TESLA has revamped its Model 3 vehicle by addressing two significant complaints that drivers encounter, according to a review.
The electric vehicle automaker giant unveiled the fresh Model 3, also known as the Highland, in January, and it came equipped with a new sleek look.
The game-changer Model 3 sedan was first released in the US in 2017.
Still, like many automakers, it received customer dissatisfaction, many of whom complained about the noisy cabin and the vehicle’s lackluster highway range.
However, the Model 3’s 2024 version has seemingly addressed those issues, according to a road test conducted by Car And Driver.
“We used to reference the Model 3 as an example of how all EVs are not super quiet, but no longer,” the outlet wrote.
Car And Driver’s review found that the Tesla sedan’s Long Range rear-wheel drive (RWD) model averaged 67 decibels at a 70 mph cruise.
The auto outlet said the revamped Tesla was “three better than” the previous Model 3 they tested.
“Tesla credits the substantial gain in quietness to acoustic-laminated (double-pane) glass all around; previously, only the windshield and front side glass were laminated,” Car And Driver’s review read.
“Furthermore, the company says a slight reshaping of the hood helps to route passing air up and over the roof rather than into the windshield, which also helps reduce wind noise.”
Tesla also credited the company’s new “Tesla-spec Michelin tires” for the sound reduction, according to the review.
The 2024 Model 3 edition outperformed the previous model For long-distance drives, peeking at 310 miles.
“The noise reduction makes this latest Model 3 so much more pleasant to drive, which is appropriate because it also can go way further at highway speeds than before,” the outlet wrote.
“While the EPA range increased from 330 miles for the last Long Rang RWD (a 2020 model) to 363 for 2024 (and up from 310 miles for the first 2018 Long Range RWD model), we achieved a whopping 310 miles in our 75-mph highway-range test.
“Our long-term Model 3 went a mere 230 miles in the same test with an EPA-range future of 310 miles.
“While usable battery capacity is up on the latest models to 79.9 kWh, that’s only a roughly 2 percent gain.”
Car And Driver’s test determined that the 2024 Model 3 version is “a far better car to live with.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Tesla for comment.
The price of the standard 2024 Tesla Model 3 starts at $40,630 and only goes up depending on the vehicle’s trim.
Car shoppers looking to get the model’s Long Range RWD will need to shell out $44,130.
The Long Range AWD starts at $49,130.
Meanwhile, the fully loaded Performance model has a $54,630 price tag.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS CONS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
