ST430

Was by the Tesla Fremont factory so took the opportunity to demo the new refreshed Model 3. I've had three Model 3s already and was looking forward to get another one....

TL;DR : Incremental updates inside and out makes the 3 much more appealing for the masses

Good : Sleek new exterior styling; much more refined and upscale interior; quieter then before with supple suspension; good implementation of stalkless steering wheel compared to S/X

Bad : Not as sporty and visceral as before; the agility and handling prowess of the old 3 is missing. No longer qualifies for EV tax rebates

Ugly: Terrible wipers system failed miserably with a large downpour as wipers speed wasn't fast even at max setting

Summary : Good updates all around with a new sleek front and rear fascia, upgrades interior with better materials including perforated seats, ambient lighting, and a soft supple smooth and quieter ride. However, some of the raw edgy agility of the old 3 has been lost, and for those old owners, not as much of an update to really warrant an upgrade, at least until the Performance/Ludicrous is out!

JeffKeryk

That's why I am waiting for the Model 3 Ludicrous...

AMIRZA786

Yesterday I was in an absolute downpour coming home from work, and I never had to put the wipers on Max, so it's probably fixable through software, unless they skimped on the wiper motor. Hopefully it's fixable through an OTA.

Softer suspension, less raw. Unfortunately, you end up compromising one for the other, unless you have adaptable dampers.

Did you drive the base rwd or long range?

EDIT

Nevermind, you drove the Dual motor

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

MKBHD mentioned it was softer too. Probably the best for the average driver and it gives them more opportunities for the performance version to differentiate itself

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

would be great if they offered adaptive dampers, at least on performance model.

AMIRZA786

That definitely would be great. You wouldn't be able to go with soft suspension on the Performance model or the body would be all over the place, the compromise would be adaptive dampers, but it adds at least $2k to the starting price. Which is fine because most people will opt for the base or long range

JeffKeryk

My 2 cents:

We drove the new Highland today. I have already posted the interior differences, especially the seat. It is better, period.
2 surprises:

1. Our early car, Dec 2018 Mid Range, is similar to our 2006 TSX in ride characteristics; a little on the stiff side for many; not me. The new car is like our 2013 GS350 F Sport; very supple and handles flat as a pancake for what it is; very little lean. This is one way to explain it. Much more refined; perhaps not as visceral as ST430 put it, if that makes sense. I imagine with performance tires the Highland would be so so good. Feels more like a lux performance sedan.
2. I thought I would hate the stalk deletes. The 1st time I grabbed for the turn signal I got air; then I used my thumb to lightly engage the steering wheel blinker arrow. So easy; both hands on the wheel. Sorta like a steering wheel volume control but soft touch. Big improvement, at least in my opinion.

The FSD computer is now 4.0; our car is 2.5. The visuals are far more advanced; signal lights with colors, better visuals across the board. And it's fast!
The BSM is now a red led on the side speaker inside the car; an improvement but not as good as Lexus side view mirrors.
A refined Model 3, especially considering our car is an early build. This one is quiet! More bass in the audio as well. They want our car due to the low miles. I imagine once the top selling Model Y gets its refresh sales will jump. Tesla has learned its lessons well and the Model 3 has grown up.

I want to see the Performance and then I am a buyer.