In-Depth Audio System Comparison: 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (Acceleration Boost) vs. 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD

A comprehensive analysis of the audio enhancements in Tesla's latest Model 3 variants.

Key Takeaways

Speaker Configuration and Quantity: The 2022 Long Range AWD boasts a significantly more advanced speaker setup compared to the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD, offering enhanced audio distribution and depth.
Sound Quality and Immersive Experience: Enhanced soundstage, deeper bass, and superior clarity make the 2022 model's audio system far more immersive and dynamic.
Infotainment and Audio Customization: The 2022 model features a more responsive Ryzen-based infotainment system with advanced audio customization options, elevating the overall user experience.

Introduction

The audio system of a vehicle plays a pivotal role in the overall driving experience, influencing not only entertainment but also the ambiance and comfort within the cabin. Tesla, known for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to excellence, has continuously improved its vehicle offerings. This comprehensive comparison delves into the audio systems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (Acceleration Boost) and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD, highlighting the advancements and differences that set these models apart.

Speaker Configuration and Quantity

2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (Acceleration Boost)

The 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD variant is equipped with a 17-speaker premium audio system. This includes dual subwoofers, multiple midrange drivers, and strategically placed tweeters that work in harmony to deliver a rich and immersive sound experience. The extensive speaker setup ensures that sound is evenly distributed throughout the cabin, minimizing dead zones and maximizing clarity.

2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD

In contrast, the 2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD comes with a 7-speaker audio system, with only 4 speakers active in the base configuration. This setup includes woofers and midrange drivers but lacks the additional subwoofers and midrange enhancements found in the premium system. The limited number of speakers results in a narrower soundstage and less depth in audio reproduction.

Speaker Configuration Comparison

Feature	2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD	2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD
Number of Speakers	17 (including dual subwoofers)	7 (4 active in base configuration)
Speaker Types	Woofers, Midrange drivers, Tweeters, Subwoofers	Woofers, Midrange drivers
Speaker Placement	Strategically placed across front, rear doors, and cabin for surround sound	Front dashboard and rear doors with basic distribution
Total Power Output	Approximately 605W	Approximately 325W

Sound Quality and Immersive Experience

Soundstage and Clarity

The 2022 Long Range AWD's audio system offers a significantly wider soundstage, allowing for a more natural and spacious audio experience. The additional speakers, including tweeters and midrange drivers, contribute to enhanced clarity and detail, ensuring that every note and instrument is distinctly heard. In contrast, the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD's narrower soundstage can make the audio feel confined, with less separation between different sound elements.

Bass Response

One of the standout features of the 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD is its dual subwoofers, which deliver deep and extended bass frequencies. This enhancement caters particularly well to genres that emphasize low-end sounds, providing a more dynamic and engaging listening experience. The 2021 model, lacking dedicated subwoofers, offers a weaker bass response, which can make certain music tracks feel less impactful.

Immersive Sound Features

The 2022 model includes Tesla's "Immersive Sound" feature, which leverages the advanced speaker configuration to create a surround-sound-like environment within the cabin. This feature enhances spatial audio dynamics, making the listening experience more immersive and enjoyable. The 2021 standard system, while clear, does not offer the same level of spatial audio enhancement.

Sound Clarity at Higher Volumes

At higher volume levels, the 2022 Long Range AWD maintains sound clarity without distortion, attributable to its higher total wattage and superior speaker components. The 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD may experience some loss of clarity and an increase in distortion when volume levels are significantly raised, detracting from the overall listening quality.

Summary of Sound Quality

Aspect	2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD	2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD
Soundstage	Wide and spacious	Narrow and confined
Bass Response	Deep and extended	Weak and limited
Clarity at High Volumes	Maintains clarity	Prone to distortion
Immersive Features	Yes, via Immersive Sound	No

Infotainment System and Audio Customization

Infotainment System Processor

The 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD is equipped with a Ryzen-based infotainment system, which offers faster processing speeds and more responsive interactions compared to the Intel-based system found in the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD. This upgrade not only enhances general responsiveness but also improves the performance of audio-related functions such as streaming and adjusting settings.

Audio Customization Options

With the premium audio system, the 2022 model allows for more advanced audio customization. Users can adjust equalizer settings across bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to tailor the sound to their preferences. Additionally, the "Immersive Sound" feature provides options to enhance spatial audio dynamics, further personalizing the listening experience. The 2021 standard system offers basic EQ adjustments but lacks the depth and customization capabilities of the premium setup.

Software Integration and Features

The 2022 Long Range AWD's infotainment system integrates seamlessly with various audio features, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB drive playback, and support for high-resolution audio formats like FLAC and WAV up to 24-bit 192 kHz. These integrations ensure that users have access to a wide range of audio sources and formats, enhancing versatility. The 2021 model supports similar audio sources but may experience slower response times due to the less advanced infotainment processor.

User Interface and Accessibility

The upgraded infotainment system in the 2022 model not only processes audio more efficiently but also provides a more intuitive user interface. Navigating through audio settings, selecting tracks, and adjusting sound profiles is smoother and more user-friendly, contributing to a better overall user experience. The 2021 system, while functional, may feel less responsive and more cumbersome in comparison.

Summary of Infotainment and Customization

Feature	2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD	2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD
Infotainment Processor	Ryzen-based	Intel-based
Audio Customization	Advanced EQ and Immersive Sound	Basic EQ adjustments
Audio Source Support	Wide range including high-res formats	Limited to standard formats
User Interface	More intuitive and responsive	Functional but less responsive

Connectivity and Additional Features

Bluetooth and USB Connectivity

Both the 2022 Long Range AWD and the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless pairing with smartphones and other devices for audio streaming and hands-free calls. Additionally, both models support USB drive playback with FAT32 format, enabling users to play their own music collections directly from a USB device. Support for high-resolution audio formats such as FLAC and WAV up to 24-bit 192 kHz is also present in both variants, ensuring compatibility with a variety of audio sources.

Streaming Services Integration

Both models rely primarily on Bluetooth and onboard streaming services for audio playback. However, neither model currently supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, limiting the integration of certain smartphone functionalities directly into the infotainment system. Users must utilize the available Bluetooth and streaming features to access their preferred media.

Premium Connectivity Benefits

The 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD benefits from Tesla's Premium Connectivity package, which includes a broader range of infotainment benefits. This package enhances the overall multimedia experience by providing improved streaming quality and additional features that may not be available in the standard offerings of the 2021 model. These enhancements contribute to a more polished and feature-rich audio experience.

Immersive Sound Feature

Exclusive to the premium audio system of the 2022 Long Range AWD, the "Immersive Sound" feature leverages the advanced speaker configuration to create a more enveloping audio environment. This feature optimizes sound distribution, making the audio feel more three-dimensional and lifelike. The absence of such features in the 2021 model results in a less enveloping and more straightforward audio playback experience.

Summary of Connectivity and Features

Feature	2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD	2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Yes
USB Playback Support	FAT32, high-res formats	FAT32, high-res formats
Streaming Services Integration	Enhanced with Premium Connectivity	Standard streaming services
Advanced Audio Features	Immersive Sound, Personalized EQ	Basic EQ adjustments
Smartphone Integration	No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay	No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

User Experience and Audio Performance

Ease of Use and Accessibility

The 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD's upgraded infotainment system offers a more intuitive user interface, making it easier for users to navigate through audio settings, select tracks, and adjust sound profiles. The faster processing speed ensures that actions are executed swiftly, reducing lag and enhancing the overall user experience. In contrast, the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD's Intel-based system may experience slower response times, making the interface feel less responsive and more cumbersome to navigate.

Audio Customization and Personalization

With greater audio customization options, the 2022 model allows users to fine-tune their listening experience to match personal preferences. The ability to adjust bass, midrange, and treble independently, combined with the Immersive Sound feature, provides a tailored audio environment that enhances enjoyment. The 2021 model offers basic EQ settings but lacks the depth and flexibility of the premium system, limiting users to more generalized audio adjustments.

Overall Listening Experience

Drivers and passengers of the 2022 Long Range AWD report a notably superior listening experience, citing the rich bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs as significant improvements over the standard system. The immersive soundstage creates a more engaging and enjoyable atmosphere, making long drives more pleasant and entertaining. The 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD, while adequate for casual listening, does not provide the same level of audio richness and immersion, which could impact the overall satisfaction of audiophiles and frequent listeners.

Long-Term Audio Performance

The durability and maintenance of the audio systems also differ between the two models. The higher quality components in the 2022 premium system are likely to offer better long-term performance and reliability, maintaining sound quality over time. The 2021 standard system, with fewer and less advanced components, may be more susceptible to wear and degradation, potentially impacting audio performance as the vehicle ages.

Summary of User Experience

Aspect	2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD	2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD
User Interface Responsiveness	Highly responsive with Ryzen processor	Less responsive with Intel processor
Audio Customization	Advanced and personalized	Basic adjustments only
Overall Listening Experience	Rich, immersive, and dynamic	Adequate but less engaging
Long-Term Performance	High durability and consistency	Potential for degradation

Conclusion

The comparison between the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (Acceleration Boost) and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD reveals a substantial advancement in audio system capabilities within Tesla's lineup. The 2022 Long Range AWD's premium audio system, with its enhanced speaker configuration, superior sound quality, and advanced infotainment features, offers a markedly improved and immersive listening experience. Audiophiles and users who prioritize high-quality in-cabin audio will find the 2022 model to be a significantly better choice.

While the 2021 Standard Range Plus RWD provides a functional and adequate audio system for casual listeners, it pales in comparison to the depth, clarity, and immersive qualities of the premium setup in the 2022 variant. The investment in a higher-tier audio system not only elevates the driving experience but also aligns with Tesla's commitment to technological excellence and user satisfaction.