CR Strongly disagrees with the statement that the Model 3 rides as well as an LS460:

LS460:





Model 3:

 

Interesting. The Model 3 I drove with 18s rode surprisingly well and much better than the Model S, which shouldn't be the case. Tesla forums have several threads complaining about some rough riding Model Ses, with and without the Smart air suspension. No consensus on the cause, except possibly a loose rear hatch that transers a lot of twist to the body.

I still think our air LS rides better and is quieter than the Model 3, but the difference isn't as dramatic as I would have expected. For such a small car, with a short wheelbase, the Model 3 with 18s is very well dampened and didn't ride like a go kart at all. I wonder if the suspension is different for dual motor Model 3s as it is for AWD Model S vs RWD Model S. The Model 3 interior isn't as spartan as the early Model S and isn't that bad for the price. The Premium seats are supportive, comfortable, and faux tex material feels supple and close to NuLuxe. I expected a bumpy ride and more road noise intrusion, but instead my biggest gripe against the Model 3 is the uncomfortable and tight rear seat. Everything else about it felt well-executed. I would love it if the Model S rode exactly like the Model 3 I drove.

All that said, I've come down from my Tesla high and appreciate our LS more, especially after a good wash. The horror stories of long repair times, poor after-sale service, and inability to test drive a used CPO before buying has put me off for now. I also want to see how the batteries hold up beyond the 8-year warranty and what the true cost of replacement is. It also doesn't bode well when a friend candidly shared the real-world range of his Model 3 is down 50% during the Winter. If that is the case, I would need a Model S, X, or Y that can do a claimed 400 miles.

Edit: I also wonder if Consumer Reports test drove an early Model 3 and perhaps Tesla got better at assembling a tighter Model 3 later in production and revised suspension specs. I definitely have complaints about the ride quality of the 2015 Model S I drove but the Model 3 driving experience was composed and not jarring in the least along the same road and route.

 

I think your initial enamourment with the Model 3 was coloring your perception of the ride. In all the reviews Ive read and watched of the car Ive never heard anybody make such a comparison about the ride. Saying as a small sport sedan it rides like a full sized air suspension flagship car would be a pretty big deal...

IMHO the Model 3 is even more spartan inside than the Model 3. No wood trim, no real leather...just not my thing.

 

I thorouglth enjoyed the outing in the Model 3, but i still knocked the very uncomfortable back seat and limited legroom. I also called out the Model S I drove for its very stiff ride. The Model 3 simply rode marvelous for its size, at least the one I drove. I will get to compare it with a RWD Model 3 once another colleague gets permission from his wife to let him take it to work again.