Tesla’s Model 3 will undoubtedly be an interesting and compelling car, but it’s not going to be the world-beater that some Tesla fans might otherwise believe. In an effort to temper such over-sized expectations, Elon Musk this morning published a series of tweets stating that the Model 3 will not introduce features and technologies more advanced than what is currently available on the Model S.
In an effort to build some intrigue as well, Musk also released a video showcasing a release candidate of the Model 3 going on its first ever drive.
Musk first tweet reads:
Am noticing that many people think Model 3 is the "next version" of a Tesla, like iPhone 2 vs 3. This is not true.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017
While this may seem like common sense, it was a smart move for Musk to chime in on the matter like he id. For a variety of reasons, much of the speculation surrounding the Model 3 has been amplified to such an extent as to create almost unrealistic expectations around the car. As a prime example, consider this: because the Model 3 that Tesla unveiled last year lacked a traditional instrument cluster, many Tesla enthusiasts began speculating that the shipping Model 3 would feature an advanced HUD that would put the Model S’ dashboard to shame.
Consequently, a narrative soon emerged claiming that the Model 3 would introduce new features and technologies that would ultimately show up in subsequent versions of the Model S. The reality, though, is quite the opposite. The Model S is Tesla’s flagship car and Model S features will trickle down to the Model 3, not the other way around.
Not mincing words, Musk proceeded to state that the Model 3 would be a lesser version of the Model S in every conceivable way, save of course for price.
Model 3 is just a smaller, more affordable version of Model S w less range & power & fewer features. Model S has more advanced technology.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017
So there you have it. And as one Twitter user cleverly summed up, you might want to think of the Model 3 as something akin to Apple’s iPhone SE.
so it's like the Tesla Model SE
— dave smith (@redletterdave) March 24, 2017
As for the aforementioned video, you can check out the rather uneventful footage below.
First drive of a release candidate version of Model 3 pic.twitter.com/zcs6j1YRa4
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017
Currently, Tesla maintains that deliveries of the Model 3 will begin, as initially promised, later this year. If all goes according to plan, Tesla is hoping to ship upwards of 100,000 vehicles to reservation holders before 2018.
