Several months back, Tesla introduced a highly anticipated facelift for its Model 3. Despite North America being Tesla’s primary market and the Model 3 being its flagship vehicle in the United States, the extensively updated sedan initially made its debut in China and Europe. Now, the revamped Tesla Model 3 (internally referred to as “Project Highland”) is officially accessible for purchase by U.S. customers.
Potential buyers can directly visit
Tesla’s website to place their orders for the sleekly redesigned Model 3, starting at $40,630 for the rear-wheel-drive model. Opting for the dual-motor, long-range variant will set you back $47,630. The specifications of the new Model 3 remain largely unchanged, with the standard rear-wheel-drive version offering a range of 272 miles per charge and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. On the other hand, the dual-motor, long-range model boasts a range of 341 miles per charge and accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Enthusiasts of high-speed driving will have to wait for the updated Model 3 Performance version, as it is not yet available.
Appearance-wise, the Model 3 “Highland” showcases slimmer headlights and a more defined front fascia. The vehicle now exudes a sportier sedan vibe rather than its previous egg-like appearance. Additionally, the taillights have adopted a distinctive claw-shaped design reminiscent of Volvo’s styling, adding a touch of allure compared to the previous rounded look.
The interior of the new Model 3 retains its minimalist nature but with enhanced style elements. The redesigned wraparound dash and door panels offer a more aesthetically pleasing look, complemented by a sportier steering wheel design. Notably, the steering wheel now connects at the top, ensuring a more conventional layout. For enthusiasts of simplicity, the Model 3 has not introduced a traditional gauge cluster in this update, maintaining its signature feature of a large touchscreen display mounted on the dashboard.
Such design enhancements are customary in the automotive industry, with car manufacturers frequently refreshing their models every few years. What sets the Highland update for the Model 3 apart is the long wait it entailed. The Model 3 made its debut back in 2016, and an eight-year period without significant updates is quite rare in the industry. Some vehicles do not even last that long in their entire lifecycle. Despite the debut of the Cybertruck, the Model 3’s refresh holds more weight for Tesla customers, as the brand’s flagship product finally undergoes meaningful changes to stay competitive amidst a growing array of new rivals.
Have insights to share? Send them to tips@thedrive.com
