[ UPDATE 10/11/2023 22:00 ] We test-drove the upgraded Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia through several roundabouts.
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The upgraded Tesla Model 3 is currently the cheapest fully electric sedan you can buy in Malaysia, priced from RM189,000. However, the most controversial design change is the removal of stalks for the indicators and the gear selector. This means you’ll have to rely on steering wheel buttons to indicate left or right and swiping on the touch screen to shift between Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive.
If you want the upgraded Tesla Model 3 and prefer to have the traditional stalks on the steering column, a Tesla accessory maker is about to make it happen.
Enhance Automotive, the company that introduced S3XY buttons and most recently, the S3XY Knob, is about to introduce a new product that would solve your “stalk” concerns. As shared on their YouTube channel, they are working on bringing the stalks back not just for Model 3 ‘Highland’ but also for the updated Tesla Model S and X that don’t come with physical stalks and gear selectors. They said the installation for these add-on stalks will be easy and it won’t require a visit to a service centre.
They have shown prototype stalks installed on a Tesla Model S Plaid and it looks like the original stalks that came with the previous generation models. In a reply to one of the comments, Enhance Automotive said the stalk add-ons are connected to the OBD port. At the moment, the individual S3XY buttons are connected wirelessly so it would make more sense for these stalks to be wired directly to avoid unnecessary delays.
The company also claims that the installation won’t void your Tesla warranty unless “there’s an issue that comes up that was caused by the device”, which doesn’t sound that assuring.
Interestingly, the company said both stalks and the touch buttons could still be used at the same time, so you can decide which one would be more practical to use according to your driving situation. Enhance Auto will be releasing stalks for both sides and they said users can choose which one they want to get.
In case you missed it, below is a quick video to show how to indicate left or right, and to shift gear in the new upgraded Tesla Model 3:
UPDATE: Here’s our test drive video of the upgraded Model 3 through several roundabouts in Petaling Jaya:
The lack of indicator stalks could be a deal breaker for drivers as it is a familiar feature that’s standard across all vehicles. While it might not be an issue in the US, operating signal indicators on steering buttons could be a challenge in markets with roundabouts as the position of the buttons does move as you turn the wheel.
Obviously, the lack of dedicated instrument cluster, buttons, knobs and stalks are seen as a move by Tesla to bring its production costs down. Given that there are plenty of third-party accessories for Tesla vehicles, it is clear that consumers demand physical controls and buttons for their Teslas.
If the lack of stalks is holding you back from placing a booking, would you consider the Tesla Model 3 if you can add third-party stalks? Let us know in the comments below.
Related reading
- Tesla Model 3 Malaysia: No signal and gear selector stalks, but is it the best EV under RM200K?
- Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ has arrived in Malaysia, up to 629km range, priced from RM189K
- Want to test drive the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia? You can register your interest now
- Tesla Model 3 Highland is now the cheapest EV in Malaysia with over 600km range
