New Tesla Model 3 Highland v previous generations - what's changed? Not all things are better...

#model3 #tesla #highland

The latest Tesla Model 3 Long range "Highland" brings about many improvements and changes, BUT there are a couple of things that are not necessarily better. For me I don't like how the boot (trunk) does not open as far and i now run the risk of banging my head.
Lack of stalks.... will I get used to them?
Are the seats really much better?
What's changed with the interior?

Did you know it now has double washer jets and the screen wash refill is now in a different place?
I find out the above plus all the other little bits and pieces as I try and explore just how much has changed with the latest model 3 compared to previous generations since it arrived in the UK in 2019.

More videos about the Highland to follow so make sure you're subscribed to our channel!

Richard Symons
R Symons LTD "RSEV"
EV Specialist based in New Milton, Hampshire on the South Coast near Southampton and Bournemouth
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[Workmusic]

Recieved the Tesla Model 3 HL today (18in wheels). Previously had the Tesla M3P 21. The ride quality is massively improved, not just larger bumps but the smaller ones as well, it's a HUGE difference.

[amigang]

The boot opening and no indication stalks are the only issue I have with this car. I hope to get one as my next car in two or three years time second hand as I can’t afford one new, so to all the people getting them now, look after it for us second owners

[Peter-njmv]

Totally agree with the indicators, I am pretty sure that soon model 3 owners will be known for not using indicator especially agree that taking a roundabout will make it very hard to indicate when taking an exit, since the steeringwheel is turned and the button is hard to find.
It’s probably the first time ever that I would skip on a car because of something as simple as an indicator..

[RedlineRossi]

I love everything about the new M3 except the headlight shape. I prefer the outgoing ones. Probably on my own here 😄

[Berretotube]

I’ve bought a new M3 Highland and LOVE IT. Extraordinary car. Got used to the stalks in about 5 minutes - easy peasy, I love change ❤❤❤

[DJones]

Thanks for the video. I purchased a 2023 Model Y on December 31st. One reason I purchased the car was to get the stalks before they eliminated them in the upcoming upgrade. After watching the video, I am delighted I moved forward and got a stalked car. Clearly it was an American who engineered this change into the car. Personally I think the stalk delete will hurt sales. We shall see. Thank you again Richard!

[chargeheadsuk]

Here it comes thick and fast, highland content. Good work 👍👍👍

[wakeywarrior]

The M3 2022 LFP is a fantastic car. It has so much that is just right, like the phone just opening it and it switching on. My last car was a new S 75D but I like my M3 more.
Saw an American Highland review and the LED strip didn’t match up between the door and dash but seems this one does.

[Peter-rqxn]

Nice and through review. I test drove one the other day. This car has a more smoother and quieter ride. However, I felt that the interior fabric on the door made the car feel "cheaper", for lack of better word. I also think leaving out the stalks is a big mistake IMO.

[arbitrary]

Removing the stalks is a mistake. It is another special thing that has to be explained to new drivers, like the interior door releases have to be explained to every new passenger (including the emergency releases; the door releases should be normal chrome levers and work electrically if there is power, and mechanically when power is out: no explanations needed). It will make it harder for car rental companies to rent Teslas. Hertz already bombard you with how-to emails when you rent a Tesla. The cost saving argument is bogus, given the cost incurred to add the purely cosmetic ambient lighting.

[MashudSikdar]

Like this. Looking forward to 'Highland' equivalent model Y.

[davidgreen]

Just picked up my M3 HL today, my previous was a 2019 M3 SR+ (Fremont built). This is a massive improvement on ride, noise and general comfort. Very happy indeed!

[brianoliver]

You guys do an amazing job on your videos. I bought a pre owned model S. I will be buying a pre owned model 3. I have exactly what I need to know after watching your videos. Thx

[__Wanderer]

Taking away the indicator was daft - they should make it an option to add if they worry about costs. Sometimes the minimalism can go too far and I genuinely think this actually impacts the safety of driving this car. Fiddling about with finding the right button while trying to make a turn will likely result in unnecessary accidents. You don't even need to look with a regular indicator, you know where it is at all times and can just swipe it out of reflex. With a button you have to look down to select the correct one + when making tight turns as stated it may be difficult. The change in boot height is also very odd + i have a feeling the new fabric lining on the car might get dirtier more quickly / far more difficult to clean.. looks like a great car nonetheless. Just strange that some of the basics are overlooked.

[petercycle]

Great video - much better presentation than some of the others I’ve looked at recently

[kmpquinn]

Re stalkless auto-pilot/ cruise control engagement. Biggest concern noted has been lack of engagement with button click. One solution suggested has been the use of SEXY buttons. Will be interested to hear your experience after more use.

[FireWalkMusic]

The removal of the indicator stalk was a deal breaker for me. There are tight roundabouts everywhere here in Norway and these new buttons on the steering wheel are extremely annoying to use. It forces you to look down at the wheel in a critical situation with cars all around you, when your eyes really should be on the road!.. Not good!
It's a stupid cost cutting measure at the expense of usability and safety. I've been using this for months in a new model S already and I absolutely hate it. So much so that that I dropped my plans to buy the new model 3 because of it. I just can't justify spending big money on a car that constantly annoys me. It doesn't feel safe taking your eyes off the road while in the middle of a busy roundabout. Nor does it feel safe NOT using the indicators. I constantly found myself in situations where other drivers became frustrated because I wasn't always able to indicate.

Another problem with these is that you often end up pressing the wrong button, which can cause some dangerous situations. People think you are going to do one thing, but then the opposite happens..
The buttons don't always work either for some reason. I often find that I have to press twice, because it doesn't register the first time. At least in the model S, but it's the same system so I presume it's the same in the model 3.

With a stalk it's pretty evident if you pushed it up or down. That's not the case with these buttons. You have no way of knowing which one you actually pressed, so if you want to make sure, you have to (again) look down at the screen.. It's a really big downgrade to be honest.

Many Norwegian driving schools have gone as far as banning the new model 3 because they say it causes their students to fail their driving test in roundabouts. I can't blame them. I've been driving for 24 years, and I've never had problems indicating correctly in roundabouts before, until now.

I suppose this works great in the US where there are mostly intersections, and the few roundabouts they do have are fairly large, so it's not much of an issue. But in Norway and most of the EU and the rest of the world which mostly uses roundabouts instead of intersections, this is a real pain in the ass to use.

[JellyLancelot]

Full matrix activation was enabled at the beginning of the year on all 2021+ cars. They’re absolutely brilliant!!!

[pauln]

Hi Richard and team. I am so glad you have got the new Model 3 LR. I love your videos and you helped me go for my first EV (Model 3 LR) and overcome early issues of range and charger anxiety (thank you). I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on and whether I should upgrade to the new version of the Model 3. I'm especially interested in how you get on without the stalks on our UK roundabouts and whether the lack of USS is a real issue or not (I love my USS which really help especially when there is no front cam). Thanks again for your very informative videos! All the best for 2024....you never know, I might have a model 3 LR to trade in!!

[pepstein]

Thank you for pointing out the changes in head clearance when reaching into the trunk. I assume the actuator is what limits the range of motion.