What does one typically look at an instrument cluster for?
RPMs? (Yeah, doesn't apply)
Speed? (Yes, unless I have traffic adapting cruise-control, then I'm only worried about steering. Especially if I set a "5mph over the limit" maximum on my adaptive cruise-control.)
And... Maybe to let me know my turn signals are still on? What cardinal direction I'm traveling? And the outside temperature?
Needing that info is so infrequent, it's no big deal to look at a center screen instead of directly above the steering wheel.
I have a theory that in order to make the autopilot features affordable, they'll make it more of a subscription or rent to own scenario. (Pay $50/mo, once you hit $XXXX paid, your monthly fee is ended.) So when your vehicle is taking care of the speed, the majority of the steering, what do you really need to look at an instrument pod for?
That said, the instrument cluster could be a series of poop emojis that rotate on dials showing my speed, temperature, etc, and I wouldn't care because I wouldn't be looking at them. I'm getting a Model 3 because:
Autopilot- both current and future functionality.
Range- Besides the Bolt, the only sub $40k car with 200+ mile range.
No Dealerships- I hate dealerships, I always have. I loathe to step into them, and I will find joy in not having to give one money.
Tesla's corporate vision- Sustainable transport, I'm not subsidizing some company that makes gas guzzling Armadas, Escalades, or Navigators.
Performance: The Leaf is peppy to me, the Bolt and the M3 are roughly twice as quick! Oh yeah!
Exterior styling: It looks nice. I like my Leaf, but I do think it's ugly. I think the Bolt looks like a cheap econobox as well.
Responsible sourcing:
https://electrek.co/2017/05/31/tesla-so ... s-battery/I could go on..
Disclaimer: I own TSLA stock.
Pulled the trigger on going EV on 10/2016 with a 2012 Leaf, and a Tesla Model 3 reservation expected to receive in June 2018.