Here's Where The New Tesla Model 3's Emergency Gear Selector Is Hidden

Sep. 06, 2023 12:57 PM ET byJarryd Neves 室内 /2 Comments

Tesla has moved the gear selector to the touchscreen, so a backup selector has been included.

After months of anticipation, the newTesla Model 3, developed under the codename 'Highland,' finallybroke cover last week, and some of the changes may be a bit perplexing. With a fresh and handsome exterior design, a revised interior, and more tech than before, the electric vehicle is set to retain its position as one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world. But there's one feature that may alienate traditional buyers, and that's thelack of a physical gear lever.

Yes, the facelifted Model 3 has adopted the touchscreen-operated gear selector first seen in the Model X andModel S. But there has to be a manual override, surely? Like the larger Tesla models, the Model 3 has a manual gear selector next to the hazard button. Images on Instagram show the emergency gear position selector on the headliner alongside the dome lights.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwtbUIQPRBc/?img_index=1

The backup gear selector on theModel Xand Model S is positioned on the center console beneath the touchscreen. In the Model 3, Tesla has chosen to occupy that space with dual wireless phone chargers.

Earlier this year, we surmised that Tesla probably did this to cut costs. Producing a physical gear lever that is both premium-feeling and tactile is far more expensive to develop and produce than a digital gear selector would be. The makeshift emergency shifter probably keeps prices down, too.

And it's not just the gear selector that has been relocated. The steering wheel is devoid of stalks entirely; the turn signals have been repositioned on the steering wheel. While it's more cumbersome, the fascia is clutter-free and looks modern.

We don't think the new gear lever will put too many people off the new Model 3 in the grander scheme of things. It's better in every single way. The new exterior looks great, but importantly,it is exceptionally aerodynamic. With a drag coefficient of 0.219 C_d, it cuts through the air cleaner than before, which improves efficiency and range.

Speaking of range,WLTP estimatesshow the Standard Range RWD derivative can travel 319 miles between charges. The AWD model has an even greater range, at 391 miles. We expect the more stringent EPA test to deliver more realistic numbers when the Model 3 arrives in America.

While all of this sounds very appealing, those looking for a great deal might want toshop around for a pre-facelift model. With discounts exceeding $4,000, it's possible to get a late model example for less than $30,000 once you've factored in the $7,500 tax credit.