Exactly. Think the .24 of the S compared to the supposed .21 of the 3:
If the S60 has 210 miles of range, and an S75 has 249, that means we're looking at 2.6 miles per kWh. So, if the S had a 55kWh battery, it would have 197 miles of range. Now, if that S had a Cd of .21, it would have 215 miles of range. That's our 3! So a .03 Cd and 18 mile range difference means we gain approximately 6 miles per .01 change in Cd. I know these numbers don't scale and that the 3 is a different car with different cells than the S, but it's close enough for argument purposes. Give or take a mile.
The changes I'm talking about like enlarging the hood or lengthening the back would add maybe .01 Cd, which would reduce range by 6 miles. Big deal. Yet I think some of those things would go a long way toward improving both the aesthetic and functionality of Model 3. I repeat, I would gladly take a 6-12 mile range hit for those things. If it's really that big of a deal to you, just drive 1-2 mph slower and you've gained that range right back, probably more.
I know some people prioritize function over form, many on this forum, but lots of people like form, especially when buying an expensive car. There's a reason luxury vehicles are not hideous. I think Model S is an incredible-looking car, but there are ways to increase aerodynamics without compromising beauty. Tesla skipped that next step with Model 3 and went another step further which does compromise beauty to a degree. Not saying Model 3 is ugly, but it's a jarring jump between Tesla's first and second sedans. The world just isn't ready for such a jump from a style standpoint, hence all the discussion and controversy regarding the design.
I'm sure a design like this will be popular and even the norm in the future, but I just wish Tesla had waited until the Model 3 refresh or their next vehicle. I understand the marketing angle and maybe the controversial design actually boosted sales compared to a conventional-looking car. That we'll never know, but Tesla should have made these design choices gradually. The grill-less face is a huge and all that the Model 3 needed to generate the buzz it required. But stubby-ing up the front and ballooning the back? Too far. These more subtle design changes have a huge effect on the style of the full package. Model 3 looks dorky from some angles and a cockroach or bug with a giant shell from others.
I must admit, it's very polarizing even in my own head. Some angles are striking, and some fill me with dread in the pit of my stomach (anybody else recall the very first moment you saw the front end during the reveal?). I just don't know how to feel about the car and it's incredibly frustrating because I want a Tesla so bad, but could never justify spending the money on an S. I keep telling myself that what's on the inside is far more important and valuable than what's on the outside. Looks are superficial, right? But man, I'm spending huge money on something that's not exactly what I want... people on the street are gonna say, "Oh look! There's one of those weird Teslas!" It won't be disgust, but it won't be desire or envy though. Probably just indifference. It'll be attention-grabbing, but not for the right reasons. People don't say and think those things when they see a Model S.
Still gonna buy the car tho.
