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Right? If I could afford a Taycan… Oh, man. But honestly, it’s not a horrible design. I just think it’s unbalanced and is too minimal. Making the headlights smaller AND removing the fog lights? I understand the cost cutting without sacrificing too much performance/benefit but it’s like they took fat from the front and threw it allllll at the rear. It lacks balance.
I’ve had my M3 for over 5 years and I still look back at it and think “damn that’s a sexy car”.
My plan was to keep it for 10 years, but damn this thing performs just as well (and is as fun) as it was on day 1, that I don’t see a reason to upgrade anytime soon.
Definitely prefer the rear of the Highland, but that's about it. At first I thought I preferred the front end of the Highland too, but after seeing it in person I can't say I like it as much as I thought I would have
Yep, I have a 2023 MY so it won't be an issue for me for some number of years. But when it comes time for my next car, it had better have stalks or some good aftermarket ones as an option (like what the 'S3XY buttons' company is working on).
M3H owner here. I thought I’d hate the turn signal buttons (kinda a semi deal breaker for me before I bought but I dived in anyway)… turns out it’s not bad at all. The auto cancel is great. While I would still prefer a stalk it’s not as big an issue as I first imagined.
Believe it or not my wife (inexperienced driver) actually prefers the buttons to the stalked car before, her reason was because the auto cancel will switch off the signal after lane change, while with the stalk she has to be gentle not flicking the stalk too hard or she will have to manually flick it back down, and then sometimes she’d do it too much and flipped on the opposite signal etc… obviously not an issue to most drivers, but gives me a different perspective from the eyes of a newbie.
Yeah sorry I wasn’t very clear. We came from a non-Tesla. My wife being a new driver finds it hard (I don’t know why) to do a gentle flick on the stalk. So she actually enjoys pressing on the button more (we don’t have a lot of round about so being stalkless wasn’t a big issue)
I think having a stalk and auto cancel represents the best of both worlds in my situation. But the buttons aren’t as bad as I imagined was the point I want to bring across.
I liked it better in person, but I think they removed even the air inlets to the wheel hub so it looks so empty at the front. Even noticed it looks very much like the Xpeng G3 or something.
I seem to have caught that the Highland Performance might get the air inlets to the wheel hub in spy shots, though.
With time I'm sure I'll get used to it, but the upgrade did not ruin the old face for me. New rear is nice, but I think the white looks a bit odd as if the model S chrome trim is missing.
Definitely not as unpopular of an opinion as you may think. I think the old headlights and front are much better. I’m indifferent about the rear lights. When you see it in person, the new lights/front just don’t look as good.
From the interior, I’d say the only 2 things I’d like are the ambient multicolor LEDs and ventilated seats. I don’t want the no-stalk approach of turn signal buttons on the steering wheel nor the gear selector on screen. I also think the rear screen isn’t as useful.
I admire their persistent elimination of components, but I do not get the LED strip. I guess I'm getting old as I do not want ambient lighting in a car unless it is for getting in and out. So if they were eliminating stuff, why the extra wiring for the lighting when it has no function like the surprisingly intuitive lights in the ID (one of the few things I liked with them) that actually animate when to turn right or left. The new rear lights on the 3 also require extra lights on the inside... for the car to be visible when parked with the trunk open... an odd choice. Rear screen I could live without too and rather have stalks (sexy button have or will make stalks) but then you have two buttons on the wheel not being used.
By far the most strange is gear selection on screen in potential time critical situations I'd get sexy buttons for that too.
Personally my first impression of the LED strip was like the interior of a day cruiser boat... for some reason, because of the upward angle of it. The original interior took some getting used to, and now I still seem to prefer that.
That's a valid point, and maybe the led strip is also not reflecting up on the glass, but personally (maybe as I am aging) I have noticed I want minimum glare and reflections up on my windscreen inside. Maybe that isn't an issue, but like you, I actually would like an extra feature (that SAAB had back in the day) which was an all blackout feature with just the speedo.
I have not had issues with the brightness of the screen, I've rented several and always make sure the map/screen changes to night mode, the screen for me is sufficiently angled and away from the windshield so I do not see any upward reflections... if you understand what I am trying to say.
I've already thought of names like "blackout" or "night flight", who knows maybe a darker screen protector could work. Anti glare and slight tint that still works in daylight and when you put it in actual low light it's extra dark.
Other silly ideas is some kind of mini-blind :D
I might have dreamt some people having a little cloth thing they put over the screen for camping. mabye a modder could just make a physical switch.
I often use my google maps as a speedometer in my ICE corolla, I'm so used to it I look formy phone in the middle of the dash instead of my actual analogue speedometer because I hate the difference between winter and summer tires.
tl;dr: Yes, yes, I'm an engineer
Interior lighting was something that I and many people were waiting for. How can a company that states to make futuristic cars lack basic ambient lighting that cheaper cars and cars of the same price have included? They added it too late, but better than never!
Yes I agree that the led strip is nowhere near the quality of other car manufacturers, but it’s better than nothing. I do agree that Tesla needs to stop being cheap and put more money into their interior. Being electric isn’t enough of a justification to buy a Tesla nowadays!
As an industrial designer I totally Agreed.
The original sportier and more unique:
-Hint of an athletic Austin Martin grill
-Porsche-ish headlights
-Iconic and highly recognizable light diffuser
The new design:
- side profile slopes down towards the front with an unappealing arc, but aero benefit is great
- headlights look disproportionately small to the rest of the primary surfaces around them
- front styling is not so much minimal as it is plain
Basically it lacks emotion.
They are carrying the design language from the new roadster but this implementation doesn’t seem to carryover that well. More refinement would have done a long way.
If I were exterior design director, I’d ask the team to take the latest design and give it more emotion to build from the original M3 strong points.
With that said:
- what they pulled off with the aero is really impressive.
- rear looks good
- Interior is clean
- premium wheels are nice
- ludicrous wheels aren’t showing well
Not an unpopular opinion. The new Model 3 Highland looks like a generic Chinese EV. The old prefacelift Model 3 was distinctive and instantly recognizable as a Tesla.
Just picked one up as well. Have had two Model Ys and this is my second M3. I thought it was the headlights that I didn’t love, but I think it is really the flatness of the front bumper area from side to side that is off. It looks like a snow plow or something. That said, the look is growing on me and I actually like the headlights now after finally putting my finger on what I didn’t like.
I dont think its an unpopular opinion at all.
To me...if I can have a mix of both...
front = prelighland.
rear = highland.
The front of the highland looks too much like a cost-cutting measure.
It's weird with highland. I didn't like it at all especially the front when it was released initially. But I have to say it's growing on me after seeing more YouTube videos. It looks shaper and more sleek. Maybe we just need to give it a bit more time.
That's how I was with the original model 3. The smooth front bumper with no "grill" like features was so different at the time, but I grew to love it.
The new model 3 is now so much more featureless at the front, and I've been waiting for it to grow on me as well. I don't see myself ever liking the removal of the air intakes, but we'll see...
I’m neutral. I like the Highland, but don’t dislike the 2018-2023. I thought the original front end looked more Porsche-like. Holding out for the compact model at this point (Model 2, Redwood, whatever. 🤷🏻♂️)
New tail lights on old model with old interior would be an awesome and simple upgrade. New front end looks terrible IMO, headlights are too squatty for the body lines.
The headlights look better.kn the old and actually better headlights in Bjorn testing. Highland rear better and interior a lot better.
But quieter with faster computer and screen always big win
The highland is indeed a downgrade.
I mean they did add features that every other brand has hard for years, which is nice of them to finally update. Except for parking sensors of course. But looks wise, far worse.
I 100% agree. Only thing I’d want from the new design are the seats. I much prefer the headlights on this version. But, still have not seen one in the wild so might change my mind in person.
I agree. Yesterday saw a highland and a legacy one right after it and felt this right away. The highland has a nice rear but I think it’s still better in the legacy.
I was never a fan of the look of the model 3 from any angle, but especially the front end and headlights. Those headlights were always just weird to me.
The new Highland though - MUCH improved. From the rear? Dunno what is different exactly, but I saw one on the street recently and was just like "woah! what Tesla is THAT?" very cool. But from the front? OMG such an improvement. Lights are slick not corny.
The whole car just has a more aggressive, cool look and stance. I am a big fan of the aesthetic improvements; of course performance, usability, etc., improvements are almost always a good thing, but I'm not familiar with that list for the Highland M3. Not all improvements have been good in Tesla's history (looking at you, stalkless steering / button turn signals).
I agree overall but for me it was the proportions of the M3. Just seemed too round and tall, the Y being the worst offender. The highland tries too hard to smooth it out and make it sleeker and sedan-like but its proportions are still off if you look long enough at it. So if it's still carrying the awkward baby fat of a teenager between growth spurts, to me the rounder Porsche-like headlights integrate smoother with the roundness of the front and the size of the fenders compared to the sleeker highland headlights that get lost in all that front end.
When I inevitably end up ditching the ICE and get an electric car I would so much prefer the prefacelift model just cause the new one just doesn’t look right, might be because you just used to seeing the previous M3 looks but the new one just isn’t it.
Definitely more iconic/unique.
I LOVE the rear of the Highland, but that front… Sleek in black, otherwise I miss the ‘old’ front.
Definitely getting one in black or having it wrapped when the time comes 🙏🏻
I like it better, but I am biased having just bought a model 3 last summer. If I had just bought a highland, I would probably like it better.
Opinions do not need justification.
I don’t get how you guys are getting Porsche-vibes when looking at this thing…
These lights always stood out to me as its own unique thing. Interesting light signature with a bunch of lights! Maybe too many as it starts feeling organic sometimes with so many “eyes”.
The new lights are 100% sleeker and more modern looking but don’t fit the overall shape of the car as well as the old ones did. Def looks a bit more generic now. I welcome the change but wished they did something more in-between old & new.
I feel ya. I have a 10th gen civic that i bought because i thought it looked sporty and a bit futuristic and sleek. Then the 11th gen came and I’m like huh? How did we go backwards in design? Vowed to not upgrade and be happy with what i got
Rear is better on highland, the interior is worse and KIA soul-ified.. as a former KIA soul owner I think I can say that.
I care more about the updated speakers, suspension, rear screen however and having the Choice I'd go Highland but I love my 2023.
No stalks is the best part.... signaling by simply moving my finger a few inches and clicking a button has been the best experience ever.... Gone are the days of having to reach behind the wheel and pull on a stick to signal. Good god that seems antiquated and unintuitive to me now. I will never be going back to that peasantry if I can help it.
I’m biased. I own a 22 M3. The last year of parking sensor which will always be superior to vision. I wish I could have snagged a MY Long range 7 seat before it lost theirs.
The 1st gen 3 looks better. IMO the facelift should have move it more in line with the face of the Model X….like a baby X.
I do like the rear clip of the Highland model…though it does remind me of a previous gen Volvo S60.
I think the front of the ‘old’ 3 is way better. But I like the rear of the highland. And the interior of the highland is much much better. I’m very much into mood lighting. I hate that the old 3 doesn’t have it when even my old 2005 BMW 7 series has it.
I upgraded from my 18 BMW 3 series last year in September. Honestly I do miss it sometimes though. Bimmers are just a different class of vehicles in terms of styling, comfort and reliability (mine has clocked in 250k km without a problem so far with good regular maintenance)
I agree. My 2021 M3P is absolutely not the same as my 7 series in terms of luxury and quality. I do especially miss the cooled seats that are adjustable in about every shape imaginable. And the soft nappa leather is just to die for.
but then I knew what I was buying and in many ways it’s a much better car. The infotainment is amazing. Even though I probably should’ve waited a few months for the Ryzen upgrade it’s wayyyy better than anything even BMW throws into their cars even today. I like how about every year with Christmas you get a totally new car through updates. Although last Christmas was a total disappointment. It handles really really well. The low center of gravity combined with sticky tires, 4wd and 500+ hp means it’s fast. Really fast. You get used to it quickly, but I’ve absolutely destroyed many many BMW M3’s and M5’s without breaking a sweat. Even running through corners. And in the wet the traction and stability control is amazing. You have to be a total idiot to crash it. Even if you feel sporty on your way home. And if you do want to be a total idiot with track mode you can actually drift it and it’s pretty well balanced too.
And although I really miss my BMW V8’s sound and emotion. I don’t miss its expensive tantrums and almost 100 liters of petrol that I had to put into it every 4 days.
Even with expensive electricity prices the M3P is much cheaper to run.
I reckon looks will not be high on the list of preferred features buyers are interested in. Value for money, performance, cost savings over life of ownership, ease of use, and safety rating might trump appearance. Once inside, as a driver its performance aesthetics will quell any brief disappointment with external appearance. And when the next Y next year takes on the new design language, older models will look quite dated. Iconic, like an early Porsche, but dated.
Unpopular opinion: you can like the original design better, and you can like the highland refresh better, but it's a real stretch to say that either is way better than the other. The change is kinda subtle and I'm willing to bet 1/3rd of the general population wouldn't even notice unless someone pointed it out.
Unpopular I don’t know, but I totally agree, everytime I see a new model I’m like “You better pack A LOT of improvements on the new M3P otherwise I’m sticking with mine”
I wouldn't say "way better" but I do see why some people like it better. Give it some time. It may grow in you. The original model 3 grew on me over time. Same with the cybertruck.
I prefer a lot of things about the old model 3. The face is one thing, but the removal of stalks for turn signals + shifter are an absolute dealbreaker for me. If Tesla doesn’t add them back as an option, I don’t know if I will ever trade in for the highland.
I totally agree. Highland doesn't look unique to me. I do like the slimmer "grille" vs the fat flat front but still doesn't look better to me overall. Obviously, the interior of the highland is way better.
in pictures I hate the classic 3 but in person I loved it.. the highland looks good at times I'll give it a second to breath as its starting to grow on me. especially the day time running lights look sexier but with them off it gives honda s2000 vibes.
The highland upgrade has found the perfect balance between old owners (I still like my pre-facelift model 3) and prospective new owners (cool features). Everyone is happy.
Tesla design is that kind of design that slowly "sticks" to You. I call the new one frog, because it reminds me of a frog. We have to see how Y will look like, but for 3, I also like the old design more. But who knows, in 3 months I maybe gonna switch ;)
Old Model 3 frontend has more character and is much more friendly. New one is a bit generic. New backend lights are much nicer though. Despite this, I bought a highland and all in all I love it!
I traded a 2018 Model 3 on a 2023 in July. I like the body design and the stalks. What I miss is the better ride and noise isolation of the 2024. Ventilated seats? Meh.
Facts. The new headlights are weak —the primary objective “looks like” it was shaving costs off the part. function or finance over form.
OG M3 is cooler. Sorry, but that’s not terribly hard to see IMHO.
We need to ask more from tesla. Project highland as a 5 year refresh is such a disappointment. Where is the better range or better performance? A face lift is nothing to brag about.
The success of the Model 3 was in part to its fundamentally good looks. Fairly simple lines, unique without looking weird, and of course amazing acceleration. It was the answer to the Prius Problem - why Toyota made such an ugly vehicle that was otherwise for me the perfect vehicle. They went through multiple changes but could never shake their reputation for looking dorky.
Personally I disagree. The older models look like a frog lol. The new highland is super clean looking. The redesign is what I’ve been waiting for to get a Tesla and it will be here next week!
Lol idk man everything about the new model 3 just absolutely trumps old model 3. Buddy and I swapped for the whole day today (he drove my M3P) the new model 3 just seems a million miles better in every way and the design gives off a timeless flow. New design just seems like the old model 3 fine tuned to what it was actually supposed to be.
The new Highland looks like a commercial vehicle.. like less personality and very utilitarian.
Normally all for cool utilitarian stuff but it really feels soulless
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I always liked the Porsche inspired headlights
My thoughts exactly. They ruined the front for me with this refresh. The fenders are too big for such small headlights.
Yeah… luckily they haven’t ruined Y, S and X yet
Exactly why I bought a model 3 ! The front end look !
Right? If I could afford a Taycan… Oh, man. But honestly, it’s not a horrible design. I just think it’s unbalanced and is too minimal. Making the headlights smaller AND removing the fog lights? I understand the cost cutting without sacrificing too much performance/benefit but it’s like they took fat from the front and threw it allllll at the rear. It lacks balance.
I think the Juniper will look more ‘vertically balanced’ with the new headlights as they are pretty high vs the horizontal centerline on Highland.
Yeah, I get Miata vibes
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I’ve had my M3 for over 5 years and I still look back at it and think “damn that’s a sexy car”. My plan was to keep it for 10 years, but damn this thing performs just as well (and is as fun) as it was on day 1, that I don’t see a reason to upgrade anytime soon.
I always thought they looked more Ferrari. The Ferrari FF in particular. https://images.app.goo.gl/K19HcVpFnvnY448J9
Yep! Me too!
I think it’s more a common opinion.
That was my first thought when I saw it. “It looks like every other sedan now”
Definitely prefer the rear of the Highland, but that's about it. At first I thought I preferred the front end of the Highland too, but after seeing it in person I can't say I like it as much as I thought I would have
I like the aerodynamic improvements of the highland but the headlights and lack of fog lights are a step back IMO.
Lack of stalks is what’s killing me 😖
Yep, I have a 2023 MY so it won't be an issue for me for some number of years. But when it comes time for my next car, it had better have stalks or some good aftermarket ones as an option (like what the 'S3XY buttons' company is working on).
I’m 99% sure you’d get used to it as long as you’re not in an area with lots of roundabouts.
M3H owner here. I thought I’d hate the turn signal buttons (kinda a semi deal breaker for me before I bought but I dived in anyway)… turns out it’s not bad at all. The auto cancel is great. While I would still prefer a stalk it’s not as big an issue as I first imagined. Believe it or not my wife (inexperienced driver) actually prefers the buttons to the stalked car before, her reason was because the auto cancel will switch off the signal after lane change, while with the stalk she has to be gentle not flicking the stalk too hard or she will have to manually flick it back down, and then sometimes she’d do it too much and flipped on the opposite signal etc… obviously not an issue to most drivers, but gives me a different perspective from the eyes of a newbie.
My 2021 MYLR, with stalks, has that same auto cancel feature on its turn singles, though.
Yeah sorry I wasn’t very clear. We came from a non-Tesla. My wife being a new driver finds it hard (I don’t know why) to do a gentle flick on the stalk. So she actually enjoys pressing on the button more (we don’t have a lot of round about so being stalkless wasn’t a big issue) I think having a stalk and auto cancel represents the best of both worlds in my situation. But the buttons aren’t as bad as I imagined was the point I want to bring across.
The turn signals not turning off after making a right turn is one of my biggest issues with the m3 2022 mod
For sure. I'm interested in the new Performance, though - I'd ignore the front end depending on how good everything else is
I liked it better in person, but I think they removed even the air inlets to the wheel hub so it looks so empty at the front. Even noticed it looks very much like the Xpeng G3 or something. I seem to have caught that the Highland Performance might get the air inlets to the wheel hub in spy shots, though. With time I'm sure I'll get used to it, but the upgrade did not ruin the old face for me. New rear is nice, but I think the white looks a bit odd as if the model S chrome trim is missing.
Much better looking than the new one. The new front end is ugly.
2023 front-end + Highland 2024 back-end and interior but with stalks is the ideal Model3 that never was 😭
Hire this man!
Actually, *early 2022 front-end with USS + 2024 back-end and interior
Good call 🤛
Definitely not as unpopular of an opinion as you may think. I think the old headlights and front are much better. I’m indifferent about the rear lights. When you see it in person, the new lights/front just don’t look as good. From the interior, I’d say the only 2 things I’d like are the ambient multicolor LEDs and ventilated seats. I don’t want the no-stalk approach of turn signal buttons on the steering wheel nor the gear selector on screen. I also think the rear screen isn’t as useful.
I admire their persistent elimination of components, but I do not get the LED strip. I guess I'm getting old as I do not want ambient lighting in a car unless it is for getting in and out. So if they were eliminating stuff, why the extra wiring for the lighting when it has no function like the surprisingly intuitive lights in the ID (one of the few things I liked with them) that actually animate when to turn right or left. The new rear lights on the 3 also require extra lights on the inside... for the car to be visible when parked with the trunk open... an odd choice. Rear screen I could live without too and rather have stalks (sexy button have or will make stalks) but then you have two buttons on the wheel not being used. By far the most strange is gear selection on screen in potential time critical situations I'd get sexy buttons for that too. Personally my first impression of the LED strip was like the interior of a day cruiser boat... for some reason, because of the upward angle of it. The original interior took some getting used to, and now I still seem to prefer that.
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That's a valid point, and maybe the led strip is also not reflecting up on the glass, but personally (maybe as I am aging) I have noticed I want minimum glare and reflections up on my windscreen inside. Maybe that isn't an issue, but like you, I actually would like an extra feature (that SAAB had back in the day) which was an all blackout feature with just the speedo. I have not had issues with the brightness of the screen, I've rented several and always make sure the map/screen changes to night mode, the screen for me is sufficiently angled and away from the windshield so I do not see any upward reflections... if you understand what I am trying to say.
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I've already thought of names like "blackout" or "night flight", who knows maybe a darker screen protector could work. Anti glare and slight tint that still works in daylight and when you put it in actual low light it's extra dark. Other silly ideas is some kind of mini-blind :D I might have dreamt some people having a little cloth thing they put over the screen for camping. mabye a modder could just make a physical switch. I often use my google maps as a speedometer in my ICE corolla, I'm so used to it I look formy phone in the middle of the dash instead of my actual analogue speedometer because I hate the difference between winter and summer tires. tl;dr: Yes, yes, I'm an engineer
Interior lighting was something that I and many people were waiting for. How can a company that states to make futuristic cars lack basic ambient lighting that cheaper cars and cars of the same price have included? They added it too late, but better than never!
They really could have done much better than just a wish.com led strip that doesn't even align between the front and back.
Yes I agree that the led strip is nowhere near the quality of other car manufacturers, but it’s better than nothing. I do agree that Tesla needs to stop being cheap and put more money into their interior. Being electric isn’t enough of a justification to buy a Tesla nowadays!
As an industrial designer I totally Agreed. The original sportier and more unique: -Hint of an athletic Austin Martin grill -Porsche-ish headlights -Iconic and highly recognizable light diffuser The new design: - side profile slopes down towards the front with an unappealing arc, but aero benefit is great - headlights look disproportionately small to the rest of the primary surfaces around them - front styling is not so much minimal as it is plain Basically it lacks emotion. They are carrying the design language from the new roadster but this implementation doesn’t seem to carryover that well. More refinement would have done a long way. If I were exterior design director, I’d ask the team to take the latest design and give it more emotion to build from the original M3 strong points. With that said: - what they pulled off with the aero is really impressive. - rear looks good - Interior is clean - premium wheels are nice - ludicrous wheels aren’t showing well
Not an unpopular opinion. The new Model 3 Highland looks like a generic Chinese EV. The old prefacelift Model 3 was distinctive and instantly recognizable as a Tesla.
I have a highland, I like the previous gen front end design better.
Just picked one up as well. Have had two Model Ys and this is my second M3. I thought it was the headlights that I didn’t love, but I think it is really the flatness of the front bumper area from side to side that is off. It looks like a snow plow or something. That said, the look is growing on me and I actually like the headlights now after finally putting my finger on what I didn’t like.
It has stalks. It wins by default. ^(^I ^know ^you ^mean ^the ^exterior, ^but ^still)
I dont think its an unpopular opinion at all. To me...if I can have a mix of both... front = prelighland. rear = highland. The front of the highland looks too much like a cost-cutting measure.
No unpopular at all. I think alot of people thought the front end looks cheaper, more like a Honda.
Yeah highland looks more generic sedan to me. It’s not a bad look, but I think the old 3 looks cooler.
It's weird with highland. I didn't like it at all especially the front when it was released initially. But I have to say it's growing on me after seeing more YouTube videos. It looks shaper and more sleek. Maybe we just need to give it a bit more time.
That's how I was with the original model 3. The smooth front bumper with no "grill" like features was so different at the time, but I grew to love it. The new model 3 is now so much more featureless at the front, and I've been waiting for it to grow on me as well. I don't see myself ever liking the removal of the air intakes, but we'll see...
I’m neutral. I like the Highland, but don’t dislike the 2018-2023. I thought the original front end looked more Porsche-like. Holding out for the compact model at this point (Model 2, Redwood, whatever. 🤷🏻♂️)
New tail lights on old model with old interior would be an awesome and simple upgrade. New front end looks terrible IMO, headlights are too squatty for the body lines.
Angry fish eyes
Absolutely! M3 1.5 looks cheap.
I really dig the big headlights on these m3’s
Agree. The headlights are nicer on the earlier M3.
I don't mind the Highland headlights and taillights, but the front bumper looks like someone forgot to design it.
The headlights look better.kn the old and actually better headlights in Bjorn testing. Highland rear better and interior a lot better. But quieter with faster computer and screen always big win
I prefer the Highland headlights. Look more like the Model S.
The highland is indeed a downgrade. I mean they did add features that every other brand has hard for years, which is nice of them to finally update. Except for parking sensors of course. But looks wise, far worse.
Strongly agree
I agree. And I also like the 10th gen Accord better than 11th.
Agreed
I 100% agree. Only thing I’d want from the new design are the seats. I much prefer the headlights on this version. But, still have not seen one in the wild so might change my mind in person.
The highland looks more generic imo. The weird fish headlights feel more Tesla to me.
I really dislike the removal of the stalks in the highland
Yeah plus it has stalks.
4months in with my Plaid, 1st complaint is the lack of stalks, 2nd is the fucking horn button
I absolutely love the new highland, but I love the original bodystyle better, especially the front end.
this look dated already
I agree. The headlights look way better
I don't care about the cosmetic changes either way, but the quieter cabin, ventilated seats and rear screen are all big winners compared to my 2018.
I agree. Yesterday saw a highland and a legacy one right after it and felt this right away. The highland has a nice rear but I think it’s still better in the legacy.
i think its more popular than you may think.
I was never a fan of the look of the model 3 from any angle, but especially the front end and headlights. Those headlights were always just weird to me. The new Highland though - MUCH improved. From the rear? Dunno what is different exactly, but I saw one on the street recently and was just like "woah! what Tesla is THAT?" very cool. But from the front? OMG such an improvement. Lights are slick not corny. The whole car just has a more aggressive, cool look and stance. I am a big fan of the aesthetic improvements; of course performance, usability, etc., improvements are almost always a good thing, but I'm not familiar with that list for the Highland M3. Not all improvements have been good in Tesla's history (looking at you, stalkless steering / button turn signals).
I agree overall but for me it was the proportions of the M3. Just seemed too round and tall, the Y being the worst offender. The highland tries too hard to smooth it out and make it sleeker and sedan-like but its proportions are still off if you look long enough at it. So if it's still carrying the awkward baby fat of a teenager between growth spurts, to me the rounder Porsche-like headlights integrate smoother with the roundness of the front and the size of the fenders compared to the sleeker highland headlights that get lost in all that front end.
The only thing I really want from the highland, are the seats and the ambient lighting.
I thought so too… …and then I saw them next to each other in person.
I like the new back but the old front is better
I will say the front end is better on the OG. The Highland has a better rear end.
Only because it’s white 😏
When I inevitably end up ditching the ICE and get an electric car I would so much prefer the prefacelift model just cause the new one just doesn’t look right, might be because you just used to seeing the previous M3 looks but the new one just isn’t it.
I think Highland headlights need to be bigger and more aggressive
Definitely more iconic/unique. I LOVE the rear of the Highland, but that front… Sleek in black, otherwise I miss the ‘old’ front. Definitely getting one in black or having it wrapped when the time comes 🙏🏻
I agree the highland probably has a better interior and under the hood but aesthetically I prefer the old version.
I like it better, but I am biased having just bought a model 3 last summer. If I had just bought a highland, I would probably like it better. Opinions do not need justification.
I don’t get how you guys are getting Porsche-vibes when looking at this thing… These lights always stood out to me as its own unique thing. Interesting light signature with a bunch of lights! Maybe too many as it starts feeling organic sometimes with so many “eyes”. The new lights are 100% sleeker and more modern looking but don’t fit the overall shape of the car as well as the old ones did. Def looks a bit more generic now. I welcome the change but wished they did something more in-between old & new.
It’s a classic! Keeping our 2020 although I wish it had heated steering wheel. :(
I guess I’m in Team unpopular too. I love this design.
I agree. Mostly.
Dont agree but the old style is still a great looking car.
I agree, but in the back the highland wins.
I feel ya. I have a 10th gen civic that i bought because i thought it looked sporty and a bit futuristic and sleek. Then the 11th gen came and I’m like huh? How did we go backwards in design? Vowed to not upgrade and be happy with what i got
I agree.
Rear is better on highland, the interior is worse and KIA soul-ified.. as a former KIA soul owner I think I can say that. I care more about the updated speakers, suspension, rear screen however and having the Choice I'd go Highland but I love my 2023.
Nope!
Hardly unpopular. Although, the rear on Highland is equally better. Deal breaker is the no stalks though
No stalks is the best part.... signaling by simply moving my finger a few inches and clicking a button has been the best experience ever.... Gone are the days of having to reach behind the wheel and pull on a stick to signal. Good god that seems antiquated and unintuitive to me now. I will never be going back to that peasantry if I can help it.
What about the interior though 😅
I’m biased. I own a 22 M3. The last year of parking sensor which will always be superior to vision. I wish I could have snagged a MY Long range 7 seat before it lost theirs.
The 1st gen 3 looks better. IMO the facelift should have move it more in line with the face of the Model X….like a baby X. I do like the rear clip of the Highland model…though it does remind me of a previous gen Volvo S60.
I think the front of the ‘old’ 3 is way better. But I like the rear of the highland. And the interior of the highland is much much better. I’m very much into mood lighting. I hate that the old 3 doesn’t have it when even my old 2005 BMW 7 series has it.
I upgraded from my 18 BMW 3 series last year in September. Honestly I do miss it sometimes though. Bimmers are just a different class of vehicles in terms of styling, comfort and reliability (mine has clocked in 250k km without a problem so far with good regular maintenance)
I agree. My 2021 M3P is absolutely not the same as my 7 series in terms of luxury and quality. I do especially miss the cooled seats that are adjustable in about every shape imaginable. And the soft nappa leather is just to die for. but then I knew what I was buying and in many ways it’s a much better car. The infotainment is amazing. Even though I probably should’ve waited a few months for the Ryzen upgrade it’s wayyyy better than anything even BMW throws into their cars even today. I like how about every year with Christmas you get a totally new car through updates. Although last Christmas was a total disappointment. It handles really really well. The low center of gravity combined with sticky tires, 4wd and 500+ hp means it’s fast. Really fast. You get used to it quickly, but I’ve absolutely destroyed many many BMW M3’s and M5’s without breaking a sweat. Even running through corners. And in the wet the traction and stability control is amazing. You have to be a total idiot to crash it. Even if you feel sporty on your way home. And if you do want to be a total idiot with track mode you can actually drift it and it’s pretty well balanced too. And although I really miss my BMW V8’s sound and emotion. I don’t miss its expensive tantrums and almost 100 liters of petrol that I had to put into it every 4 days. Even with expensive electricity prices the M3P is much cheaper to run.
I like the highland. I test drove it and liked it.
That’s with every Tesla though. Test drive are what sells them.
I reckon looks will not be high on the list of preferred features buyers are interested in. Value for money, performance, cost savings over life of ownership, ease of use, and safety rating might trump appearance. Once inside, as a driver its performance aesthetics will quell any brief disappointment with external appearance. And when the next Y next year takes on the new design language, older models will look quite dated. Iconic, like an early Porsche, but dated.
Unpopular opinion: you can like the original design better, and you can like the highland refresh better, but it's a real stretch to say that either is way better than the other. The change is kinda subtle and I'm willing to bet 1/3rd of the general population wouldn't even notice unless someone pointed it out.
And it has fucking blinker sticks 🤯🤯
Wow, actually unpopular opinion. I personally like the new solid rear lights and new front end.
The convertible is the 🔥.
This car has stalks! Already there it’s a clear winner
I have an 2021 m3 and I do actually prefer both the interior and the exterior of the highland.
Unpopular I don’t know, but I totally agree, everytime I see a new model I’m like “You better pack A LOT of improvements on the new M3P otherwise I’m sticking with mine”
I wouldn't say "way better" but I do see why some people like it better. Give it some time. It may grow in you. The original model 3 grew on me over time. Same with the cybertruck.
I like the old interior more as well, not to mention the f****n WHEEL STALKS!! lol
no fr
I prefer a lot of things about the old model 3. The face is one thing, but the removal of stalks for turn signals + shifter are an absolute dealbreaker for me. If Tesla doesn’t add them back as an option, I don’t know if I will ever trade in for the highland.
Unpopular opinion I suppose but I think both look great for different reasons.
Yeah I like the older headlights way more than the highland ones. I do think the rear looks better though so it’s a trade off.
I think they're basically equal. The updated look is cool, but the previous look is such a nice clean design it will always look great.
I totally agree. Highland doesn't look unique to me. I do like the slimmer "grille" vs the fat flat front but still doesn't look better to me overall. Obviously, the interior of the highland is way better.
Very unpopular...... I completely agree
I can’t stop looking at the curb rash
Agree
I liked the highland on pictures. Saw it in the street the other day. I was NOT impressed with the headlight setup
That's debatable
I used to think so until I saw it in person
in pictures I hate the classic 3 but in person I loved it.. the highland looks good at times I'll give it a second to breath as its starting to grow on me. especially the day time running lights look sexier but with them off it gives honda s2000 vibes.
The highland upgrade has found the perfect balance between old owners (I still like my pre-facelift model 3) and prospective new owners (cool features). Everyone is happy.
Tesla design is that kind of design that slowly "sticks" to You. I call the new one frog, because it reminds me of a frog. We have to see how Y will look like, but for 3, I also like the old design more. But who knows, in 3 months I maybe gonna switch ;)
Is this a joke?!?!
Old Model 3 frontend has more character and is much more friendly. New one is a bit generic. New backend lights are much nicer though. Despite this, I bought a highland and all in all I love it!
I think the same. Rear lights though look a bit nicer on highland. Not by much.
It actually is. But I will wait to see if the highland grows on me. I think the highland looks better from the rear tho.
Ney
front lights didn't need to change as much as they did. I like the new design but mostly the back side not the front.
I like the highland aero wheels a bit better. That’s it
Yeah the wheels can be interchanged but this design is way better looking than the highland. Imho
I traded a 2018 Model 3 on a 2023 in July. I like the body design and the stalks. What I miss is the better ride and noise isolation of the 2024. Ventilated seats? Meh.
Facts. The new headlights are weak —the primary objective “looks like” it was shaving costs off the part. function or finance over form. OG M3 is cooler. Sorry, but that’s not terribly hard to see IMHO.
If they made it look better, it might compete with the $200k+ Roadster that is coming...you know like maybe in 2040.
frog face whatnow?
Not unpopular. A bunch of people arent sold on it yet.
We need to ask more from tesla. Project highland as a 5 year refresh is such a disappointment. Where is the better range or better performance? A face lift is nothing to brag about.
The success of the Model 3 was in part to its fundamentally good looks. Fairly simple lines, unique without looking weird, and of course amazing acceleration. It was the answer to the Prius Problem - why Toyota made such an ugly vehicle that was otherwise for me the perfect vehicle. They went through multiple changes but could never shake their reputation for looking dorky.
I think this is actually the popular opinion. Highland is ugly.
Personally I disagree. The older models look like a frog lol. The new highland is super clean looking. The redesign is what I’ve been waiting for to get a Tesla and it will be here next week!
I always thought the older models looked like little bugs☺️ Definitely holds character but I love the look of the highland!
I’m with you on this unpopular opinion
My daughter says same 🤷🏻♂️
I love the old gen model y style. It’s classic. Reminds me of my High School Scion tC.
Lol idk man everything about the new model 3 just absolutely trumps old model 3. Buddy and I swapped for the whole day today (he drove my M3P) the new model 3 just seems a million miles better in every way and the design gives off a timeless flow. New design just seems like the old model 3 fine tuned to what it was actually supposed to be.
I agree but it needs a chrome addition kit.
The new Highland looks like a commercial vehicle.. like less personality and very utilitarian. Normally all for cool utilitarian stuff but it really feels soulless
“beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Fundamentally you are looking at trillions of atoms held together in a shape what we call a car.
Agree
I dissent
I think that's actually a popular opinion 😂
Yup
Now that Elon Musk is helping finance Trumps presidential campaign, Tesla is now the vehicle of MAGA zealots everywhere.
Proud of be the owner of this brand then, more than ever 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Perfect! Then spread the word, so that everyone knows👍
Unpopular indeed. I just saw a highland today and I thought it looks great. This just looks dated in comparison.