Here is a detailed outline of the benefits of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD, 2019 model year, with EU-registration and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability.
This configuration offers the core Tesla advantages at a potentially more attractive used price point than a 2020 model, but with some important nuances to consider.
I. Core Vehicle Benefits (Long Range AWD 2019 Model)
Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
Traction & Safety: Excellent grip in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, ice) compared to the Rear-Wheel Drive variant.
Performance: Very quick acceleration (0-100 km/h in ~4.4 seconds). Power is delivered precisely to each axle for stability.
Long Range Battery:
Extended Range: Original WLTP range of ~560+ km. Real-world highway range is typically 380-470 km, which is still very good for nearly all daily use and long trips.
Daily Convenience: Charging frequency of once a week or less for average drivers.
2019 Model Year Context (Benefits vs. Earlier Models):
Established Production: By 2019, Tesla’s Fremont factory had significantly improved the build quality and consistency compared to the initial 2018 rollout.
Standard Features: Includes keyless entry, premium audio, and all-glass roof as standard on the LR AWD trim.
Potential for HW3: Many 2019 models were delivered with or have been upgraded to Hardware 3.0 (HW3), the FSD computer. This is critical to verify.
II. Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability – The Software Package
Important Distinction: The car has the paid-for FSD package. The features you get are dictated by the software version and strict EU regulations.
Active Features You Likely Have (The Tangible Benefit):
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control & Autosteer: Core comfort feature for highway driving.
Navigate on Autopilot (Highway): Actively guides the car from on-ramp to off-ramp, suggesting lane changes.
Auto Lane Change: Executes lane changes upon driver confirmation.
Autopark & Summon: Basic automated parking and remote movement features.
The „Potential“ Benefit (The Future Promise):
Hardware for Future Updates: If equipped with HW3, the car is eligible for future software releases.
Access to FSD Beta (If Available in Your EU Country): This is the main speculative value. It promises „City Streets“ automation. Crucially, deployment in the EU is extremely limited, cautious, and lags far behind the US due to regulatory hurdles. You should not purchase assuming you will get this soon, if ever, in the EU.
Value Retention: The FSD package can enhance the car’s resale value compared to an identical car without it.
III. Overall Tesla & Ownership Benefits
Low Operating Costs:
Significantly lower „fuel“ and maintenance costs than an equivalent combustion car.
Benefit from EV tax incentives in many European countries.
Access to Tesla Supercharger Network:
Seamless long-distance travel across Europe using Tesla’s fast and reliable charging network.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates:
The car continuously improves. A 2019 car today has features and safety improvements it didn’t have when new.
Performance & Driving Experience:
Instant electric acceleration, quiet cabin, and engaging handling.
Safety:
5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The car’s architecture provides excellent crash protection.
Critical Considerations & Cautions (Especially for a 2019 Model)
FSD Reality in the EU: Manage expectations. The advanced „City Streets“ (FSD Beta) functionality is not approved for use on public roads in most of the European Union. The primary benefits of the FSD package are the enhanced highway driving aids (Navigate on Autopilot). Do not buy for features that are not legally available.
Hardware Version is Paramount: You must verify the car has HW3. Many early 2019 models were built with HW2.5.
HW2.5 cars require a hardware upgrade to run the latest software and access any future FSD features. Check if this upgrade has been performed (it should be free for FSD purchasers, but confirm).
Build Quality Variance: While improved, 2019 models can still have minor cosmetic inconsistencies (panel gaps, interior trim). A thorough pre-purchase inspection is advised.
Lack of a Heat Pump: All 2019 Model 3s use a less efficient resistive heater. This significantly impacts winter range compared to a late-2020+ model with a heat pump. Expect noticeably lower range in cold EU winters.
Battery & Warranty: Check the remaining battery warranty (8 years or 192,000 km for the Long Range, with a minimum 70% capacity retention). Check the current battery state of health (degradation of 5-12% is typical).
Summary: Key Benefits Outline
✓ Strong Performance & Practical Range from the LR AWD powertrain.
✓ All-Weather Capability thanks to dual-motor AWD.
✓ Access to Tesla’s Ecosystem (Superchargers, OTA updates).
✓ FSD Package Benefits: Primarily the excellent highway driving assistance suite (Navigate on Autopilot). The „full self-driving“ name is largely future potential in the EU.
✓ Potential Cost Savings: A 2019 with FSD may be priced closer to a 2020 without FSD, offering a way to get the software at a lower entry point.
In essence, the 2019 LR AWD with FSD is a high-performance EV with top-tier highway driving assistance. Its main benefit over a non-FSD car is the convenience of Navigate on Autopilot for frequent highway travelers. You are buying a capable car as it is today, with a software package that provides excellent highway aids and a highly uncertain, regulator-dependent chance at more advanced features in the future. The lack of a heat pump is a significant functional drawback in colder climates compared to a 2020 refresh model.