Is The Tesla Model 3's SCREEN More Important Than The Car Itself?

Ever since the launch of the Tesla Model S, we've been taken by one thing about about TSLA's products. Its infotainment screen. 

On the surface that may seem a bit silly. Even a bit childish. However, if you've ever spent any time around a Tesla or in one of the company's stores, you'd quickly understand why. 

That's because most people who check out a Model S, Model X or now the Model 3 are quick to point out the screen's size and functionality. Although it may seem daunting to have to control so much via a touch interface, from what we're hearing it sounds like this is actually LIKED more than it is hated. 

Considering we're living in the age of bring your own device (BYOD) and iPhones/iPads run our lives, this shouldn't come as much of a shock. 

Honestly, we're not so confident that people are even so eager to get behind of the wheel of a Tesla for its electric vehicle benefits. Could it be that the mega screens are what's driving consumers to become so infatuated with Tesla as a brand?

What say you, Spies?

mre30 - 9/29/2017 8:39:18 AM

0 Boost

Here is a youtube clip of the first Model 3 delivery in Austin, TX. Interesting to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAL2gIdtIIk

It captures all the thrilling excitement of a new car delivery except accompanied by a Texas twang!

atc98092 - 9/29/2017 5:53:17 AM

+7 Boost

From what I've read, Tesla has almost all controls on the screen. You can't make any HVAC or audio adjustments anywhere but the screen. I believe even the lights are controlled from the screen. Sounds like perhaps the turn signals and shifter might be the only physical controls. I think that's going a bit too far, myself.

atc98092 - 9/29/2017 1:00:30 PM

+2 Boost

No AM radio. It does have FM. Ans supposedly the BT streaming will be in one of their over the air updates.

Why they thought it was OK to leave out AM, I have no idea. While I am rarely on it, there are still many, many people listening to talk and sports radio on AM. And BT streaming should have been a no-brainer from the git-go. Really wonder what someone was thinking. Or perhaps in the rush to meet their self-imposed release date they just let some stuff drop. Not well thought out.

zlives - 9/29/2017 6:01:15 PM

+6 Boost

to stick you hand out the window... pull the car over, click on screen and navigate to the window menu, select the right window, roll down the window, start driving again and use the hand signals/gestures as warranted.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/29/2017 9:34:55 PM

-1 Boost

00R- No. The screen is not more important than the car. The car being a semi stylish $35k USD BEV is what is important. That is why so many put down a deposit to get one. The screen is just a nice to have. And is likely 3rd or 4th on the list of consumer favourite things about the car.

SanJoseDriver - 10/9/2017 1:56:45 AM

+1 Boost

Except that hasn't happened and would have by now if it were the case. So far the coworkers I have that have deposits and got to see the car all have said it looks even better in person than they expected. It is seriously an iphone vs. blackberry moment where all other cars are blackberries (including the Leaf). Buttons will be obsolete when other manufacturers copy this, and they will.

MrEE - 9/30/2017 1:08:01 PM

+1 Boost

I just wonder how long it will take others to match this display and integration.

vdiv - 10/1/2017 11:01:28 AM

+1 Boost

Have you seen the Prius Prime and the Volvo XC90? Not long.

SanJoseDriver - 10/9/2017 1:57:45 AM

+1 Boost

All of them will, and it is a FAR better UI/UX than you think. Once you get used to it there is no going back.