When Tesla launched the $35,000 base Model 3, the company also introduced upgraded interior options including a Partial Premium and full Premium Interior. But what’s the difference?
Tesla owner and enthusiast Daniel Spalding took a closer look at the features included in a Model 3 Standard Range Plus with the Partial Premium Interior upgrade and a Long Range Model 3 rear-wheel drive with full Premium Interior in a recent video review.
Both vehicles were remarkably similar overall aside from the seat material and trim. Most notably, the middle fabric seam of the Partial Premium seats appeared to be slightly lower than the full Premium seats, and the shoulder area seams of the Partial Premium seats gave a touch more definition to the seat shape.
The two Model 3 premium-oriented packages are supposed to have distinctly different sound systems, both being significant upgrades from the Standard Interior; however, that aspect wasn’t demonstrated in the video. Also, it should be noted that the Model 3 with full Premium in the video is a year old, thus newer production vehicles may now have seat designs identical to the Partial Premium upgrade.
There are other notable differences listed on Tesla’s website between the two Model 3 vehicles in the video. Partial Premium is only offered on the Standard Range Plus while the full Premium Interior comes with both Long Range (single and Dual Motor AWD) and Performance versions. This essentially means speed, battery range, and computer-centric features (i.e., in-car internet streaming music and media, live traffic data, web browser, etc.) are also different between the car variations, as to be expected throughout all of Tesla’s tiered vehicle offerings.
The $2,500 difference between the Model 3 Standard Range and the Standard Range Plus appears to demonstrate a great value given the similarities between the look and feel of the upgraded Partial Premium and the full Premium interiors, along with the extra battery range and speed enhancements. The “plus” upgrade also opens up black and white as an interior color option for another $1,000, a choice Tesla’s website recommends as follows:
“Black and White interior includes our most premium materials, maximizing comfort and aesthetics while maintaining our rigorous standards for durability and stain resistance.”
Since its February 28th release, the much-anticipated Model 3 Standard Range certainly seems to be living up to the hard-earned Tesla reputation for quality and innovation. The mid and long range variations already claimed 55% of all-electric vehicle sales in California last year, and with the more affordable $35,000 vehicle, that number will likely increase even more this year.
Watch Daniel’s full video review below:
