Is this accessory at the back of Tesla just a simple gadget?

The Model 3 Highland is much more than just a facelift of Tesla’s star model. And the passengers have not been forgotten.

Tesla made a major update to the Model 3 at the end of 2023. More refined, quieter, and richer in features, the car quickly found its audience. The most striking aspect of this new model is certainly the interior, which reaches a level of minimalism never seen before in a mass-produced car. No more touch buttons, no more stalks, and no more driver display. Not even a dashboard behind the steering wheel! And while this display has disappeared, a new one has appeared at the rear between the seats.

Located just above the redesigned rear air vents, the screen measures 8 inches. It offers, of course, many features independent of any driving concept. Its operation is identical to that of the large 15.4-inch display available to front passengers, with a simple swipe of the finger upwards to bring up the menu. And just what is on the menu?

Goodbye buttons in Teslas

It primarily allows control of the independent rear air vents. The temperature, speed, and direction of the air can be set from the screen. However, note that it is not possible to turn on or off the air conditioning solely for the back. It is the front passengers of the Tesla who decide for everyone. However, adjusting the seat heating is possible.

If the children do not appreciate their parents’ music choices, they can adjust the rear volume. If that is not enough, they can connect a Bluetooth headset to the system and listen to their own music.

But an screen means images, and images mean video. Rear passengers have access to a wide range of applications such as Netflix, Disney+, Twitch, Hulu, or YouTube. In other words, an almost infinite choice to pass the time while draining the battery or recharging it. At this stage, it is important to note that the screen is small, with only a 13 cm diagonal, and especially placed very low! To be completely honest, we haven’t tried it yet on a long trip, but we do have serious doubts about the risk of your children suffering from headaches and back pain, or worse, nausea after just a few kilometers… And the gaming applications that are set to be announced soon are unlikely to improve the situation! Why didn’t Tesla directly install two screens in the headrests of the front seats? The additional cost would have been minimal, and what comfort that would have provided for rear passengers. A mystery…

Finally, a small feature is very popular, which allows rear passengers to move the front passenger seat forward to increase legroom. We tried it, and we assure you that it guarantees unlimited fun at the expense of the poor front passenger!