Just hours after photos of the next Tesla Model 3 update, dubbed Project Highland, were leaked, Tesla has officially unveiled its highly anticipated restyling.
Tesla claims this refresh replaces more than half of the vehicle’s parts
The first thing that catches your eye in this update is of course the new design, which retains most of the aesthetics of last year’s Model 3, but changes the front to make it more streamlined, eliminating the somewhat prominent bulge at the front of last year’s Model 3.
The official photos also show the new Ultra Red color, which replaces the current multi-layered red. There is also a new metallic gray color. The headlights have also been refined and have a more aggressive look, following the general logic of the changes made to the front of the vehicle.
The tailgate of the new version has undergone a noticeable metamorphosis. Along with the new Tesla badge proudly affixed to it, the rear windows are now laminated, a treatment that was previously reserved only for the front windows. This development provides better sound insulation and reinforces safety in the event of breakage. The windshield also has lamination, while the panoramic roof glass has been lined, ensuring better protection against the elements and increased thermal insulation.
The dimensions of the Tesla Model 3 (2024) have changed only slightly. The vehicle is slightly longer and measures 4720 millimeters (2.5 cm longer than the old model). It has been reduced in height a bit and measures 1441 mm. According to the spec sheet, the ground clearance has been reduced slightly from 140mm to 138mm.
Despite all these improvements and modifications, Tesla has pulled off an engineering feat by keeping the weight of the vehicle almost unchanged. Indeed, the Propulsion version took only 9 kg more, displaying a total weight of 1761 kg. Surprisingly, the Long Autonomy version has managed to reduce its overweight, weighing 6 kg less than the previous model, i.e. a weight of 1823 kg.
The improvements don’t stop on the outside. The interior of the vehicle also received major changes, with more screen space, including a new rear screen, and increased range. There’s also built-in mood lighting, a full-length air vent nestled in the center and a revised steering wheel that dropped the indicators, and therefore the stalks disappeared. An even more minimalist mindset was adopted again, but the quality of interior materials would be better than before. Tesla has also added more sound deadening materials throughout the cabin. and introduced more acoustic glass, both of which should further inhibit rolling noise.
Two smartphone charging cradle have been integrated into the design of the center console, as before, and the 14-speaker audio that fitted the old model has been replaced by 17 speakers. The leatherette upholstery has also been improved throughout the cabin and now features perforations in the material; heated and ventilated front seats are now standard. They have been redesigned and should offer better support.
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
Source: Tesla
An improvement in autonomy
Apart from cosmetic changes, Tesla has announced that the facelifted Model 3 will have a longer range. Indeed, for the Propulsion version (SR RWD), it is estimated at 553 km in the WLTP cycle, and 678 km in the WLTP cycle with 18-inch rims (629 km with 19-inch rims) for Long Autonomy ( Long Range, LR), both with 18-inch aero wheels. That’s an 11-12% improvement over the Model 3 WLTP ratings we’ve seen so far.
This range improvement largely stems from improvements in aerodynamics, with a lower, less rounded front, guiding air around the vehicle more efficiently. This resulted at a drag coefficient of 0.219the lowest ever recorded by Tesla.
On the other hand, no change in acceleration performance, the maximum speed is limited to 201 km/h because of the new tires.
Other notable upgrades include Tesla’s new 18-inch Photon and 19-inch Nova wheels, as well as a series of interior changes, such asa new 8-inch rear touchscreenventilated front seats, an improved sound system, and many other changes.
Price and availability of the new Tesla Model 3
The changes are now online on Tesla’s European sites, and therefore in France, where the restyled Model 3 is now available to order. Deliveries will begin in October. However, Tesla has not yet announced the start date for deliveries in other regions of the world.
The price in France is 42,490 euros for the basic model, without the ecological bonus of 5,000 to 7,000 euros depending on your income, and 50,990 euros for the high autonomy version. It’s 1,000 euros more than the old model. Besides, there is no more variant Performance For now.
Where to buy The
Tesla Model 3 (2024) at the best price?
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