It’s true what they say: Tesla has been in secret developing an upgraded Model 3. The updated model, formerly known as the “Highland” refresh, made its premiere today in Shanghai. In China and Europe, orders may be placed right now; a US launch date is not yet known.
According to Reuters, this is the first time Tesla has introduced a new model in China before the US, where EV sales account for 30% of new car sales, compared to just 7% in the US. This represents a far larger market for CEO Elon Musk to seize. The business will construct it at Tesla’s production plant in Shanghai and ship it to Europe, with further sales to markets in Asia and the Middle East.
The outdated Model 3 is still available on Tesla’s US website, but American drivers are keen to get their hands on the updated model. With longer range, a more streamlined body, and more inside technology than its predecessor, it surpasses it in a few crucial areas. Not to add that the current Model 3 has been available for purchase in the US since 2017, when the business faced fewer rivals. It’s about time the automobile got a new coat of paint, but it’s unclear whether a US version may have the exact same features.
Tesla Debuts the New Model 3 in China Before the US
Range Expansion
Compared to its predecessor (right), the new Model 3 (left) sports a flatter, less bulbous hood. (Source: Tesla)
According to Electrek, the new Model 3 seems to have a flatter, more aerodynamic hood, resulting in the lowest drag coefficient the firm has ever recorded (Cd of.219, down from.225 on the current Model 3). Although we are getting different statistics on the China and Europe models, this increases the spectrum.
The range of the new Model 3 in China has increased by 11–12%, reaching a maximum of 344 miles for the Standard Range model. The base, Standard Range range in the European version is significantly less, at 319 miles.
In general, the range tests used in China and Europe provide larger estimates than those used by the US EPA. According to InsideEVs, the EPA is frequently surpassed by 35% by China’s CLTC testing, and by roughly 22% by the WLTP tests in Europe.
According to EPA estimations, the basic Model 3 currently has a 272-mile range in the US. The base model of the upgraded Model 3 could travel around 300 miles on a single charge if the same 11% improvement in range were applied.
Interior Upgrades and New Rear Touch Screen
The new version is more upmarket than its rather simple (“minimalistic”) predecessor thanks to significant interior improvements. Tesla changed the gear shift from a physical stalk to buttons on the touch screen, maintaining the 17-inch touch screen’s dominant position in the cockpit.
A new, 8-inch touch screen with entertainment choices and climate settings will be available for the backseat passengers. Furthermore, the front and back seats are more comfortable, and the trunk is bigger.
The updated Model 3 maintains its distinctively big screen up front and adds a nearby one for passengers in the backseat. (Source: Tesla)
The customised inside provides atmosphere and “wraparound styling that cocoons you inside,” according to the Tesla EU website. The new Model 3 sports a better sound system than the previous model—17 speakers as opposed to 14—and reduced road noise as a result of “360-degree acoustic glass.” Additionally, Tesla enhanced its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities as well as the call-making speakers.
What Is the Price of the Updated Tesla Model 3?
These improvements are not all free. The starting price of the new basic Model 3 with rear-wheel drive in China has increased from $32,000 (231,900 yuan) to $35,800 (259,900 yuan). The Model 3 presently has a starting price of slightly over $40,000 in the US.
If and when Tesla launches the updated Model 3 in the US, as well as whether it will be more opulent and expensive than its predecessor, are still to be determined. Furthermore, during 2023, Tesla often adjusted its prices, so we can’t anticipate anything to be fixed.
The word Tesla has taken the place of the back Tesla logo. (Source: Tesla)
