keep your model 3 then and ditch the S.
a] a lot of people hate the bluetooth/keyfobless entry. This is not really a high-tech feature.
b] what selfie camera? That camera is inert in the model 3 and serves no purpose. does this affect everyday driving experience? no
c] a lot of people hate the vents as well and prefer traditional vents.
d] who says its better audio performance?
e] Model S/X have MCU2 with the new x84 CPU.
f] Model x has lighted vanity mirrors. Dont know about the S because I never open them ever.
g] people are upset about this as well because there is no fusebox to tap into for dash cam power. And does this affect everyday driving experience? nope.
h] subjective
I] who cares what cells it uses. Model S 100D still has more range than a model 3. This is a consequence of the Model S/X being invented in 2009. What does it matter if it doesn't have 2170 cells right now? Does that affect your real world driving experience? no.
j] lots of people hate the model 3 handle as well. And that's not really "push button door opening" like the X. I find self-presenting door handles far more advanced than some lever you pull.
k] subjective, once again.
Things the Model S has that the Model 3 doesn't:
a] air suspension
b] full glass roof or a sunroof you can actually open
c] driver display dash and larger center touchscreen with an energy monitor.
d] HEPA filters/BWD mode
Considering the Model S/X continue to sell more every quarter, and the fact Tesla is still in production hell, they is literally no incentive for a refresh.
I was responding about the Model S getting new tech
first, specifically with notion of "test new tech in the real world."
a) I prefer the bluetooth/keycard system, but I'm sure it'll take time for all phones to work reliably.
b) I think one of the eight AP cameras is actually being used now. Many people like knowing sensors will eventually be available.
c) This vent system looks to be Tesla's future, since we've also seen it on the 2020 Roadster. Obviously, this can change but it's the direction we're going.
d) Audio is very subjective, but there are documented tests of frequency response, like
this video and
this one. I've personally felt the Model S (with High Fidelity) is lacking in comparison to the Model 3 and other luxury cars. But, yes, very subjective.
e) They didn't have the new MCU first and that was my key point.
f) I believe the Model S got them more recently around the time of the MCU update. The Model X did have them before the 3 was released.
g) Many things might not seem to affect the driving experience, but could improve the long term ownership experience. Not replacing fuses is a positive thing. People will work out aftermarket dashcam solutions. It's really only an issue for people who want to record in parking mode when the car is off and there are already battery packs available to bypass this.
h) Redundant wiring isn't subjective. This was observed by multiple sources including
Motor Trend reporting on Munro's teardown. They note, for example, the "electric steering assist motor ... appears to feature two separate 12-volt power inputs, probably to provide the redundancy required for fully autonomous driving." Whether it's actually "needed" for autonomous driving might be a stretch, but surely redundancy is a good thing.
i) It's directly affecting the cost/weight/range. Tesla says this in a recent shareholder letter: "Cells used in Model 3 are the highest energy density cells used in any electric vehicle." There is also speculation the newer cells may allow for faster Version 3.0 Supercharging. "The 2170 cell is around 50% larger by volume than the 18650, but it can deliver almost double the current (the 18650 delivers 3,000 mA, and the 2170 has been tested at 5,750-6,000 mA)." Simply, the Model 3 couldn't get the range it does with the 18650s in the same amount of space for the same cost. What's more important than an energy supply for an EV? And again, I didn't write this list in a vacuum. It was in response to "getting new tech first."
j) I'm talking about the interior door handle on the Model 3. You don't have to pull a lever. You just push a button like the X.
k) Dual phone chargers versus single isn't really subjective, but I agree the parenthetical I added is subjective.
You can also add to your Model S list:
e] heated steering wheel
f] automatic trunk (and the larger rear cargo height afforded by the hatch)
That hatch and the associated cargo space is probably the single biggest real-world advantage now.
