Tesla launches revamped Model 3 Highland

Tesla has presented the facelift of the Model 3, which was developed under the project name Highland. There are updates in design and equipment to make the Model 3 significantly more efficient. However, there are only a few details about the technology so far.

So far, Tesla is holding back with specific details about the technology, such as the installed battery. However, some changes can be read from the configurator: The range of the Model 3 increases by a little more than ten per cent with the new version, among other things thanks to aerodynamic improvements (the cW value drops to 0.219). Specifically, Tesla states a WLTP range of 513 kilometres for the new Model 3 with rear-wheel drive and 629 kilometres for the all-wheel drive version. However, the range figures apply to the new 19-inch “Nova” rims, which cost an extra 1,700 euros in both cases. With the 18-inch rims called ‘Photon’, the estimated range is 554 kilometres for the small LFP battery and 678 kilometres for the large battery of the long-range model.

However, the size of the batteries is not mentioned. There were rumours that a somewhat larger battery with LFP cells (or even LMFP cells) from CATL could be installed in the base Model 3 with the facelift. However, the larger battery has not been confirmed. However, since the WLTP consumption has also dropped significantly (from 14.4 to 13.2 kWh/100km), the higher range is not only due to a possibly larger battery.

Elsewhere, an output of 208 kW is mentioned for the base Model 3, and 363 kW for the Model 3 Long Range. Another new feature is that both variants are limited to a top speed of 201 kph – previously it was 225 and 233 kph, respectively. The model with NCM battery can be charged with up to 250 kW at peak – it is not yet known whether the charging curve will remain constant or whether the peak can be maintained for longer. For the Model 3 with LFP battery, the maximum charging power remains at 170 kW.

The front end in particular has been significantly redesigned on the outside of the new edition, as has the design of the taillights – but there is no continuous LED strip at the rear, which was suspected in the meantime on the basis of some prototypes. Instead – as in the current Model S and Model X – the lettering can be found at the rear instead of the Tesla logo. Two new paint finishes (Ultra Red and Stealth Grey) are also offered for the new Model 3, both of which cost 2,000 euros extra. Pearl White Mulit-Coat remains the free standard colour, while the familiar Deep Blue Metallic and Solid Black cost 1,300 euros more. As for the trailer hitch, it remains at the familiar 1,000 kilograms towing capacity, with the surcharge at 1,350 euros.

The Model 3 Highland is 4.72 meters long, 2.09 meters wide with exterior mirrors and 1.44 meters high. Luggage space (presumably again in total with the frunk and sub-trunk, not just in the trunk itself) is listed at 682 litres. The Model 3 with rear-wheel drive weighs 1,765 kilograms, and 1,828 kilograms for the Long Range.

Tesla has also made various modifications to the interior. These include a new steering wheel, an additional eight-inch display in the rear, higher-quality materials and an improved sound system. There is also ambient lighting and ventilated seats. The changes to the steering wheel are worth mentioning: Tesla will also do away with steering column levers for the turn signal and gear selection in the Model 3 in the future. Turn signals and headlights will be operated via buttons on the steering wheel, as in the Model S/X – but it will remain with a round steering wheel, the yoke will not be offered. Acoustic glass is now installed all around, which is why it should be noticeably quieter in the interior.

Previously, unconfirmed reports said that numerous changes to the Highland model would affect production. Tesla should be able to produce the Model 3 noticeably cheaper in the future. Such constructive changes under the sheet metal are not known at the premiere, but should soon become public through reverse engineering videos.

This is how much more expensive the refreshed Model 3 is in various countries vs the old Model 3:

• China: 12% more expensive
• Australia: 7.8%
• Germany: 2.4%
• France: 2.4%

Still a fantastic value! pic.twitter.com/ajOUlEoLSQ

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 1, 2023

The previously offered performance version of the revised Model 3 is not listed in the configurator, at least at the start. The price increases compared to the previous version vary depending on the market. In Germany, the new Model 3 is 1,000 euros more expensive than before and the basic version is now listed in the configurator at 42,990 euros, while the all-wheel drive version costs from 51,990 euros. However, Tesla already deducted the manufacturer’s share of the environmental bonus in the displayed prices in this country, so the list price is 2,678 euros (2,250 euros net + VAT) higher. Deliveries are scheduled to start in October. In China, the base price increases by twelve per cent to 259,900 yuan. Tesla has not yet published data on the US version of the new Model 3.

insideevs.com, electrek.co, tesla.com (German model), tesla.com (German configurator), cnevpost.com (China)