Made in China! New UK Tesla Model 3 side by side comparisons v US made. Which is better?

#teslamodel3 #mic #vtesla
We get our hands on one of the first of the new Made in China Tesla Model 3s and bring it back to our showroom for some in-depth side by side comparisons. What’s new, what’s the quality like, is it better or worse?
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[@luketansell]

The thicker, metal speaker grilles are probably because lots of people would bump them with their foot when getting out, and the plastic ones cracked easily

[@egold33311]

Yes they cracked far to easy, front and back!

[@CharlietoKind]

never had an issue with plastic speaker grills an any of my cars.. ever... when looking at used 19 ram 1500 with the 19 speaker sound system that uses metal covers, they are always permanently kinked or bent from people kicking then looks like. worse than plastic

[@GF-mf7ml]

The position is easy to get kick

[@garystolk8640]

I got my model 3 on the 1st of march to i did not know it was a made in china until watching this. mine seems spot on too.

[@czimagine]

Great comparison video. Looking forward to seeing the evolution of the Y as it envelops the additional features the 3 has taken on over the past few months!

[@casperhansen826]

Looking forward to the Model Y from Giga Berlin, I would love to see what you think about it when it gets available.

[@wattlebough]

I second that!

[@firstcanadian6372]

The Germans may build a better tesla

[@flightplanaviation.]

Wonder what he thinks just been released in U.K. :)

[@chargeheadsuk]

Very good shout. The fact I'm making an EV TVR makes me thing build quality.....is comparable 😉

[@simonprebble553]

Yup got mine yesterday as well. Only neg really is the frunk panel gap. Heated steering wheel is a lovely addition. Mine LR sits at 72cm tall on aero 18” wheels

[@jeromeandre4915]

Many thanks for this, excellent bit of info.

[@Amuzic_Earth]

Good inspection and good video. Thank you.

[@RSEV]

Thank you for a nice comment 🤝

[@airlitex6488]

Excellent comparison. Thank you.

[@blueplanet1048]

Always great informative videos! Thank you brother!

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

Thanks for your comments ❤️ Do well to write my broker Brian on What sApp to make great ROI in Bitcoins

[@AllenHart999]

Amazing video thanks for sharing.

[@RSEV]

No worries 🤝

[@saggo1712]

That was fantastic! My long range is arriving in Perth end of June. Same colour as that one.

[@douglasmartyn]

Great video never realised there were so many updates ( not all of which I like) but the fullest coverage I’ve seen. A heated steering wheel is undoubtedly the most ridiculously wonderful almost obscene selfish luxury. Folk laugh at it till you’ve had one and someone takes it away. I miss my heated steering wheel more than anything 😂

[@chargedup8491]

Good news, mines the end of the month!

[@linnovate360]

great presentation and comparison

[@iainnaylor]

Good video, I am collecting my long range on the 11th, thanks for the ruler tips to check panelling, I love the interior wooden trim, once again, personal opinion, hopefully in the flesh it still looks as good! 🤞

[@RSEV]

Congratulations, you’re going to love it!

[@metrosb2593]

Being OCD, seeing you compare panel gaps really eased my obsession. I always look at the gaps at my car and notice alot of flaws. I was hesitant in buying a Tesla because of the panel gaps but seeing you compare and use a ruler to visualize the gaps really helped me on deciding to purchase a Tesla on the future. Thanks!

[@RSEV]

No worries. They do make everything else feel archaic

[@honestjohn6222]

Wow ,really well done cheers !

[@richardeskins]

Another great video Richard. As the owner of same age LR I would agree on everything except size. Our other car is a Mii Electric (and we have usually driven nothing bigger than a Golf) - the M3 is HUGE! But we love it.

[@ElmerEDavis]

Well done, thanks.

[@iowgtr]

Fremont is still hit and miss, but if China can churn out cars at this quality level consistently then we are onto a winner. The wooden door trim does look better in the flesh. I hated it from the photos and was praying mine got delivered with the old panels. I picked mine up today and it's a non issue, they are fine.

[@TheElectrocar]

Agreed. If China and the German factory start making the majority of deliveries for Europe, I'd hope to start seeing better quality out of the Fremont factory.

[@LunnarisLP]

in germany every chinese model 3 is top notch. well unless you consider the lfp batteries, but looks like they pretty much fixed that problem with the most recent software update.

[@davout5775]

@@TheElectrocar The problem is factory design. Fremont is 60 years old and the factory in China is designed to make these cars. So it is obvious that the new factory will be better but what we actually saw that it isn't in fact it has worse built quality despite we were expecting. I hope that will fix and they will be better than the Fremont cars in the future

[@xxgunslingerxx]

@@davout5775 no I am pretty sure it is the employees. Lazy entitled Americans vs strict Chinese factory mangers vs Germany quality

[@davout5775]

@@xxgunslingerxx Lazy Americans? You understand that there is a culture of workaholism in America? Americans are one of the best workers and the most skilled workers in America. The problem is the speed. Tesla is focused of speed rather than quality because they need to advance fast to reach their goals

[@codykonior]

That stuff aside it’s a great video. Well done.

[@SCWgreg]

Awesome review, much appreciated. Thank you.

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

Thanks for your comments ❤️ Do well to write my broker Brian on What sApp to make great ROI in Bitcoins

[@aslee3312]

Great video.. thanks 👍🏻

[@gilbert9394]

The changes are usually perceived quality improvements, through component reduction and cost cutting in other areas.

[@pip5461]

Excellent comparisons, some of which I wouldn't even thought about. From the shot angle, I couldn't really work out what the undercarriage issue is/was. On the whole... brilliant. I know who I'm going to contact should I buy a Tesla...

[@TheBaldyVlogger]

superb as always & very informative

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

Thanks for your comments ❤️ Do well to write my broker Brian on What sApp to make great ROI in Bitcoin

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

+ 1 ( 3 1 8 ) 7 6 6 5 9 7 8

[@TheBaldyVlogger]

@@rsymonsrsev8393 have you been hacked or is this a wind up?

[@evtorque4378]

Had no issue with my Model 3 LR (MIC) bought in November 2021. Good to hear what others think of it.

[@everusualsuspect]

How's your paint holding up? Besides that all good after 8 months.

[@orienteqbano]

Compelling. Well done. When you get a model y that’s worth~ 25- 30 videos. Best!

[@JBfromParis]

Hi! Hello from Paris. Thank you very much for this video, it’s very informative. Did you see a significant difference regarding the batteries ?

[@gaming-zombie1392]

I Love it and would Love to get one...

[@CED99]

Excellent video 👍

[@codykonior]

Also I’d like to see more of that right hand side door wood trim because the light in the video makes it look a completely different colour.

[@RSEV]

It is 💁‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@codykonior]

Oof.

[@TheTiemotje]

Now you have mentioned it, that's quite a difference 😦

[@Nicholas.T]

@@RSEV Different colour?? I noticed it too. Surely that’s not acceptable. Not only is that new door wooden panel strip not necessary ( IMO) but it looks the worse for it because of the terrible colour match. Sometimes Tesla does some really goofy things!! Your alcantara wrap can’t come soon enough!!

[@driveintherain]

Different color and different texture/grain... it's clearly an afterthought, they try to make the interior looks "higher end" but it backfires in my opinion. Should have just kept the original door panel design.

[@danpaul4975]

Get my long range on 13th, WELL excited!!

[@Mapquestjones]

I get mine on the 22-30 😭 I hope a get a heated steering wheel

[@danpaul4975]

@@Mapquestjones I think you will, unless you got the SR+, I heard it's not standard on that

[@asdfasdf151515]

2 days left!!

[@pigedehekkan]

Heated steering wheel should be compulsory here up in the north and Tesla finally implemented it on the 3. 👍 Now all that's missing is air suspension and a HUD for Tesla 3 and Y to be perfect. The wooden dash trim is just silly and should be the same colour as the rest of the dash. Looking forward to seeing your upgrade. Changing the speakers could simply be to lower the costs.

[@Juuythljgrrdwq]

Good video and good presentation 👍

[@RSEV]

Thank you!

[@allenfazer]

Would be interesting if you used that special gauge that measures paint thickness to see if there is a difference between the MIC and MIA models. Thanks

[@stephen-boddy]

The paint factory in China is the same basics as America. The German factory is the first one where they will be completely revamping the paint system.

[@allenfazer]

@@stephen-boddy Thanks for the information very interesting I look forward for the German cars to be released

[@stephen-boddy]

@@allenfazer Something else to add further pause for thought is that the new cell tech will be used en masse in the German factory first if everything stays on track. There will be some usage in the US on lower volume vehicles (i.e. the Plaid+ Model S) first, but the 4860 format cell in the high volume 3 and Y will first occur on the newly built production lines in Berlin. The German produced 3's and Y's are beginning to look like the ones to get. The Germans aren't known for sloppy working, so I expect the build quality to be a step up too.

[@allenfazer]

@@stephen-boddy Thanks again for the information very interesting.

[@VoxelLoop]

@@stephen-boddy If I recall, China's paint factory is more modern at least. The one in Fremont they've been wanting to revamp, but as Elon said in a Sandy Munro interview, "you can't take the wheels off the bus when it's doing 80 mph", or something like that!

[@bluesmartroadster]

Another difference if you go for the white interior is that the new door cards now have the black suede cloth on them rather than the white pleather pre update...which is a shame.

[@richardl4370]

Great comparison video, do not like wood trim particularly addition to doors, hope alcantara replacement can be arranged, many thanks.

[@dzerres]

I was hoping TEsla would add a 2nd seal onto each of the doors. I added my own and it made a world of difference in the quality of the door closing and road noise. Also added padding to the ceiling of the trunk and frunk lids plus the extra seal around the roof window. That should be a quality upgrade for all Teslas.

[@dotancohen]

I'd love to hear more. Where is there room for a second door seal? Can you post a pic of your mod somewhere?

[@mitchbu1977]

I am taking delivery of my M3P in June in Denmark, and that is coming from Fremont. According to the Sales Rep LR and LRP are still coming from Fremont, and the SR+ is now coming from China

[@gbw28]

Very useful information. Collecting our China built M3P in a couple of months time so it will be interesting to see how a 2023 car compares.

[@HunterTTP]

2:12 the door wood is a completely different color than the dash, hope they find a darker dash wood for future versions

[@FFVoyager]

I presume that is a trick of the camera as I would expect it to have been mentioned if it was obvious when you look at it?

[@DarkDonnieMarco]

That’s a lighting artefact

[@FMeng]

There was a video on someone use wood stain to make it darker, turns out pretty nice

[@hometechUK]

Love the new Green strip on 🇬🇧 number plate to indicate electric vehicle.

[@tzdkb]

I'm an owner of a 2021 MIC Model 3 Performance (I'm currently in China), was just curious what batteries the UK MIC cars have as they have transitioned to CATL for the SR+ and LG for the Performace, hence I do get a lil less range compared to the Fremont Model 3s

[@Agent19]

Great video. Thank you very much!

[@ChrisUK27]

You would hope they put as much effort into the Quality of the build as they do adding all the software updates.

[@stefanwagener]

I would be interested in a range and charging speed comparison ...

[@Durzel]

Great in depth video. Having all 3 generations of car side by side, under the same bright lighting, makes it really effective to compare the differences. I have to say though - the wood looks terrible to my eyes, completely different shade (?)

[@RSEV]

Not my favourite and yes different shades, not really aligned. I don’t see the point.

[@Durzel]

@@RSEV The plastic undertray is a game changer though, especially in the UK. Haven’t damaged mine but I’m acutely aware of puddles because of knowing about it!

[@VoxelLoop]

@@Durzel Making me worry about it now, as the one who lives in an area that floods regularly. At least to my knowledge I haven't had anything fall off yet, but I also haven't looked either. People say a lot of water falls out of the car when I drive off my driveway, so I assume that panel is still in place and the bumper is still a giant tub of water. :)

[@Durzel]

@@VoxelLoop From what I gather the problem tends to be people driving quickly through standing water deep enough to reach the undertray, so that part gets torn. I don’t think it being submerged in water is a problem as such, otherwise I think we’d hear a lot more about it. Just don’t drive quickly through deep puddles. That would be my advice :)

[@RSEV]

@@kylereese4822 doors have adjusters too. Bolts and hinges. I’ll tweak those when I collect my next new one?

[@kinocchio]

Love the model 3

[@kimalexandernilsson]

Getting my TM3LR MIA tomorrow and look forward to se if it have electrik heatet steering wheel.

[@kingprone7846]

5:11 the suspension settings never get checked in Tesla. Cars can have wildly different suspension settings. I.e. I frequent park my stealth performance next to an actual performance and ours sit at the a same level. Then there is an old 2019 SR+ which sits lower than both our cars... i think its just down to chance...

[@littlebrain8950]

The wood looks nice

[@chrishyde1216]

That was helpful, thanks. Would also be interesting to know if there are under-the-skin changes that affect how it is on the road. Others have noted that the ride seems less harsh on the Chinese cars, for example.

[@RSEV]

We run a new Long Range MiC. Ride, sound insulation, maybe slight improvements but nothing you’d really notice tbh. Mic cars charge slower though. See other cideo

[@OZBIE]

I've never seen a vehicle so relentlessly scrutinized.

[@4literv6]

Standard fud b.s. imo. I'm not an owner of a tesla, I've driven several over the year's and looked over many more at shows and my local tesla service center&showroom. The fit&finish for the $ isn't any different than many other similarly priced segment vehicle's. Including the BMW 3 series I used to own.

[@karthik11512]

Ehh some of it is well deserved. Model 3 during the 2018 production ramp was rough. I love seeing the progress, the cars coming out of Berlin and Austin should be a huge step above both of these cars. Getting the number of castings down is going to have a massive impact on build quality.

[@erl1919]

Very informative video, thanks for the ruler trick! I can be quite picky, but how picky should one be about the gaps when taking delivery of a new Model 3? What do you reckon?

[@zxyqwerty123]

They sit lower when the battery is full 🤪

[@ma6netho]

new china prodused standard RWD model uses cheaper and more heavy batteries then earlier. Performance uses panasonic lighter ones

[@briankavanagh7191]

Andy, I think ma6 missed your joke hahaha

[@mikeroberts8412]

I mean strictly that is true.. e = mc^2 and all that

[@mikeroberts8412]

I reckon about 2.4 nano grams heavier ;)

[@briankavanagh7191]

@@mikeroberts8412 You must have too much time on your hands to work that out hahahaha

[@MrMadmadi]

Could you please test drive and show performance differences between the USA / China batteries.

[@denischick2519]

Is there additional wiring for the hsw? Or is it already there and therefore the hsw can be retro fitted? I’m pretty sure it won’t be the case. Thanks

[@gotamd]

I'm not a fan of the new trim extending into the door panels. It looks a bit too busy, especially for a car with an otherwise very minimalist and simple interior. Nice job on the comparison!

[@danielbazinga]

Would love to know what your thoughts are on the comparison of the current Long range and the SR+ with the new type of battery. Especially with rumours that the SR+ is receiving a bigger battery and increased range. Bad news for the future value of the LR? I know it has been taken off sale in some markets

[@jg5001]

To anybody still complaining, these panel alignments on the new Model 3s are no worse than my Ford Mondeo/Fusion.

[@peterpan6821]

Has it been in an accident?

[@jg5001]

@@peterpan6821 lol, never. My Carfax is accident free.

[@thetechlibrarian]

@@jg5001 don't mean it wasn't in a wreck it only means it wasn't reported through insurance

[@kt10208]

Isn’t a Mondeo much cheaper than a Model 3?

[@ksaboda]

My fusion has some kindof jacked up panel alignments as well. I just ordered a M3LR and I’ll have to wait and see how it turns out.

[@daviddenley3512]

I am so pleased that someone at last has done a serious comparison between the Chinese and the USA built cars, perhaps now the on-line discrimination about who builds the best will stop! So, until the "German Engineering" is best comes along...many thanks.

[@AhmedThaking]

im here after seeing carwow video with tesla model 3 2021 :D

[@duketlam9206]

I was looking at my LR vs a SR and noticed the height difference. It just dawn on me why the height difference. It's the battery weight! I think but not sure.

[@hukang369]

They work with Bose for noise vibration.

[@RB-lt8kt]

The black trim looks nicer than the bling chrome but would prefer colour coded door handles.

[@andymurray8007]

Thanks for the excellent video. I wonder if you could say more about the heated steering wheel? On/off or variable settings, how warm is it, etc?

[@simonprebble553]

It’s on or off. Pleasantly warm.

[@andymurray8007]

@@simonprebble553 Thank you Simon

[@johnnyquid-xj4kk]

My 2021 Y is a Freemont, no issues.

[@kasiryefaighton8884]

Please Sir. I would like to see a comparison video between Tesla gaps and other car manufacturers

[@NaughtyGoatFarm]

So it seems like build quality across all factories is improving as time passes.

[@ipb1966]

Great video - thanks. Those new door inserts are awful - just doesn’t look right where it almost lines up with the dashboard.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Those panel gaps etc would reeeeally annoy me. I looked at a Peugeot e208 at the weekend and that was flawless.

[@Rcschim]

5:54 - obviously you have the "high performance" edition ;) Good to see this - we're interested in the perf model and I was concerned about possibly lower riding height and less daily driving comfort... is the suspension considerably harder/stiffer on perf?

[@BizzMRK]

the suspension is the same but due to the bigger wheels, which in turn means less air/rubber to compensate bumps, it feels harder and rougher. The difference between Long Range and Performance is 14cm vs 13cm clearance, so a 1cm difference on the perf.

[@srspower]

4:07 have you considered that they might have decided the old speakers were too expensive and cheaper ones would get the job done to reduce production costs? But do you think Teslas made in China will make the UK price come down to US prices because of the supply?

[@masochistboy653]

I am more interested in Utility rather than fit and finish. If it runs well with no maintenance for 3+ years I am good. Much better than legacy that wants to be serviced every year of worst every 3 months

[@johnafish]

Which ones are getting the LG LFP pouch cells instead of the Panasonic NCA cylinders?

[@Iegend17]

Wow the wood trim isn’t available in United States on the 2021

[@jrlp2727]

Great video. Thanks - and 🤞🏻for mine! How much charge did the battery have when you collected the car (range or percentage)? I saw another video this week that said the car came with a derisory amount of charge and they had to go from Thorpe Park collection straight to Heathrow supercharger 😱

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

Thanks for your comments ❤️ Do well to write my broker Brian on What sApp to make great ROI in Bitcoins

[@Tijgert]

I was under the impression the 2021 model had a heatpump heat exchanger and extra noise insulating windows. Can you confirm?

[@sam28600]

Nice video. What about the road noise level? It was not low on the earlier models..

[@RSEV]

Cannot tell any perceptible difference between any model 3 over the years for internal road noise (except if different tyres. The 18” are quieter than the 20” performance)

[@ManuManu-rl6pl]

Many thanks for this face to face ! Did you compare audio systems by any chance ?

[@drew9312]

Does the passenger seat have adjustable lumbar support? Heard it may be discontinued. Enjoyed the review.

[@easonchen8591]

Oh yes, we needed this!

[@123segway]

the fremont new one has it heated steering also

[@NavarroOne]

Oh dear. I can’t unsee that now! How does Tesla M3 compare to an EQS or IX4 I wonder?

[@alanmcivor2916]

Well done on the video, very detailed. Am I the only who thinks the door handles on a black trim model should be painted body color NOT BLACK. Even my 2006 Toyota Solara got it right.

[@rsymonsrsev8393]

Thanks for your comments ❤️ Do well to write my broker Brian on What sApp to make great ROI in Bitcoins

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

Alignments reminds me of my old British Leyland Triumph Spite Fire😆😆 TESLA so alignment good 👍 for me

[@mazdaram226]

Love the wooden trim to be honest

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

I am amazed that the Fremont car is better than the Shanghai one. I did not expect that.

[@robertvanzant2653]

Any update on air suspension coming for the model 3

[@Slimecrazy234]

Can you do a comparison between a model 3 panel and paint quality compared to say a 2021 Lexus IS

[@MegaGyalis]

They’re getting better with time... Hopefully they’re investing in QC

[@iviw211motor3]

Buen video 👍

[@MrBravo143]

Waiting for a road noise test and comparison..

[@stephenstevens5746]

GARAGE OF THE FUTURE. COMPARING TESLA TO TESLA. LOVE IT. KEEP IT UP

[@hukang369]

Extra detail is always better .

[@LastWish90]

Nice to see the Freemont ones are getting better I have a 886xxx VIN and taking delivery of mine on the 6. of March in Germany, hope everything's fine

[@nireki1305]

Und, wie lief es? :)

[@LastWish90]

@@nireki1305 An sich super, war nichts groß auszusetzen, gab nur ein paar stellen, wo die Türen wahrscheinlich eingestellt wurden und ein bisschen der Lack ab ist und ein Lackeinschluss bei der Fahrertür, den ich bei der Übergabe wohl übersehen hab, aber ansonsten, Spaltmaße sind okayish oder sagen wir mal ich kann mit leben, Auto fährt super und zieht gut durch, laden an den Superchargern und zuhause klappt auch super, also nix zu beanstanden, bin glücklich mit meinem neuen Tesla (: Edit: ist ein Long Range aus Freemont, vom 16. Januar.

[@nireki1305]

@@LastWish90 Super. Das klingt ja alles ganz gut. Schade dass du ja doch Lackfehler hast, man hörte ja, dass sich diese in letzter Zeit eher verabschiedet haben. Aber gut, dass technisch alles funktioniert. Ich warte noch bis sich die Gebrauchtwagenpreise der Autos beruhigen, die 35.000€ für ein sr kann ich mir nicht leisten.

[@LastWish90]

@@nireki1305 Wollt ich auch erst machen, aber die Gebrauchtwagenpreise werden bestimmt noch 2-3 Jahre so bleiben und sich nicht viel bewegen :/

[@nireki1305]

@@LastWish90 ja, Mal sehen.. Ich habe die gleiche Befürchtung, aber ich hoffe auf das Beste. Momentan sind die Gebrauchtwagenpreise ja viel zu hoch, da ist neu kaufen ja günstiger. Vielleicht ist ja auch das ggf. Bald kommende Model 2 was für mich.

[@jacobthomns3777]

I've been told, that the front doors with the new panels have better noise reduction. I'm not talking about the double windows, but the doors. Is that true - could you have a look?

[@kjettern69]

Is it possible to compare the wiring for the heated steering wheel to the old one? A lot of people speculate about an ota-update coming for the old cars to enable heated steering wheel.

[@galawanjiyoussefradu5505]

What's your recomandation, a new model 3 or a second hand model S, for the same money?