Tesla Model 3 vs Model S comparison slides

[Jayc]

5 colors
2 battery sizes (10 options total)
2 wheel sizes (20 options total)
2 cold wx or no options (40 options total)
2 Interior packages (probably includes sound) (80 options total)

AP not counted because it is software only.

Actually this seems too restrictive, anyone have a different interpretation of what <100 configurations means?

I think the total number of configurations cannot be calculated this way. Remember there is also a rumor that configurations will be more "streamlined" in the Model 3 which means we cannot iterate on all combinations - there will be constraints.

So lets look at it this way:

* Colors { 5 choices }
* Drivetrain { RWD, AWD, P-AWD }
* Battery { Base, Large }
* Interior { Base, Premium }
* Wheel { 18, 20 }

Total hardware configurations = ( 3 x 2 x 2 x 2) = 24 and here is how the 24 hardware configurations could be constrained:

RWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
RWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
RWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
AWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel

So now we only have 10 valid hardware configurations which when multiplied by 5 colors gives only 30 configurations rather than 120 which is what we would get if all combinations are valid - just as an example.

 

[ummgood]

I think the total number of configurations cannot be calculated this way. Remember there is also a rumor that configurations will be more "streamlined" in the Model 3 which means we cannot iterate on all combinations - there will be constraints.

So lets look at it this way:

* Colors { 5 choices }
* Drivetrain { RWD, AWD, P-AWD }
* Battery { Base, Large }
* Interior { Base, Premium }
* Wheel { 18, 20 }

Total hardware configurations = ( 3 x 2 x 2 x 2) = 24 and here is how the 24 hardware configurations could be constrained:

RWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 18' wheel - Not a valid configuration
RWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
RWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel
RWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
AWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
AWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, BaseInterior, 20' wheel
PAWD, BaseBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel - Not a valid configuration
PAWD, LargeBattery, PremiumInterior, 20' wheel

So now we only have 10 valid hardware configurations which when multiplied by 5 colors gives only 30 configurations.

I think we are on the same page but I grouped mine differently. I think Tesla will limit some options to some levels. Kind of like the Audi A4 has less base features of the S4. So there are less option possibilities for the S4 than the A4.

 

[dragoljub]

It better come with hepa filter. At least as an option.

 

[MXWing]

It better come with hepa filter. At least as an option.

They want to sell Model S's but it would be silly to not maximize margins on Model 3 by offering desirable options as well.

 

[206er]

how in the heck are we supposed to fit a bike in what sounds like a 11-13 sq ft rear trunk!? ugh... c'mon, Elon!

 

[Max*]

I didn't read all 9 pages, but I'd take the number of configurations with a grain of salt. It sounded like they were too lazy to calculate how many the Model S actually has.

It took me all of a couple minutes (for the Model S):
If it includes software options: 223,104 configurations
If it's hardware only configurations: 74,368 configurations

(7 paint configurations, 2 roof configurations, 4 wheel configurations, 2 premium configurations, 3 EAP/FSD configurations, 2 subzero configurations, 2 UHFS configurations, 2 RFS configurations, depending on the battery 9-10 interior configurations, depending on the model 1-2 SAS configurations, the P also has 2 configurations for calipers and 2 configurations for spoilers, and then we have 5 battery/drivertrain configurations)

Visually:

While yes one-hundred thousand is more than 1,500. It makes it hard for me to believe the 100 number for the Model 3.



It seems that instead of doing actual math, they took about 10 variables, assumed they each have 2 options, and did 2^10 + some fluff = 1,500+ configurations!

If that's the case, should I expect 6-7 options on the Model 3 (i.e. - color, Wheels, Interior color, battery size, AWD and EAP/FSD).

 

[Max*]

My math is very rusty (how dare Tesla force me to do math!), but I feel like there are way more than 1500 configuration combinations possible for the S.

I ran it (might have made a mistake), but I get a lot more.

I was able to come up with approx 1500 combos for model S by ignoring (a) autopilot s/w options (obviously), (b) exterior colors, and (c) wheels (easily changeable after production).

Care to share your math for the S?

When I ignore those variables, I get 2,656 configurations (not 1,500)

There are about 1,500 Model S configurations not counting options. If you go to the Model S design studio, there are five things you must select that aren't options (in other words, you must choose one - it's not like you can't get any color, or no motor): color (7 choices), roof & wheels (2 and 4 choices), interior (6 choices) and motor/drivetrain (5 choices). 7*2*4*6*5 = 1,680.

Except that the interior has more than 6 choices. For the 75/75D it has 6 choices, but of those 6, on 4 you can add carbon fiber. So that brings the 75/75D to 10 choices. But on the 90kwh+ battery, there are only 5 interior choices (+ possible CF, which brings it to 9 choices), they remove the plain black seats. So that math is off already here. Everything is else is off due to this.

 

[Kant.Ing]

No matter what color options we might choose, they will all be funny taxi colors for Tesla Network.

 

[Snow Drift]

why is everyone comparing this to a $35k BMW or Benz? m3 is still eligible for the federal tax credit so as far as I'm concerned this is really a $28k car. and all this anti-selling makes me want the m3 even more, its not working elon.

Federal Tax Credit, which expires, and is not useable by all consumers, does NOT lower the sales price of the car. If you don't owe taxes, or don't lease the car, or buy it after the full credit expires, you don't receive anything. If you do owe $7,500 Fed taxes, you merely get to keep $7,500. That does not mean you are sending it all to Tesla. You probably have other things to spend the money on.

Even if you used the $7,500 to pay down your loan, you still are more likely to have purchased a Model 3 with options/packages, which makes it more than $35,000 MSRP.

The model 3 is supposed to be competitive (size, performance, tech/comfort features) with entry-level luxury cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, MB C-class, Infiinti G, Cadillac ATS, Acura TLX, Lexus IS, etc. They all start is in the $35-40k range.

how in the heck are we supposed to fit a bike in what sounds like a 11-13 sq ft rear trunk!? ugh... c'mon, Elon!

Fold the rear seats like any other car...

 

[stopcrazypp]

You are coming across just desperate.

No, I do believe the sheet is accurate, to a certain degree. But if we'd include every option, less than 100 configurations just seems too low. Maybe they will prove me wrong, but unless there are no options at all, it just can't really work.

5 colors, 5 versions of the car(e.g. 55, 55D 75, 75D,P75D) and 2 interiors equals 50 configurations. Add just one single option to select, like autopilot and we have 100, which can't be less than 100, by definition. So no roof option, no AP option, no wheel option, no winter package, no premium interior.

But we know there will at least be an AP option and a roof option. So will it only come in one color? To me it just doesn't work, if we include all options.

So I was just speculating how it could work. Do you have a better solution?

I am still standing by my guess that some of the base model configuration options you can chose on the S are going to be bundled on the 3. I still think they'll be 7 paint colors same as the S because why wouldn't there be? I don't see them not offering a dark grey (midnight silver) because that is one of the most popular car colors here. Also I am under the impression that the dual motor option and MAYBE the performance option will be on the configuration utility at launch but will have some kind of disclaimer that states they won't be shipping until beginning or mid 2018 respectively.

So here is my guess... (I know this is way more complicated than just multiplying because I am limiting selections based on trim.

Assuming the <100 configuration statement includes dual motor and performance. This is how a lot of car companies are moving.

First there will be 7 paint colors available for all options.

55, 55D, 75, and 75D (84 combinations):
Includes standard wheels
3 interior options: Base (textile seats, metal roof), Premium (black leather or vegan white: includes sunroof and seat memory)

P75D (14 possible combinations)
Comes standard with performance wheels
2 interior options: Black or Vegan

This brings the total to 98. And stated as above I think that other on/off options are not included in the configuration. There might be a premium option that includes even more with the interior, an option for premium sound, and of course the autopilot options.

You two are making the exact same mistake already pointed out up thread. Tesla said Model 3 will not launch with AWD nor Performance options. So you can cross that out.

The 0-60 in 5.6 is a very big hint it's talking about the launch version. No way is the performance version that slow. The launch version might not even have two battery choices.

 

[Snow Drift]

The 0-60 in 5.6 is a very big hint it's talking about the launch version. No way is the performance version that slow.

0-60 in 5.6 sec for the base model puts the M3 properly in line with the A4, 3-series, etc.
The performance version will probably compete with the S4 (0-60 in 4.4 sec).

 

[nikeykid]

right, i understand how the federal tax credit works, but because the entry level m3 is eligible (one would think your typical US wage earner that can buy this car would be able to take the credit) for the credit and entry level beamers and benz do not, then most US buyers would factor that into the sales price of the car because it is directly tied to the purchase of the car. elon already said he will do everything he can to maximize the remaining quarters the full credit will be available and even after that, the credit will sunset over the next four quarters, and not disappear immediately.

 

[Foxhound199]

how in the heck are we supposed to fit a bike in what sounds like a 11-13 sq ft rear trunk!? ugh... c'mon, Elon!

I put my bike in my mazda3, with only 11 sq ft trunk. You drop the back seats and take the front wheel off.

 

[R.S]

You two are making the exact same mistake already pointed out up thread. Tesla said Model 3 will not launch with AWD nor Performance options. So you can cross that out.

The 0-60 in 5.6 is a very big hint it's talking about the launch version. No way is the performance version that slow. The launch version might not even have two battery choices.

But the sheet doesn't say Model 3 launch version, just Model 3. It even says delivery timing 1+ year.

 

[Matias]

Missing glass roof in the Model 3 is very strange, since all the RC:s on the wild have been with the glass roofs and there's only two months to the first customer cars.

 

[stopcrazypp]

For the ones who are interested in getting what those specs mean Trevor did a video about it:

What he heard is that the specs sheet given to the stores does not include Model 3 Premium Features because they are not definitive yet, or Tesla doesn't want to disclose them all yet.

This actually makes the most sense, and would solve all the confusion about the features. So that list is not meant to say the Model 3 won't have those features, just meant to be a summary of available premium features on the S.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Tesla is just trying to educate their fans and customers that they are just like any other car company. Because they are so "different" they have attracted a different and possibly more educated customer base than any other car company. But please remember the MSRP of a Mercedes Benz S Class is 97k. The MSRP of a Mercedes Benz C Class is 37k. hummm...

Tesla has done MANY things different and new and cool from other car companies, but having a higher end sedan and a lower end sedan priced significantly different is not one of them.

I would have to totally disagree. Elon is always desiring to do the non-obvious / non-traditional / non- expected thing.

Status quo seems to be anti-Elon.

Being a traditional anything would boil Elons skin.

 

[R.S]

I would have to totally disagree. Elon is always desiring to do the non-obvious / non-traditional / non- expected thing.

Status quo seems to be anti-Elon.

Being a traditional anything would boil Elons skin.

What do you want to say? The Model 3 will actually be the higher end sedan, but priced cheaper?

 

[Garlan Garner]

What do you want to say? The Model 3 will actually be the higher end sedan, but priced cheaper?

I typed exactly what I wanted to say. Its clear. Nothing more or nothing less. Don't read anything into it or take anything from it.

 

[Skotty]

Tesla knows the Model 3 range. If they are upselling Model S based on a misleading Model 3 figure, that would be unethical. So let's hope Model 3 launch range really is close to 215...

There's a big difference between understating Model 3 to upsell Model S and understating Model 3 to be cautious and not risk over promising. If the Model 3 does turn out to be better than advertised, how will you tell which it is?