As a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com and a self-proclaimed car audio enthusiast, I recently had the chance to experience the sound system in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance. Having owned numerous vehicles and always being critical of in-car audio, I felt compelled to write a dedicated review of this particular system – something I’ve rarely done before.
My daily routine involves a significant amount of music listening, roughly two hours across various activities like driving, biking, walking, or relaxing at home. This duration increases substantially during drives, making the car’s audio system a crucial part of the driving experience for me. While test driving cars, I don’t usually focus on the sound system, and the same was true initially with Tesla. However, during an extended 24-hour test drive with the Tesla Model Y Performance, the audio quality immediately stood out, surpassing any car audio I had experienced before. This prompted me to delve deeper into Tesla’s audio systems, which, surprisingly, isn’t heavily marketed as a key feature.
Tesla equips its vehicles with two types of audio systems:
- Standard Sound System: Features 9 speakers, 1 amplifier, and 1 woofer, typically found in the base (RWD) model.
- Premium Sound System: Boasts 15 speakers, 2 amplifiers, and 1 woofer, standard in the Long Range and Performance models like the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance.
But it’s more than just a “sound system.” Coupled with Tesla’s impressive 15-inch HD touchscreen and video streaming capabilities, it transforms into a comprehensive entertainment system. Imagine watching your favorite shows or enjoying high-fidelity music while waiting – it’s a truly immersive experience.
Enjoying video content in Tesla
Experiencing high-quality audio and video playback
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance‘s Premium Audio system, with its 15 speakers, including subwoofers and amplifiers, delivers an audio experience that rivals high-end home theater setups. It’s been rumored that Tesla hired engineers from Bang & Olufsen, and some claim these systems are essentially “unbranded” B&O. Having experienced premium audio in Mercedes, Porsche, and BMW vehicles, I can confidently say the Tesla system is exceptional, even outperforming them. I even read in a Tesla forum that it arguably surpasses the $12,000 optional audio system in the Audi R8!
Tesla has strategically positioned the speakers throughout the cabin of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance to create a rich, surround-sound, theater-like atmosphere:
- 2 Speakers on front A-Pillars (near mirror position)
- 2 Speakers on front A-Pillars (higher, for “Immersive Sound”)
- 2 Speakers on each side of the dashboard
- 2 Coaxial Speakers on front door panels
- 2 Small amplifiers inside the front doors
- 2 Coaxial Speakers on rear doors
- 2 Speakers at the rear of the cabin
- 1 Subwoofer in the rear right side of the trunk
Connectivity for audio in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance is primarily via Bluetooth for smartphones, as the USB-C ports are mainly for charging. However, the introduction of Apple Music as a native Tesla app in December 2022 significantly improved audio quality compared to Bluetooth streaming. The difference is substantial, offering a noticeable improvement in bit-rate. Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify streaming within Tesla at around 356 kbps is a treat for the ears, with Tidal potentially offering even higher quality (over 400kbps).
While Tesla’s infotainment system doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, initially considered a drawback, the integrated system’s robust capabilities negate the need for these third-party platforms. A significant advantage is the USB drive playback option, supporting FAT32 formatted drives with MP3 and high-resolution formats like FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and WAV up to 24-bit 192 kHz. This feature places the Model 3, and particularly the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, among a select group of vehicles capable of true high-resolution audio playback, a boon for audiophiles.
While definitive specifications are scarce in official Tesla documentation, online forums suggest that earlier Model 3 and Y versions had a 16-speaker (or 15+1) configuration. Tesla later removed the center 1″ 25W dashboard tweeter in newer models, including the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, resulting in the current 15-speaker setup (14+1 with subwoofer). The subwoofer in the trunk is rated at 160W.
The audio performance in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance is exceptional. Bass, treble, and vocals are delivered seamlessly, without distortion even at maximum volume. The soundstage is remarkably wide and immersive. Engaging the “Immersive Sound” feature, even on the “Standard” setting, creates a noticeable and positive difference in audio depth and richness.
Compared to the Model 3, the Model Y positions its rear speakers within the trunk rather than the rear parcel shelf. This greater distance might slightly reduce rear sound engagement compared to the Model 3 or SUVs with rear-cabin speakers. However, Tesla could potentially address this with a firmware update offering a dedicated “Rear Surround” setting, a feature seen in some competitor systems.
Interestingly, some reports indicate that the Model Y’s audio system’s perceived difference isn’t due to speaker quality or placement, but rather cabin noise levels. Measurements using a sound meter with the larger 20″ ‘Induction Wheels’ on the Model Y recorded the following cabin noise levels:
- 36 dBA at standstill
- 53-56 dBA at 20-30mph
- 60-63 dBA at 40mph
- 70-73 dBA at 70mph
Opening the windows increases noise levels by approximately 12 dBA. Despite higher cabin noise compared to, say, a BMW, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance‘s soundstage remains impressively immersive even at higher speeds.
The ability to stream video content from platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu (when parked) further enhances the entertainment experience. The speaker configuration creates a near-IMAX theater effect, with sound enveloping the cabin, making video viewing incredibly immersive.
Audio Configuration in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance
The audio settings are user-friendly, offering simple sliders to adjust bass, subwoofer levels, treble, mids, and toggle the “Immersive Sound” feature. Even with minimal bass settings, the low-end response is powerful, and increasing the bass enhances the thump without any distortion, a truly commendable feat.
In conclusion, it’s no surprise that audiophiles online consistently praise Tesla’s sound systems. The audio in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance has profoundly impressed me, outperforming the Harman Kardon system in my BMW by a significant margin, easily 5x better. For anyone who values high-quality in-car audio, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance delivers an exceptional listening experience.
Here are images illustrating speaker placement in the Tesla Model 3 Performance:
Speaker at the top of the front window, driver’s side, enhancing sound staging.
Roof-mounted speaker above the front window on the passenger side, contributing to immersive audio.
Large speaker on the lower door panel, driver’s side, providing rich sound output.
Close-up of the upper speaker on the front door, showcasing component detail.
Passenger side immersive speaker, strategically placed for optimal sound dispersion.
Lower front speaker, driver’s side, demonstrating size and placement within door panel.
Another angle of the front speaker, passenger side, showing door panel integration.
Rear door speaker, driver’s side, contributing to surround sound in the cabin.
Rear door speaker, passenger side, mirroring driver-side setup for balanced audio.
Speakers on the rear parcel shelf, enhancing rear sound projection in the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Additional view of rear parcel shelf speakers, showcasing their discreet integration.
Rear speaker close-up, potentially the center channel or surround speaker in the rear deck.
Location of the amplifier and subwoofer in the side compartment of the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Emergency charging cable release lever, unrelated to audio but included in original article.
For further discussions and insights, check out BHPian comments.
