Tesla Model 3 to have smart air suspension with dual motor next year, says Elon Musk

Tesla has changed or bundled a bunch of features on Model S and Model X to better differentiate its flagship luxury vehicles with its new mass-market car, the Model 3.

One of those features is ‘Smart Air Suspension’, which Tesla made standard on the vehicles.

Now CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the feature is coming to Model 3 with dual motor all-wheel-drive next year.

After Tesla starts production of the standard Model 3 battery pack later this year, the next big feature to be introduced is the Model 3 with dual motor all-wheel-drive, which is expected in “Spring 2018” as per Tesla’s own production plans.

With this new powertrain configuration, a “performance version” of Model 3 with Ludicrous mode is also expected to follow.

But now we learn that it will also have a ‘Smart Air Suspension’ option.

Musk confirmed on Twitter last night:

In about six months or so. Linked to dual motor config.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2017

Tesla describes the ‘Smart Air Suspension’ option:

Add the ability for your Tesla to adjust vehicle height for better handling, efficiency and ride comfort. Using the touchscreen, you can raise or lower your vehicle when entering a steep driveway, navigating snow, or unloading passengers and belongings. Using GPS location detection, your Tesla will remember and re-apply setting automatically.

Electrek’s Take

I have the feature on my Model S and I find it really useful. My house is located on a 1-mile long dirt road and the first time I brought the Model S home, I stopped at the start of the road and set the suspension setting to “very high”.

I never had to touch it again and now it automatically raises the suspension when I arrive on the road and lowers it when I leave it. It’s not only better for driving on this dirt road full of potholes, but it also makes it easier for me to get in and out of the car once the car is in the garage.

The feature can also increase efficiency on the highway by lowering the car at higher speeds.

Before making it standard, Tesla was offering the feature for a $2,500 premium so it is likely to increase the price of Model 3 once made available.

Would you pick the feature or stay with coil suspension? Let us know in the comment section below.