Tesla Model 3 User Experience Rated Poorly By Strategy Analytics
The market/product analysts at Strategy Analytics have given the Tesla Model 3 a fairly low appraisal with regard to the “user experience” — with the notation being that there’s a drop in quality as compared to the Tesla Model S or Tesla Model X.
Well, no kidding — considering that the Tesla Model 3 retails for around half of what the aforementioned models do, that’s what many of us were expecting.
That said, the comments from Strategy Analytics echo those of our own Model 3 reviewer — who noted that the touchscreen interface in the Model 3 seemed to be a step back from what he was used to in his previous Model S. It should be noted, though, that these issues would (will?) essentially be a non-starter once better voice controls are rolled out for the Model 3, which are reportedly forthcoming.
Speaking as someone who hasn’t driven the Tesla Model 3, and just going on the images I’ve seen alone, I’m not surprised that some users/owners aren’t thrilled about using the center touchscreen for everything — as it does seem that it would be a bit awkward to do so, given the position off-center.
From the perspective of fully autonomous travel, the setup will likely work quite nicely, but it does seems to have its downsides with regard to regular current use.
The author of the new report notes that the 15′ touchscreen seems to have been chosen/designed with driving uses in mind that aren’t yet available … echoing my above comments about fully autonomous travel, and plenty of statements from Elon Musk on this topic.
While I won’t say that I’m surprised to hear that some people consider the new Model 3 user experience to be inferior to the luxury setups in the Model S or Model X, I am curious to see how the mass market responds to the situation. We’ve had plenty of discussions here in the past year on the benefits of buttons & knobs versus minimalism, and it seems there’s just a broad divergence in preference on the topic.
I know that we have (at least) a couple of commentators who have already received their Model 3s — do any of you have any comments to make on the matter? Should Tesla have been more conventional in the design of the Model 3? Is the single, center touchscreen setup too gimmicky (as the Model X falcon-wing doors are considered to be by some people)? Does any of this matter? Is the Tesla Model 3 still the best car you’ve driven?
Those interested in seeing the full report in question can do so here, but bear in mind that it’s behind a paywall.
All images by Kyle Field from “Tesla Model 3 Review (CleanTechnica Exclusive).”
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