleration in "Chill" mode (this was my first extended drive in that mode) is slow. Well, not really slow I guess, but by comparison with Sport - HUGE difference.
- Just like on dry pavement, the car tracks really well, even when changing lanes through slush.
- The tires do their thing of maintaining good traction in these conditions while still being capable/playful when the roads are dry (which even in winter in Chicago is 90% of the time after all)
- Have I mentioned how much I love this car?? No?? I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!
