S4WRXTTCS
Well-Known Member
S is bigger and better looking still. But thats about it, unfortunately...
You've forgotten a few of the benefits of the Model S.
With the uncork the 75D is a lot quicker (that was likely Tesla's primary motivation as it was an easy thing)
Free Supercharging
Improved over the years where issues have been addressed. The 3 is still in the "fixing things as they come up" phase.
Heated Steering Wheel
More comfortable suspension (if you're into that sort of thing)
Dual Screen interior so you don't have to look off to the side
Fully baked UI
Quiet Interior Fan (more than 50% of Model 3 owners polled on this site think the HVAC fan noise of the Model 3 is way too loud)
If you're not a current Tesla owner you can actually get the Model S. The ability to actually buy the car is always a strong benefit.
I definitely agree that the Model S needs a refresh to justify the price differential, and to fix obvious issues.
Both issues that are external customer expectations, but also internal needs. There is no question they could improve things to lower the cost to make it, and to eliminate having completely different infotainment systems.
Plus they need to add some features to the Model 3 to better line it up with pending competition from Audi. Things like the heated steering wheel.
I do expect the sales numbers of the Model S to drop significantly because the market for a large luxury sedan isn't as big as the sales were. The sales were large because people wanted a long range electric car, and there was no other option. I own a Model S, but it's not my type of car. I enjoyed the heck out of it, and I could potentially get another one if it had some awesome feature the Model 3 doesn't have. It's gotta be something more awesome than a heated steering wheel though. Sure I love the heated steering wheel, but it's not worth an extra $20K.
If nothing changes I'll most likely trade my 2015 Model S in on a AWD Model 3 either in the Summer or fall. I'll live with the weird funny center screen, and a lack of heated steering wheel.
Going forwards the Model S has to be refined for the type of owner the car segment demands. It's going to have to a significantly improved interior, and the road/wind noise has to be significantly reduced.