M3 LR DM owners - Real world range?

[C70R]

I'm going to buy an M3 to replace our Volvo PHEV shortly, and am tossing up a few alternatives at different price points. The main thing that will drive the decision will be its usage profile.

I regularly travel from rural nowhereshire to London and back, which is a journey of ~250 miles. 150 miles of that is motorway, and the remainder is a mix of 50/60mph A-roads (70 miles) and urban stop/start traffic (30 miles).

I'd ideally like to do that 250-mile round trip without charging as often as possible (sub-zero temps excepted), and I think it's likely doable if I pick the right model.

Favourite so far is an ex-demo LR RWD, which would seem to have the range covered fairly comfortably. However, the significantly cheaper alternative would be a used LR Dual-Motor (2021, with 10-15k miles), which is where I'm unsure from a range PoV. I plan to keep the car 2-3 years, and do about 8k a year.

The LR DM would appear to be this model, and 72KWh feels like it's a bit marginal to be doing that journey without charging, particularly if used. https://ev-database.org/uk/car/1321/Tesla-Model-3-...

Keen to hear from any owners on their experiences. If it's in any way marginal, I'm happy to pony up the extra couple of hundred quid a month for the newer car. If it's doable, then that money can go on trackdays. Thanks!

[C70R]

tr3a said:

I regularly run my Model 3 LR AWD 300 miles into Germany in moderate temps, doing between 120 and 130 km/h on the Autobahn. If I want to arrive with a bit of charge (say at least 20-30%), I need to recharge twice. I don't mind, since I like stretching my legs for a bit every two hours.

Thanks so much. If I'm reading that right, 300 miles on a single charge in moderate weather is realistic?

[C70R]

lifeboat22 said:

250 miles will be tight. 5 mins on a supercharger on the way back would see you right.

my 2019 m3 lr gets 210-215 miles in this cold weather, 65mph all on the motorway

This is exactly what I didn't want to hear.

I just feel like adding in a Supercharger visit to every journey would probably make me resent the car a bit.

Do you not think that the slower roads at either end of the journey might help eke out a little more range than your 210?

[C70R]

JD said:

C70R said:

This is exactly what I didn't want to hear.

I just feel like adding in a Supercharger visit to every journey would probably make me resent the car a bit.

Do you not think that the slower roads at either end of the journey might help eke out a little more range than your 210?

It should be noted that a 2021 will be more efficient than a 2019 overall, and in cold weather quite significantly.

Good video here: https://youtu.be/9RYKa9PifJc?t=991

Trying to find decent tests of the unicorn LR RWD is seemingly impossible, but I guess it can only be more efficient (but I wouldn't expect by that much)

Thanks. The LR RWD WLTP is something ridiculous like 390 miles on a 70-something kWh battery, which feels crazy. That said, I'd expect it to do 250 miles fairly comfortably.

[C70R]

JD said:

C70R said:

Thanks. The LR RWD WLTP is something ridiculous like 390 miles on a 70-something kWh battery, which feels crazy. That said, I'd expect it to do 250 miles fairly comfortably.

Pretty sure the LR RWD would be based on the 79kWh battery

That's the badger. Which makes almost 400 miles seem unbelievable.

Unless I'm wrong, the 2021 LR AWD has the same total capacity, with 72kWh usable.

So in theory, the difference in range between them would be fairly minimal (any hardware or software changes, plus the drag of the extra motor).

Am I doing this right?

[C70R]

tr3a said:

C70R said:

If I'm reading that right, 300 miles on a single charge in moderate weather is realistic?

If you're very careful, don't encounter a headwind and it's dry, it might work.

Realistically, I'd count on at least one recharge underway. Just long enough for a pee and a stretch, which would be wise anyway on a 300 mile run.

So the reality of what I need is to do 2x 125-mile runs without charging.

[C70R]

RobbyJ said:

C70R said:

So the reality of what I need is to do 2x 125-mile runs without charging.

It's also worth noting it's not great on the battery having to do 100%-0% a few times a week for a long time. Ideally 90% max daily charge apart from the LFP batteries which aren't in the long range.

Personally I'd rather drive faster or how I want to and stop for a waz and a quick charge when needed (which is exactly what I do).

It's not going to be a few times a week. This round-trip will probably happen twice a month, and the rest of the usage will be much more 'normal'.

[C70R]

RobbyJ said:

C70R said:

It's not going to be a few times a week. This round-trip will probably happen twice a month, and the rest of the usage will be much more 'normal'.

Then you'll be good. As many have said you may need a quick pit stop in winter, or even in summer if you want to drive quicker.

For me the fuel savings alone are worth the small hassle that comes with the odd public charge when required. I also love the smooth cruiser aspect with a load of stealth performance when required too.

Thank you, that's reassuring to have my (broad brush) assumptions backed up.

I don't begrudge using public chargers at all, although I'm very much looking forward to charging from solar/battery during the summer months. It's more that the round trip journey to London is enough of a chore already, without needing to factor in a stop. If I can do it without, great. If I can't, I'd probably buy a cheaper new EV with inferior range.

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

Thank you, that's reassuring to have my (broad brush) assumptions backed up.

I don't begrudge using public chargers at all, although I'm very much looking forward to charging from solar/battery during the summer months. It's more that the round trip journey to London is enough of a chore already, without needing to factor in a stop. If I can do it without, great. If I can't, I'd probably buy a cheaper new EV with inferior range.

You should plan needing a charge. If you can’t live with that requirement, then you shouldn’t get an EV for this trip.

Hang on, others have just said that it should be doable in warm weather without a charge. Which is it?

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

Hang on, others have just said that it should be doable in warm weather without a charge. Which is it?

Yours case is very borderline.

The base RWD SR+ is unlikely to be capable of the trip without charging.

The RWD model MIGHT be capable of it, but I personally wouldn’t buy one of those regardless.

The RWD DM model also might complete the trip without charging, but it also might not.

Better to plan needing a charge and being pleasantly surprised if you don’t than expecting not to and being hacked off if/when you do!

I assume you meant that you wouldn't buy a RWD LR "regardless"? Any particular reason?

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

I assume you meant that you wouldn't buy a RWD LR "regardless"? Any particular reason?

https://youtu.be/XzspO4-T7t4?si=Zgm9XpOLX0X7XynF

I live in a rural area. There's absolutely no chance I'm buying a Tesla on anything other than 18" wheels, based on the roads around me. That alone rules out the Performance version.

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

I live in a rural area. There's absolutely no chance I'm buying a Tesla on anything other than 18" wheels, based on the roads around me. That alone rules out the Performance version.

No, it actually doesn’t, but with your preconceived notions, seems there’s not much point in further discussion.

And I’m not arguing FOR the performance version; I’m arguing AGAINST the older RWD single motor version.

I think we're talking cross-purposes here, and mixing up models. I hadn't mentioned the older RWD Single Motor model.

To quote back what you wrote, which caused some of the confusion...

Zcd1 said:

The base RWD SR+ is unlikely to be capable of the trip without charging.

The RWD model MIGHT be capable of it, but I personally wouldn’t buy one of those regardless.

The RWD DM model also might complete the trip without charging, but it also might not.

I assume the first line was referring to the Standard Range car? If so, I'm not even considering it.

I assume the second line was referring to the Long Range RWD car? If so, why wouldn't you "buy one of those regardless"?

I assume the third line was referring to the Long Range DM/AWD car?

ETA: I've just noticed you're in the US. This might be what's causing the confusion.

I'm tossing up between these two cars, for the sake of clarity:
https://ev-database.org/uk/car/1976/Tesla-Model-3-...
https://ev-database.org/uk/car/1321/Tesla-Model-3-...

Edited by C70R on Thursday 25th January 15:56

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

I assume the second line was referring to the Long Range RWD car? If so, why wouldn't you "buy one of those regardless"?…

Tell me you didn’t bother to watch the video without telling me you didn’t bother to watch the video…

Watch the video, and pay attention when he mentions “reluctance motor” and “torque ripple”.

Or don’t, and I hope you enjoy whatever you buy!

Why are you being so stupidly argumentative?

You clearly haven't understood my question if you think a 20min long ramble about throttle response and traction control settings answers it. He doesn't actually talk about range once.

All of that ignores the fact that you've shared a video from 2019 in response to my question about the LR SM model that wasn't available until 2023.

You clearly have an opinion, because you took the time to post in this thread. If you can't be bothered to write it down in a way that's easy for people to understand ("watch this 20min video" is a spectacularly unhelpful response), please don't bother replying.

[C70R]

jonathan_roberts said:

The new model 3 will likely do this trip without recharging. We have one arriving shortly so I will update once we have used it a bit.

I wanted to love it, but the lack of steering column stalks just felt weird when I sat in it.

[C70R]

jonathan_roberts said:

My wife remarked the same but we both think it’ll be something to get used to.

Selecting 'gears' via the screen was the tipping point for me, to be honest.

[C70R]

Itsallicanafford said:

Just my 2p worth, don’t worry about a quick charge on a supercharger, it really is simplicity itself. The car will route you to the nearest charger, showing how many stalls are free. The batteries will pre-warm ready on the way. Once there, reverse and plug in. No faffing at all, no apps to access or mucking around with screens on chargers. It’s a piece of cake

It's not really a concern about charging, per se. It's more that, if neither car can do what I need then the decision to buy a LR car feels a bit redundant.

[C70R]

Zcd1 said:

C70R said:

. If you can't be bothered to write it down in a way that's easy for people to understand ("watch this 20min video" is a spectacularly unhelpful response), please don't bother replying.

The fact that you can’t be bothered to watch a simple video is telling indeed.

Good luck with your purchase.

I watched the video, you absolute thicko. It doesn't mention range anywhere.

[C70R]

CharlieAlphaMike said:

C70R said:

Selecting 'gears' via the screen was the tipping point for me, to be honest.

Really? I think you're trying to think of more excuses not to buy. On the move, you won't be selecting gears. The only time you'll use this function is when you park or manoeuvre in and out of a tight space and that will only be a fraction of your driving time.

What on earth are you talking about with "more excuses not to buy"?

I'm already planning to buy one, you absolute plank.

[C70R]

Just to clarify, this isn't a commute. This is just a trip that will happen a couple of times a month, where it would be ideal to avoid charging if possible.

I'm getting the sense that I'm probably asking too much to do it comfortably, which was a hypothesis coming into this, so I may as well just buy the cheaper car.

[C70R]

Flooble said:

jonathan_roberts said:

But in your case you have to charge literally 15 mins. If you left home with 1/2 tank fuel, you’d have to refuel anyway so it’s unlikely you’d be much slower with EV as with ICE. Or, you have to be organised and fuel the night before so you can make the trip in one go.

It’s not always as clear cut as you think. And honestly you save those 15mins by not having all the faff associated with running an ICE on a daily basis. Oil change/service, refuelling in a specified place etc.

This is where the EVangelist argument just falls apart, honestly, it just weakens the argument to try. Bear in mind I've had EVs; you may have missed the bit where I mentioned it (I bought one in 2013 and another a couple of years later). I'm no stranger to the faff of having my charge cable locked in a post, or getting out in the pouring rain to prod at the rubbish touch screen on an Ecotricity chargepoint while trying to hold the CCS connector up so it would maintain a connection.

Arguing that driving in the EV is no different to setting off with 1/2 tank of fuel is just stretching - both C70 and I do the trip maybe once or twice a month. So unless we somehow totally and utterly fail to fill up when we are pottering around at home, that is not a situation that can arise and there's no organising the night before to be done. Trying to argue that an ICE has faff on a daily basis is a similar stretch. The ICE car goes in for a service once a year, just like the EV.

C70 asked if the journey was practical with a particular car, and the answer has to be "only if you change how you drive". There's no point trying to convince people that something will work for them when it won't, that just leads to disillusionment. Better to concentrate on the 90% of journeys where it's no an issue (my other half probably never exceeds 50 on the motorway, so I suspect she could - eventually - do the 250 mile round trip on one charge. But I also don't believe she has driven more than 50 miles in one go in her entire life, so practically speaking a Nissan Leaf Gen 1 with a degraded battery is all she needs!

Do us a favour. Take it to one of the many other EV threads.

Ta.