I have been able to configure a model 3 since January (being a prev owner) but decided to wait a little due to both 1) want to avoid early-built car and 2) lease on my existing car isn't due till Aug. So it's reasonable for me to order in early June. Fortunately a friend of mine ordered on the first day and just took delivery of his car this past weekend. I went to Tesla showroom with him to take delivery of the car and then we drove around the area a bit.
Below are my impressions. I will aim to be brief and to the point, focusing on the key positive and negatives.
Positives
The biggest + is surely driving dynamics. The car drives like a Tesla; acceleration is brisk, steering is accurate. The steering wheel is smaller than that of the Model S and many other cars, but that's not an issue. Car is lighter and handles better than a Model S. The ride quality is good and sporty. I hate wobbly soft rides and the Model 3 rides really well, feels very similar to Model S on coil suspension, with just a little bit more road feel, not at all harsh. Overall impressive driving dynamics.
Technology is good, no harder to use than the Model S system, every bit Tesla. I didn't find the odometer location to be an issue at all; pretty easy to see how fast I am going. Map is as good as Model S and better than pretty much every other car. The audio system is good. I listened to a few songs, feels on par with premium Model S audio.
Build quality is good, looks well built, didn't see any obvious defects. Sat in the car for a while an didn't notice any interior issues; no rattles or otherwise trim noises whatsoever.
Negatives
The biggest issue is seating comfort, especially in the rear. I would rate rear seating comfort at 3 out of 10 at best. My wife and I sat in the rear seat through the 30 min delivery orientation where the delivery specialist went over all the technologies. We both felt uncomfortable after even that short period of time. The rear seats are really low and there's absolutely no thigh support. Your thighs are basically hanging in the air; it almost felt like you are crouching on the back instead of sitting and I am only 5'7 and my wife is shorter. My wife felt she needed to extend her legs to my side of the car cause there's nowhere to put them...
Rear headroom is also really limited. Roof is only 3 fingers from my head if I sit up straight. The rear seats themselves are also not comfortable... not really agreeable with my back.
The front seats are also not comfortable for me; significantly worse compared to Model S or X seats. My wife noticed it immediately as well. There's a bulge in the lumbar area which I hate. I always adjust lumbar support to none on any car that has it. However this bulge on the Model 3 is not adjustable, on both front seats. My friend didn't seem to mind, but I don't feel comfortable with the front seats. There's a Model X right there in the showroom and I sat in that car - the front seats just felt soo good... it felt like a relief to sit in the Model X after sitting in the Model 3.
The 2nd major issue is the car's size. It looks small and is small. Felt just a bit smaller than a BMW 3 series.
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Overall I think the Model 3 is a good car with terrific technology and driving dynamics. However we are reconsidering our order due to seating comfort issues... Her parents sometime visit us and we just can't fathom having them sit in the back seat for even half an hour when we found it to be very uncomfortable... I am now thinking of buying another BMW (e.g., a new gen 540 with ACC) as a transition until the next gen Model S comes out.
Below are my impressions. I will aim to be brief and to the point, focusing on the key positive and negatives.
Positives
The biggest + is surely driving dynamics. The car drives like a Tesla; acceleration is brisk, steering is accurate. The steering wheel is smaller than that of the Model S and many other cars, but that's not an issue. Car is lighter and handles better than a Model S. The ride quality is good and sporty. I hate wobbly soft rides and the Model 3 rides really well, feels very similar to Model S on coil suspension, with just a little bit more road feel, not at all harsh. Overall impressive driving dynamics.
Technology is good, no harder to use than the Model S system, every bit Tesla. I didn't find the odometer location to be an issue at all; pretty easy to see how fast I am going. Map is as good as Model S and better than pretty much every other car. The audio system is good. I listened to a few songs, feels on par with premium Model S audio.
Build quality is good, looks well built, didn't see any obvious defects. Sat in the car for a while an didn't notice any interior issues; no rattles or otherwise trim noises whatsoever.
Negatives
The biggest issue is seating comfort, especially in the rear. I would rate rear seating comfort at 3 out of 10 at best. My wife and I sat in the rear seat through the 30 min delivery orientation where the delivery specialist went over all the technologies. We both felt uncomfortable after even that short period of time. The rear seats are really low and there's absolutely no thigh support. Your thighs are basically hanging in the air; it almost felt like you are crouching on the back instead of sitting and I am only 5'7 and my wife is shorter. My wife felt she needed to extend her legs to my side of the car cause there's nowhere to put them...
Rear headroom is also really limited. Roof is only 3 fingers from my head if I sit up straight. The rear seats themselves are also not comfortable... not really agreeable with my back.
The front seats are also not comfortable for me; significantly worse compared to Model S or X seats. My wife noticed it immediately as well. There's a bulge in the lumbar area which I hate. I always adjust lumbar support to none on any car that has it. However this bulge on the Model 3 is not adjustable, on both front seats. My friend didn't seem to mind, but I don't feel comfortable with the front seats. There's a Model X right there in the showroom and I sat in that car - the front seats just felt soo good... it felt like a relief to sit in the Model X after sitting in the Model 3.
The 2nd major issue is the car's size. It looks small and is small. Felt just a bit smaller than a BMW 3 series.
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Overall I think the Model 3 is a good car with terrific technology and driving dynamics. However we are reconsidering our order due to seating comfort issues... Her parents sometime visit us and we just can't fathom having them sit in the back seat for even half an hour when we found it to be very uncomfortable... I am now thinking of buying another BMW (e.g., a new gen 540 with ACC) as a transition until the next gen Model S comes out.
