We took delivery Thursday the 28th in Fremont at the new delivery center. We both really like the car a lot. It is unexpectedly different than our Model S 75D (which we love). This is not necessarily a bad thing.
First thing is the delivery process. It was pretty streamlined. We were in and out in an hour. They knew we already had a model S and the only available option was the cliff notes version. That was fine. The paperwork was painless and in order. The representative was polite and well spoken. There is a Barrista. So that was nice. PRO TIP- trade up whichever cell phone charging wire with the people taking delivery next to you. They give you one android usb cord and one Apple one. Most likely you need two of one type.
Build quality was really good. I'm particularly impressed with the interior. Its just so original and well thought out, and just... different. I got in and said wow, "I feel like I'm in a space ship." Then when my friend got in later he said the same thing, then the father in law- same thing. So I don't think its just me. The seats are wonderful, I love them. The single screen is growing on me. There is a perplexingly large amount of head room for a car of its size. It feels like even more than it is with the glass roof.
The exterior quality was also really good. I couldn't find a single flaw in the paint. The panels fit together well with the exception of the hood. I think it is sunken in a little more than it should be. So there its a bit lower than the surrounding fenders. Hopefully they can adjust it. I couldn't find any other flaws with the panel alignment.
Some of the details aren't quite as refined as the Model S. for instance the charging port is strangely large and awkward looking when extended. The light for the charger port are also located over a T symbol off to the side. The lines of the car are generally a little more utilitarian. The steering wheel is smaller. There are less stalks surrounding it. For instance you have to dig into the screen menus in order to change your follow distance on autopilot. It doesn't seem to have auto high beams like the model S. I would describe the car as minimalist. There really isn't anything there that doesn't need to be there. It has a lot of open space. I would also say the car is a bit less pretentious than the model S. Everyone reading this knows what it is, and that its rare at the moment. But it it doesn't quite garner the attention the S does.
On the other hand some things are a straight up improvement over the Model S. It has hangars for your dry cleaning! They even retract into the headliner. It has lighted vanity mirrors (nice ones too). It has hooks (also retractable) in the frunk to hold your grocery bags. The charger bag has velcro on the bottom to keep it from moving around in the trunk! There are cup holders in the door panels. Small details but improvements.
The stereo is hands down better than the upgraded Model S one. One of my hobbies is high end home stereo equipment. Trust me- it sounds really great. The soundstage is middle center. The highs are crisp and clear, and the bass is adequate to impressive. They put some work into it. Sound quality is all about personal taste, but I'm really happy with it.
When you start driving you really notice just how exemplary the visibility is. Its kind like driving a bubble. In all directions you just see outside with minimal obstruction. My wife was in the driver's seat initially and immediately floored the accelerator. Its quick! Really quick. It isn't the takes your breath away, startle your passengers quick. But thats okay. Its more acceleration than you need. For such a light car with RWD it may be more than enough at times.
So the thing that becomes quickly evident is that it is a light car compared to the Model S. The rear wheel drive makes it even more obvious. You can break the rear end loose! I'm not talking about drifting here. But if you drive aggressively around a corner the rear will slip out a bit. The model S (AWD version) will go exactly where you point it, its unflappable that way. The rear wheels just don't break loose. The model 3 is very different. Its umm... playful. Like a sports car. The steering is light and sprightly. You feel the bumps in the road. If you goose the accelerator while going around a turn the rear wheels will break loose. Its really different. Its more fun. You could put driving skills to more use than the S, and have a good time doing it. I wasn't expecting this aspect. But I'm not disappointed.
There are a couple of things not implemented yet. The Wifi is disabled. The scheduled charging is not available. The autopilot calibrated in about 50 miles. However it (the autopilot) had an issue where it was umm "reluctant" to start again in traffic on the freeway after coming to a stop in traffic. I'm sure it'll all be corrected in a software update, which is coming "soon." I know the story. With Tesla the software is always improving, and they always release products a little bit unfinished. I'm not quite willing to shell out for "full self driving" before it works. However their history of using somewhat beta software doesn't really bother me. I'm patient with them. I'm really happy to have received mine so early. They have overdelivered with everything they have made in my opinion. The model 3 is no exception.
