‘Completely stupid’: Tesla’s controversial new gear shifter and indicators

The updated 2024 Tesla Model 3 – codenamed 'Project Highland' – has officially debuted, with a new gear selector and indicators that could cause confusion for the uninitiated.

RELATED: 2024 Tesla Model 3 facelift unveiled

In early September 2023, Tesla shared photos showcasing the refreshed interior of the new Model 3, revealing a thoroughly 'stalkless' steering wheel in the process.

While previous iterations of the Model 3 featured a physical gear shifter on the indicator stalk, the 2024 Model 3 has a gear selector that's incorporated into the central 15.4-inch touchscreen.

This follows the same formula as the updated Model S and Model X offered overseas, both of which feature a gear selector on the driver's side of the central touchscreen.

The updated Model 3 will mark the first time this touchscreen gear selector makes an appearance Down Under, given Tesla confirmed the new Model S and Model X will not be available in Australia.

Meanwhile, the Model Y medium SUV still features a stalk-style gear shifter.

Traditionalists have the option to bypass this touchscreen gear selector and opt for a physical shifter – but they'll find it in an even more unconventional location.

While the backup physical gear selector in the new Model S and Model X is located below the touchscreen, in the new Model 3 it's been moved to the roof.

Photos of the Model 3's fresh interior show a secondary gear selector and hazard button located behind the rear-view mirror.

This rooftop gear selector can be used instead of, or in addition to, the touchscreen selector – or in the event the touchscreen selector fails.

According to overseas owners of the updated Model S and X, the touchscreen gear selector can pose something of a practical challenge when completing fast manoeuvres.

"Three-point turns are still harder and slower to do from a usability perspective. I’ve 'miss-swiped' several times and started going in the wrong direction but it’s never led to an accident. Enough to not buy the car? No," one Tesla Model S owner shared on Reddit.

"BRING BACK THE STALKS. Gear shifting on the screen is annoying when you want to go from reverse to forward or vice versa. I have to take my eyes off the road and onto the screen," another added.

The stalkless design of the new Model 3 also extends to the car's indicators, which have been removed entirely in favour of arrow buttons on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

This move has caused a stir amongst Tesla fans, with some on Reddit questioning the viability of placing indicators on a moving steering wheel.

"On my [old] Model 3 I just flick the stalk while I'm still moving to change direction. The indicators being on the wheel is also stupid because, surprise, they move," one Reddit user pointed out.

Another added: "Anyone driving in a country with roundabouts will hate this... It's completely stupid."

Not everyone is against the streamlined design, however, with many claiming it's easy to get used to and offers improved functionality.

"As a Model S owner with a yoke [steering wheel], it is really a non-issue. As another commenter said, they work well, easy to get used to, and overall pretty convenient," another Reddit user explained.

"Stalkless turn signals are okay. Not perfect, but I can see myself getting used to it without any real issues," another said.

"Stalkless drive selector I didn’t like. Parking lot maneuvers are idiotic with it and it’s hard to be smooth."

While some have suggested the move was made to cut production costs for the car maker, others argue it's all part of Tesla's focus on minimalist design.

Current local delivery timing for the new Tesla Model 3 is January-March 2024, according to Tesla Australia's Design Studio.

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 will be offered in two grades in Australia – the real-wheel-drive base grade from $61,900 and the all-wheel-drive Long Range grade from $71,900 (both prices exclude on-road costs).

Other upgrades to the new Model 3 include more aerodynamic exterior styling, a second-row screen, a more refined ride quality, and up to 629km of range (WLTP) for the Long Range variant.