Talk about tying the radio into the car controls….In the new Tesla Model 3, a 15-inch display is the only way to control most car functions.
Lighting and door locks are controlled by the single large screen. Gauges like speedometers appear only on the main screen. Climate functions and autopilot are also controlled by the main screen.
The Verge calls the Models 3 “basically a rolling gadget with almost everything controlled by the center-mounted 15-inch touchscreen.”
Cars.com said, “Most of the buzz around the Model 3 has come from its screen, a horizontally mounted 15-inch touchscreen that serves as the only display in the entire vehicle. Beyond that, Tesla has also eliminated dashboard controls from the car, save two thumb wheels on the steering wheel and a couple of stalks on the steering column…”
But, according to Cars.com, the Tesla infotainment screen is so fast that even navigation functions whiz by and the system is surprisingly simple to use. The screen is large enough so that features can be presented in a few quick views, usually within one button press. It said the screen was as responsive as that of a new iPad.
A year ago, Jalopnik wrote a headline on the Model 3 stating, “The Tesla Model 3 Will Only Have A Center Screen, Get Over It.” It cited tweets to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, begging for a central speedometer, but Elon Musk said simply,”No,” and “You won’t care.”
That doesn’t mean the screen is completely intuitive at first glance. Some reviewers said it takes a while before the screen becomes second nature.
Only 1,550 Tesla Model 3’s were delivered in the fourth quarter last year, although Tesla says it is ramping production up to 2,500 per week by March. Nearly a half million people have pre-ordered a Model 3 which starts at $35,000 for a basic model that has 220 miles of range, is only offered in black and has no Autopilot. Step options offer up to 310 miles of range and rear wheel drive starting at $49,000.
See more Model 3 screen shots at Cars.com.
Top Photo: Business Insider
Looks ugly to me….What do the rest of you think?
Google interior pictures. That tablet looks ridiculously out of place. And how many menus do you have to go through to do something simple like roll down a rear windows, unlock the doors or open the sunroof? Because it currently takes me 0.5seconds and 1 button push. Just sayin…
rich man’s toy. won’t last.