We always laugh at the news reports when Portland, Or gets a snow storm. The smart people stay home, it's those with AWD who believe some how they won't get stuck who are shown stranded at the side of the road, or worse flipped over from a skid. I grew up in CT. with no AWD cars, winter tires and some common sense. I think AWD is over hyped.
I can't wait, so that's why I'm not getting a bare bones 35K M3.
But unbelievable value to price ratio.
Your car will have the hardware. Software update is a bit more expensive afterwards than upon ordering, but anyway - you will want AP, as soon as possible, once you try it
I don't know, I have an S85 that our family loves, but range has always been something we have wanted more of. The 3 starts at 220, but if you charge to the recommended 90% you are now at 198, I then take another 10% off mentally to account for normal driving and heat/ac use in Southern California, and that leaves you at about 178 of miles until zero. But, realistically driving to zero is a really bad idea, so I like to be close to home or a charger with about 20 miles left, so that equates to about 158 T3 base model anxiety free miles of range. Depending on T3 vampire drain (which we don't know yet) you might lose 5-10 miles a night/day while not charging. To me, your drive two days, charge one schedule may not be practical. One short grocery trip could upset that Apple cart.
The batteries are different, so no range upgrade later on.
Option 2 jumps at me more. You can always add on autopilot, but you can't add on the long range motor. I have a 6 week old Model S 100D, and autopilot is definitely cool, and I use it sometimes, but not sure if it's $5K cool. Plus you still have to be focusing and keeping your hands near or on the wheel. It's not like you can be fiddling with your phone while using AP. Cars may be heading towards autonomy, but they have a ways to go. With that said, Option 1 isn't bad either. I was once advised to get the best car that you can afford, which is what I did. Good luck!
Interesting. I have a loaner P85 Model S while my new 100D Model S is in the shop getting a blemish fixed that was on the car at delivery. I find the 100D has much better traction and control, even though it's summertime. It also drives better, and feels quicker, even though 0 - 60 is listed at 4.2 for both. With that said, maybe the loaner has old tires (doesn't visibly appear so), or something else is going on. I live in a snowy wintry region and have always had AWD cars that have held up great. Do you, or anyone else, have firsthand experience of a RWD Tesla with winter tires vs AWD with normal tires? Just curious if winter tires on RWD are really better than normal tires on AWD. Thank you!!What's this with rain? On snow or ice I believe AWD can make a difference (well, even then, only uphill - it will make little or no difference downhill). And even uphill on snow or ice AWD will help much less than winter tires will help (which cost more or less just the price of having someone change your tires twice a year - 100 EUR/USD per year or so). But rain? Except if you're taking roundabouts at 120km/h, I don't see the point
I had a RWD Model S before my current AWD and am seriously considering going back to RWD (more comfortable, a more sporty feeling with accelerations, 5000 EUR less, less whine from motor). In the good ol' days we also got a larger frunk; a pity that that is no more.
You make a good point, I will also be going with standard charge but not by choice. I have an older house and my circuit box is full. I do have 240 in my house, but think I can add to that. I can jump the 110 or use existing 110 power that is on my garage. Another point you made is what does the ac or heater do to battery. I live in NJ and do get extreme temperatures.
