Tesla Model 3 Speakers & Sound System – See If It’s Any Good!

Do you know what Tesla and BMW have in common?

Definitely NOT the interior finish quality! In the former, it can be squeaking, creaking, and we’ve seen a case of the driver door window unsealing due to high G-forces during cornering… Yep! Now think about BMW for a moment. You’ll probably imagine something completely different – premium materials, trim pieces fitted very well… Basically nothing to complain about. Except for one thing: the BMW audio system. 

Given the above mentioned fit and finish quality, you’d think that the Tesla Model 3 sound system will be even worse than BMW’s since it’s just their entry model. If that was your guess, you guessed… wrong! And in this article, we’re going to explain why.

Coming up:

• Take a deep dive into the world of the Tesla Model 3 sound system.
  
• See what makes the Tesla Model 3 Performance sound system unique. 
  
• Get to know the specs of Tesla Model 3 speakers and audio setups.
  
• Learn more about the interesting history of how Tesla developed their audio. 
  
• Compare the Tesla sound system to that of the BMW. 

As always – enjoy the read!

Tesla Model 3 Sound Systems

Currently, you can get the Tesla Model 3 outfitted with one of two audio system options, though the word “outfitting” seems like an exaggeration. All because these setups are highly trim-dependent, meaning that you don’t really have much choice… but we should start at the beginning. 

History of the Tesla Sound Systems

Although all the Tesla audio systems installed in their cars are unbranded, they do boast quite a pedigree. A pedigree marked by some very well-known Hi-Fi names like Harman Kardon, JBL, Mark Levinson, and AKG. But to learn more about how they were developed, we need to travel all the way to Stuttgart – no, we are not visiting Porsche! Even though the developers of the Tesla Model S Sound System did also create the infotainment system for the Porsche 918.

The company we’re talking about is called s1nn. Founded in 2004 by former employees of Bose and Harman, they were later approached by the Tesla engineering team to develop an audio system for their Model S from the ground up. 

Working closely with the manufacturer from the earliest stages of the design, the guys at s1nn were able to influence even some aspects of the car’s structure that would affect sound quality. This included specifying the thickness of the sheet metal in the doors and ensuring all components were securely fastened to prevent unwanted noises. 

The philosophy behind Tesla's audio systems focused on creating a balanced soundstage that provides clear and rich audio for all passengers. This approach avoids the use of 5.1 surround sound, favoring stereo output optimized for the specific environment of the car, where typical "sweet spots" for listening don’t apply. 

Unlike other car manufacturers that use branded audio systems, Tesla chose to keep its systems unbranded, labeling them simply as "standard" or "premium" Tesla systems. Without any reference to s1nn or Harman.

Tesla’s electric powertrain provided a quieter cabin, allowing the audio system's finer details to shine without the noise from a combustion engine. However, this was also a challenge for them, since more sound impurities can be heard in such a “sterile” environment. Okay, but did they succeed? How did this all affect the Tesla Model 3 Sound system? 

Read on to find out!

Tesla Standard Sound System

The most basic of the audio setups found in the current-production Model 3 Teslas is called “Standard” and, as its name suggests, comes in the Standard Range trim (duh!). Sadly, you cannot option in the better factory audio when ordering your Tesla, so when you choose this version, it’s what you’ll get. 

It’s worth mentioning that throughout the model years, the number of speakers in this setup changed a couple of times. Initially, there were eight of them, but around 2021 Tesla removed one speaker, dropping their number to seven. However, for the model year 2024, the number was again increased from seven to nine, slightly bumping up the overall audio feel.

What does their layout look like currently?

• 2 tweeters (25 mm), one by the side of each side mirror. 
• 3 midrange speakers (100 mm) in the dashboard. 
• 2 additional midranges (100 mm), one within each rear door.
• 2 woofers (200 mm), one at the bottom of each front door. 

All of these are connected to an amplifier that pumps out 200 W of assumed peak power, so not particularly strong, but it’s there. While we’re at it, check out our detailed RMS vs. peak power guide, if you are curious what differentiates them. Before we get into the exact Tesla Model 3 Standard Sound System specifications, let’s take a look at the Premium option.

Tesla Premium Sound System 

Unfortunately for the audiophiles who wanted to get the Standard Range Model 3, Tesla’s Premium Sound System was only available in the Long Range, All-Wheel Drive, and Performance trims. 

Apart from having around twice as many speakers, this top-tier audio option also comes with two subwoofers and two amplifiers, one in the back and one in the front. They are collectively rated at 560 W – again, based on the car audio standards, we guess it’s a peak power rating. Note that for a limited time, there was also a so-called Partial Premium option available, but it was more akin to the Standard system, only with one or two more speakers.

Similar to the Standard Sound System, the number of speakers in the Premium one changed across the model years. Dropping from 15 to 14, only to be increased to 17 in 2024, regardless of the production date, this setup packs a respective punch. 

And how are they laid out? 

• 2 tweeters (25 mm), one by the side of each side mirror. 
• 9 midrange speakers (100 mm) in total:
  
  • 3 in the dashboard. 
  • 2 in the front door, one per side. 
  • 2 in the rear door, one per side.
  • 2 on the parcel shelf, one on each side.  
• 4 woofers (200 mm), two at the bottom of each front door. 
• 2 subwoofers (200 mm), both in the trunk.

Okay, but what types of speakers do both of these systems have? 

Tesla Model 3 Speakers Specs & Location

Before we get into the technical details and figures, let’s break down the differences between the production years that saw changes in the number of speakers. Please note that this is not official information – this is our own data based on the shared user experiences and the in-house research we did. 

That being said, check out how the setups evolved.

Speaker type/trim level & year	Standard Sound System			Premium Sound System
	pre-2021	post-2021	2024 & up	pre-2021	post-2021	2024 & up
Tweeters	1	0↓	2↑	1	0↓	2↑
Midranges	5	5	5	9	9	9
Woofers	2	2	2	2	2	4↑
Subwoofers	None	None	None	1	1	2↑

And what about the specs of those speakers? Table time again…

System component	Size	Impedance	Power
Tweeters	25 mm / 1”	4 ohm	25 W
Midrange speakers	100 mm / 4”	3 ohm	33 W
Woofers	200 mm / 8”	4 ohm	80 W
Subwoofers	200 mm / 8”	2 × 40 ohm	160 W
Amplifier	N/A	N/A	200 W / 560 W

All those numbers and technical details aside, you’re probably wondering if the Tesla Model 3 speakers are any good. Well, as much as we would like to say “They are terrible, buy our upgrades,” we must admit – they are not THAT bad… BUT! Of course there are always “buts” to such claims. 

Starting with the Standard sound system. Its competent layout of the speakers allows for good coverage and aids the music experience a lot, especially paired with even the comparatively weak 200 W amplifier. 

This configuration provides a strong mid-bass response, accurate mids and highs, as well as a decent soundstage reproduction. However, due to the absence of a subwoofer, there is less extension in lower frequencies, which impacts sub-bass tones. Additionally, since there are no tweeters and midrange speakers in the rear apart from the door-mounted ones, the passengers there will have a slightly worse experience. 

On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 Premium Sound System addresses most of these shortcomings. The inclusion of subwoofers provides deep, extended sub-bass and the 17-speaker configuration offers a better soundstage. Extra midrange drivers along with rear tweeters ensure balanced and detailed mids and highs throughout the cabin.

Sounds too good to be true? 

Tesla’s audio is pretty well-designed, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise if you consider what we mentioned at the beginning of this article about how it was developed. You have to remember though that since EV cabins tend to be quieter due to the lack of engine noise, more sound impurities can be heard when listening to the music. That’s also why there is room for improvement in terms of sub-bass and mids. 

Moreover, should you try to push either of the two setups by upgrading the speakers, you’ll quickly find out that their amplifiers could be improved even more. Not to mention the fact that you cannot choose the Tesla Model 3 RWD with the better of the two options – you have to pay extra for the higher trim.

Luckily, we might just have a way for you to resolve both of these issues at a much lower cost, but without compromising on quality. Meaning you don’t have to get a higher Tesla trim you don’t want or need and, if you’d like to upgrade to stronger speakers, you won’t risk frying your amplifier.

But we’ll get back to it later; now, let’s learn just a bit more about Tesla’s sound system.

Tesla Boombox External Speaker 

Not exactly related to in-car audio, you might’ve heard about the Tesla Boombox speaker. Introduced in a 2020 software update, it allows Tesla owners to play sounds outside of the car. Like a giant portable soundbar. 

Thanks to this feature, drivers can choose from a variety of pre-installed sound effects or upload their own audio files. It integrates with the vehicle's pedestrian warning system and can replace the standard pedestrian sound with a chosen effect. The Tesla Boombox speaker can also be used to play sounds while the car is in drive or summon mode and can change the sound of the car alarm.

As to the use and configuration, the Boombox is accessed via the infotainment system’s Toybox menu, where users can select sounds or upload their own using a USB drive. It uses the external speaker, which is mandated in electric vehicles to ensure pedestrian safety. What is the Tesla Model 3 External Speaker location? It’s installed in the front fascia of the car and can be accessed through the front passenger-side wheel well. 

While the Boombox provides entertainment and personalization options, Tesla advises owners to be mindful of local regulations regarding vehicle sound emissions. Who can blame them? The first thing that came to our mind when thinking about changing the warning sounds was some unsavory sounds. What?! It has the word “meme” written all over it, just search for “Tesla funny horn” on YouTube. 

This feature is available only on newer Tesla models equipped with external speakers, specifically those produced after September 2019.

What’s Immersive Sound in Tesla Model 3?

Included in the update 2021.32.20 for Teslas with Premium Sound System, this feature is pretty self-explanatory. It’s basically a special digital signal processing option that adjusts the audio output to create a much wider and deeper soundstage. 

In short, by fine-tuning how sound is projected through the various speakers located around the cabin, Tesla can basically simulate (to a degree) different acoustic environments. All to make it feel like the sound is coming from all around the listener rather than just from the speakers, hence the word “immersive” in its name.

What are the key features of the Tesla Immersive Sound?

1. Customization levels – it’s possible to choose between 5 different levels of Immersive Sound settings, from “Off,” through “Standard,” to “High”.
2. Auto setting – after choosing this option, the DSP unit will automatically vary the amount of “immersion” for you, depending on the type of music you are currently listening to. 
3. Independent Subwoofer Control – at first made available only for the Model S, but later expanded to all vehicles equipped with Premium Sound System with the update 2021.44.24, this feature of the Immersive Sound allows the users to control the subwoofer output independently from bass, mid, and treble.

This feature is managed via the vehicle’s touchscreen interface, allowing drivers to easily switch between different sound modes to find their preferred audio experience. Keep in mind though that while the Immersive Sound will work great for certain types of music, it might detract from the experience in the case of other genres. You’ll have to experiment with different settings on your own. 

Tesla vs. BMW Sound System

As much as we love BMWs, we have to admit that the Tesla Model 3 Sound System is simply better than what the Bavarians are offering. Even the Standard option plays pretty well and the Premium one outclasses even the near-top-of-the-line Harman Kardon you can find in the newer bimmers. 

In an apples-to-apples comparison of late-model BMW vs. Tesla audio systems, it seems a whole lot more thought was put into Tesla’s sound. The Achilles heel of BMW’s are their amplifiers which have a characteristic commonly found in cheap digital amplifiers. They run out of power sooner than necessary and when that happens, the whole audio system becomes harsh to listen to.

While the base audio in the Tesla Model 3 is no heavy hitter and also runs out of steam at some point, it does this in a controlled and calculated manner. Slowly but surely you will hear some distortion creeping in, though it’s not horribly annoying. 

In the Premium system, you’re unlikely to hear any distortion before reaching the loudness at which most people would just tap out from too much volume. Yeah, maybe the trunk sub and its surrounding trim will rattle more than necessary but that could be fixed with some sound deadening.

In BMWs, it doesn’t matter if you have Hi-Fi or Harman Kardon audio. If you go loud before you would even tap out from too much volume, you’ll first tap out from too much distortion – that’s on the amps.* 

*Exceptions apply: not all late-model HK audio systems are created equal, as even within that single branding there are 3 different quality tiers. 

Tesla Speakers not Working – Common Problems 

When Tesla speakers aren't working, it can be due to several common issues, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures. Below are some of the most frequent problems that might cause Tesla speakers to malfunction.

1. Software glitches – can be caused by firmware updates or just happen on their own and will usually result in the Tesla's infotainment system freezing or becoming unresponsive, leading to audio playback issues.
2. Audio settings configuration – options related to balance, fade, and immersive sound can sometimes be misconfigured, causing certain speakers not to function correctly.
3. Bluetooth connectivity problems – interference or weak signal will lead to pairing issues, resulting in audio dropouts or complete loss of sound.
4. Hardware failures – these are not exclusive to Teslas, as they can happen to all sound systems; they can include blown speakers, loose or damaged wiring, and fuse problems.

The best way to start troubleshooting issues like that is to inspect the Bluetooth connections and reboot the infotainment system if necessary. To do so, simply hold down both steering wheel scrolls. If the problem is related to some speakers sounding off or not playing any music at all, your next best bet would be to check the audio settings.

Note that these steps can only help you diagnose software-related and configuration problems. More serious hardware faults will need to be checked by the nearest dealership or your local car audio specialist.

Speaker Upgrade & Better Amplifier for Tesla Model 3 

Upping the ante on such a good audio system is a difficult task – lucky for you, we’ve got a way to do just that. Taking all the years of experience in creating and tuning customized audio solutions for BMW Group cars, we decided to take a shot at improving the Tesla Model 3 sound system. 

We are confident our Tesla Model 3 sound system upgrades will deliver the same superb quality our BMW & MINI customers have come to love and enjoy. First-ever for Tesla audio upgrades, you’ll also be able to take full advantage of dedicated customer service and technical support. Our experienced Alpha One technicians will assist you with all your custom tuning needs. 

We are still testing the products for Tesla cars, but their release is close. Want to be the first to know when the finishing touches are done? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified straight away!