We evaluated the refreshed Model 3 Long Range’s 17‑speaker Immersive Audio on a controlled 100 km/h loop, combining calibrated SPL measurements with subjective listening to judge staging, frequency balance, and road‑noise masking.
Test car: 2024 Model 3 Long Range AWD with the 17‑speaker system (immersive modes enabled/disabled), 19-inch wheels on fresh all-season tires at 42 psi. Audio sources were USB FLAC (44.1–96 kHz) and Bluetooth AAC from an iPhone. Measurements were taken with an NTi XL2 (Class 1) and calibrated 94 dB reference, mic at the driver’s left ear position. Ambient temp 21°C, no wind.
Two surfaces: smooth asphalt and coarse chip seal. HVAC set to Level 2, recirc off. Baseline cabin noise at a steady 100 km/h measured 61.5 dBA Leq (smooth asphalt) and 66.8 dBA Leq (coarse). 1/3‑octave data show dominant energy in the 80–160 Hz band (tire roar) with a secondary rise around 1–2 kHz on coarse aggregate.
No tonal peaks from drivetrain were evident; the noise profile is broadband and primarily road‑induced. Frequency balance (driver’s seat, tone controls flat, Immersive set to Standard): in‑car RTA with pink noise at 75 dBC Leq showed usable extension to ~35 Hz (‑6 dB point) with a mild +2 to +3 dB hump centered near 90–100 Hz. Lower mids (250–500 Hz) sit ~1–2 dB down relative to the 1 kHz reference, which helps clarity but can thin male vocals at low volumes. Presence (2–5 kHz) is commendably even; top end gently relaxes above 10 kHz by ~1.5 dB off‑axis, keeping sibilants in check.
Subjectively, this reads as clean and non‑fatiguing, if a touch polite up top. Staging and imaging: With Immersive Off, the stage anchors between the A‑pillars with a stable phantom center that tracks head movement predictably. Depth is moderate; front image sits just ahead of the dash with good instrument separation on well‑recorded tracks (e.g., Patricia Barber, Norah Jones). Switching Immersive to Standard widens the stage beyond the pillars and lifts height toward the top of the windshield, at the expense of some center focus.
Immersive High exaggerates width further but slightly smears center vocals; I preferred Standard for a balance of scale and precision. Road‑noise masking at 100 km/h: On smooth asphalt (61.5 dBA), music set to ~72–74 dBA Leq at the headrest preserved microdetail without strain; snare transients and room reverb stayed intact. On coarse surfaces (66.8 dBA), the 80–160 Hz road band overlaps the system’s mid‑bass lift, masking kick drum definition and male vocal chest tones; achieving equivalent clarity required +6–8 dB (78–80 dBA Leq), which begins to feel shouty over time. A small EQ tweak—‑2 dB around 100 Hz and +1 dB near 3 kHz—restored definition so acceptable clarity returned at ~75–76 dBA.
Podcasts benefit from +1 dB mid, +1 dB treble. Verdict: The Model 3 LR’s system is class‑leading for imaging and overall balance, with genuine low‑frequency reach and a wide, cohesive stage in Immersive Standard. Highway masking is very good on smooth asphalt and acceptable on coarse surfaces with minor EQ trims. For long stints at 100 km/h, I recommend Immersive Standard, a slight bass/mid‑bass reduction, and target playback of 73–76 dBA Leq to maximize clarity while minimizing fatigue.
Those prioritizing ultimate quiet should consider quieter tread compounds or downsizing wheel/tire packages.
