Finally test drove a Model 3 (LR AWD) and new S (100D). Was in the mood to test drive something and tried to schedule an Alfa Quadrifoglio (Stelvio or Giulia). After much back and forth, the sales guy tells me they don't offer test drives of those. People just "know they want one and pay in cash". lol. Anyway, one good thing about Tesla is that they make it pretty easy to schedule a test drive, show up, do it and leave without all the BS.
Test drove the Model 3 first. It's a very fun car to drive and I can see why you guys like yours so much. You just want to fling it around. Overall, the build quality seemed pretty decent (and much better than the S). No rattles over bumps and felt very solid to drive. I even like the looks of the minimalist interior. The seats felt a bit squishy and I wonder how supportive they'd be on a trip (plus I hate fake leather of any kind). Like some of you have said, it feels roomier than the S and the ergonomics are better. The lack of a cluster or hard controls didn't really annoy me as much as I thought it would.
The sales guy was actually pretty cool. We talked about cars in general, and the subject of the E63 wagon came up. He was like "yeah i'd definitely get one of those over a Model S". I brought up some of annoyances w/ the UI and he shrugged and was like "Yeah, it's not the best". Maybe he was using reverse psychology on me, but it kind of worked. If I ever bought a Tesla, I'd want to buy from him. I was prepared for defensive fanboyism and the lack of it was refreshing. Or maybe he was just over working there - possible given the low pay, high pressure and threats to close stores by the CEO.
Anyway, he then offered me a test drive of the Model S. Depsite the flaws, I guess I still prefer the Model S. It just looks so much sexier, plus the seats feel more "german" and supportive. The materials and design are still quite nice. Also liked having a cluster even if it doesn't do much at this point. The panel gaps and misaligned chrome door trim are pretty egregious for that much money. The center console lid was stuck open and the rubber door seals looked sloppy (partially curled under the headliner). Somehow the backseat feels less comfortable than the 3 (less room under the front seats for your legs and the seatback feels more upright). For some reason, the steering felt like it had more "feel" than the 3 surprisingly.
Compared to a base RWD BMW 330 (or base A4 premium), I think a SR Model 3 is an interesting alternative. Above that and I think I'd just get a 6 cyl German car for a more drama free ownership experience plus you get a more fully-baked car feature-wise.
Similar deal for the S. It's fast and good looking but I couldn't see spending 70k+ on one. As a used car for under 40 it starts to make more sense. To me, it's kind of like an EV version of a Dodge Charger. Large, heavy, fast and good looking (with a bunch of legacy MB parts as well) but with mediocre quality and dodgy customer service. For a while, I was considering a 392 Charger so I guess I have a "type".
Even so, I dont trust or respect Tesla management and wouldn't want to support them w/ my money. Plus their used car program has become so scammy that it's pretty easy to not want to do business w/ them. Maybe if I come across the right private party sale with an extended warranty I'd consider an S. Better yet, if Carmax ever offers them nationally along with one of their warranties that would be interesting. I'd probably look for an early facelift car w/ AP1 (I trust Mobileye more than I do Tesla) and leather seats.