Model S70D owner from new early 2015, flew to Fremont to pick up new Model 3, first impressions while taking our time driving back down to Southern California.
Model 3 Pros
• Efficiency so far appears to be better than my S70D where I average in the 280 to 290's.
• Handling with Model S is really good for a big car, 3 is even better. Light and nimble feeling.
• Push a button on the door handle inside and the door unlatches electronically.
• Sound system seems better than S with upgraded sound option.
• Rear seat has a fold down armrest with cup holders.
• Map pockets in all doors.
• Sun visors are more substantial feeling, are taller, telescope out when to the side like on Mercedes, and have a lighted mirror on both sides.
• Center console seems very functional with a lot of compartments. But I have a yacht floor on my model S so I don't have anything to compare it to.
• Front visibility is excellent due to very large windshield and short, low hood.
• Electronic vent direction controls are fun and my wife thinks they are more functional than manual grab it versions in the S or all other cars.
• Acceleration based just on seat of the pants is maybe a tick slower than the 70D but still as fast as anyone would need.
• Door windows automatically roll slightly down and up when doors are opened and closed to help the seal as many cars do.
• The 3 roof has even more glass than my S with sunroof. The whole interior above the sill is basically all glass except where structural members are.
Model 3 Cons
• Trunk does not auto open or close even with the PUP option. Have to push outside of trunk (painted area which gets dirty) to close.
• Missing instrument cluster area screen is hard to get used to. After 2 days of driving still find myself looking directly ahead at the wood behind the steering wheel when driving.
• Missing functions from steering column stalks is also hard to get used to. Some windshield washer functions, auto speed settings are only available from the center screen. Mirror and wheel position adjustments are ok.
• Some functions in the S instrument cluster left/right areas are missing from the 3 center screen. Analog clock with second hand, power meter with graduations (there is a thin unmarked colored line power meter), separate navigation turn direction close up.
• No electronic owners manual. Expect this may be added later.
• Wifi doesn't work. Expect this to be fixed later.
• Rear visibility is poor. Rear glass stopping too high at trunk causes most of this.
• No internet browser function. Even if it weren't ever added I wont miss it much since the browser was so bad but there is no longer a way to change the entire screen display to fun things like flux capacitor or valet instructions.
• Regenerative breaking as expected feels not as strong as on the S70D due to having a single motor but still good enough for 1 pedal driving in most situations.
• I'll miss the sunroof, air suspension, heated steering wheel on my S not available on the 3.
• Car unlocking has been harder for me having to get out and swipe the card with no keyfobs but should be resolved once I get the unlock via bluetooth part of the Android phone app working. The delivery center couldn't get it working on my phone, told me to call service. I was there for hours and wanted to leave so didn't make a big deal about it. Works from my wife’s newer Android phone.
• Few glitches so far include auto tilting side mirror getting stuck tilted down, emergency brake needing service notice seen once, regenerative breaking ability decreased notice seen once don't know why (charge was not high), front hood / fender panel alignment (noticed after delivery, will take in later for that).
• Occasional slight steering vibration is worrisome, will take in for that if it persists and if I think it is not just the road.
Model 3 Pros
• Efficiency so far appears to be better than my S70D where I average in the 280 to 290's.
• Handling with Model S is really good for a big car, 3 is even better. Light and nimble feeling.
• Push a button on the door handle inside and the door unlatches electronically.
• Sound system seems better than S with upgraded sound option.
• Rear seat has a fold down armrest with cup holders.
• Map pockets in all doors.
• Sun visors are more substantial feeling, are taller, telescope out when to the side like on Mercedes, and have a lighted mirror on both sides.
• Center console seems very functional with a lot of compartments. But I have a yacht floor on my model S so I don't have anything to compare it to.
• Front visibility is excellent due to very large windshield and short, low hood.
• Electronic vent direction controls are fun and my wife thinks they are more functional than manual grab it versions in the S or all other cars.
• Acceleration based just on seat of the pants is maybe a tick slower than the 70D but still as fast as anyone would need.
• Door windows automatically roll slightly down and up when doors are opened and closed to help the seal as many cars do.
• The 3 roof has even more glass than my S with sunroof. The whole interior above the sill is basically all glass except where structural members are.
Model 3 Cons
• Trunk does not auto open or close even with the PUP option. Have to push outside of trunk (painted area which gets dirty) to close.
• Missing instrument cluster area screen is hard to get used to. After 2 days of driving still find myself looking directly ahead at the wood behind the steering wheel when driving.
• Missing functions from steering column stalks is also hard to get used to. Some windshield washer functions, auto speed settings are only available from the center screen. Mirror and wheel position adjustments are ok.
• Some functions in the S instrument cluster left/right areas are missing from the 3 center screen. Analog clock with second hand, power meter with graduations (there is a thin unmarked colored line power meter), separate navigation turn direction close up.
• No electronic owners manual. Expect this may be added later.
• Wifi doesn't work. Expect this to be fixed later.
• Rear visibility is poor. Rear glass stopping too high at trunk causes most of this.
• No internet browser function. Even if it weren't ever added I wont miss it much since the browser was so bad but there is no longer a way to change the entire screen display to fun things like flux capacitor or valet instructions.
• Regenerative breaking as expected feels not as strong as on the S70D due to having a single motor but still good enough for 1 pedal driving in most situations.
• I'll miss the sunroof, air suspension, heated steering wheel on my S not available on the 3.
• Car unlocking has been harder for me having to get out and swipe the card with no keyfobs but should be resolved once I get the unlock via bluetooth part of the Android phone app working. The delivery center couldn't get it working on my phone, told me to call service. I was there for hours and wanted to leave so didn't make a big deal about it. Works from my wife’s newer Android phone.
• Few glitches so far include auto tilting side mirror getting stuck tilted down, emergency brake needing service notice seen once, regenerative breaking ability decreased notice seen once don't know why (charge was not high), front hood / fender panel alignment (noticed after delivery, will take in later for that).
• Occasional slight steering vibration is worrisome, will take in for that if it persists and if I think it is not just the road.
