Tesla upgrades the Model 3 – here are the 10 best new features

Tesla’s Model 3 isn’t just the American electric car-maker’s cheapest model it’s also one of the world’s best-selling EVs (electric vehicles) at the moment.

And in 2024 it will be improved with a host of new upgrades, including a fresh look, smarter interior, quieter cabin and more range than before.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the facelifted Model 3 and what it will offer.

Late last year, Tesla hinted that it would rework its Model 3 under the company’s codename ‘ Project Highland’.

On Friday, it has confirmed the car’s facelift, with the updated version due to hit UK showrooms some time in 2024.

The manufacturers claims that more than half of the Model 3’s components have been changed.

And it’s driven by feedback from existing customers who told them what they did – and didn’t – like about their cars.

In a statement issued by the company, it said ‘has not departed from what made Model 3 a global best-seller: delivering great range and efficiency with sports-car performance and handling at an approachable price point’.

Here are the 10 things you need to know…

1. Tesla Model 3 gets sleek new looks

At first glance, it’s clear to see the biggest change to the Model 3 – its the reshaped front end, including these narrower headlight clusters

Tesla highlights it has upgraded the Model 3’s doors with improved structural reinforcement to withstand heavier impact. This gives the closing of the doors that more premium ‘clunk’ sound

The rest of the Model S bodywork is largely unchanged, though the rear lights incorporated into the boot lid are now in a boomerang-like C shape

At first glance, the biggest change to the Model 3 is the reshaped front end.

Tesla emphasises it ‘stays true to the sleek, uncluttered design aesthetic’ of the original Model 3, though narrower headlight clusters, a sleeker lower bumper and the removal of foglights are the most significant visual changes that both reduce drag – and therefore increase range – and reduces wind noise at a cruising speeds to improve refinement.

There’s also a new air curtain chiselled into the reshaped bonnet.

The rest of the Model S bodywork is largely unchanged, though the rear lights incorporated into the boot lid are now in a C shape. 

It should be noted that Tesla highlights it has upgraded the Model 3’s doors with improved structural reinforcement to withstand heavier impact. This also means they have a more premium-sounding ‘clunk’ when closing, giving the impression of a boost in quality. 

2. Fresh styling to boost range, not just the Model 3’s aesthetic

All the styling tweaks add together to improve battery range, despite the units remaining the same capacity. Tesla is quoting an boost in efficiency of around 5-8%

The styling upgrades are as much about aero as they are giving the Model 3 a fresh new look.

The changes have resulted in a new drag coefficient rating of an impressively low 0.219 – down from what was already a slippery 0.23 drag coefficient measurement for the pre-facelift car. 

Combined with redesigned wheels that Tesla claims are 5 per cent more aerodynamic and new tyres with less rolling resistance, the brand says the changes will improve range by between 5 per cent and 8 per cent, depending on specification.

The entry Model S rear-wheel-drive now has an official range of up to 344 miles, which is a 39 miles on the 305 currently offered. Whereas the Long Range version gets an extra 27 miles, up to 412 miles from 394.

There is no extra information on the priciest Model 3 Performance, though the 456bhp four-wheel-drive version should now be capable of around 360 miles between charges. 

And this is despite battery sizes and electric motor outputs remaining the same across the line-up.

The standard Model S with 245bhp is quoted to hit 62mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds, while the 351bhp Long Range variant can achieve that speed in 4.4 seconds. Top speed for both remains electronically limited to 125mph.

Charging speeds are also unchanged.

3. More ‘silent’ than before

Every glass panel in the new Model 3 is soundproof double-glazed. There’s also less road rumble thanks to new tyres with redesigned sidewalls for better cushioning

With electric drivetrains producing only a low-level whine compared to the rumble of a traditional combustion engine, many motorists who haven’t tried an EV think they’re all almost silent.

But that’s not the case, and many electric cars suffer from terrible road and wind noise as a result of their quieter powertrains.

Tesla says it has actively tried to improve this element, with the new tyres feature redesigned sidewalls are claimed to improve cushioning while also reducing road noise.

And refinement is also improved by double-glazed windows all around the new model, and advances to the suspension and seal rubbers.

4. Two new colour options… but there’s still very little choice

Despite the addition of these two ‘new’ colours, customers will have a very limited customisation choice when ordering a Model 3

Tesla’s ‘off-the-shelf’ ethos with its vehicle production means there is little in terms of personalisation for buyers, particularly when it comes to paint options.

But the facelift sees two new choices – Ultra Red and Stealth Grey. 

‘Ultra Red is a high-chroma colour with dynamic depth created from a multi-coat paint. Stealth Grey is a rich and dynamic dark grey metallic colour that accentuates the shape of Model 3,’ Tesla says.

White, black and blue paint will also likely remain available to customers but the options are very much limited compared to rivals. 

5. ‘Studio-quality’ sound from a new premium audio system

Tesla has promised that occupants throughout the facelifted Model 3 will benefit from its new premium sound system. Occupants in the back also now get heated seats 

Tesla says occupants – no matter which seat they’re sitting – will hear the benefits of its new premium audio system.

It features 17 speakers, dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers for Long Range vehicles and 9 speakers, a single subwoofer and amplifier for Rear-Wheel Drive vehicles. 

6. Tesla kills off stalks behind the wheel

Tesla has done away with stalks behind the wheel for driver controls. Instead, the indicator switches are on the steering wheel

Perch yourself into the driver’s seat and you’ll quickly notice the Model S has no stalks branching from the steering wheel column.

That’s because all the controls previously operated by these have been shifted elsewhere with haptic switches and physical buttons.

For instance, indicators are now activated via controls on the touchscreen and the drive selector is now part of the touchscreen operation. Like the latest Model S and X, it features the ‘Smart Shift’ system, which automatically selects the correct driving direction to start a trip.

7. A redesigned screen and more wireless charging up front

Tesla’s interior design team has doubled the number of wireless phone chargers and there are also improvements in charging facilities and connectivity

The Model 3’s 15.4-inch touchscreen has a slimmer bezel but also the display is brighter and more responsive with a fully-customisable user interface. It’s also said to get ‘better over time with OTA [over the air] updates’.

Tesla interior designers have also added a second wireless phone chargers and there are now three USB-C charging ports, meaning you can keep the batteries of all your gadgets topped up on the move.

The company also claims 50 per cent improved cellular, double the Wi-F range and dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities of both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. 

8.  Passengers in the back get a screen too

Passengers in the back now get their own 8-inch screen, which controls the climate and ventilation settings as well as the entertainment functions

It’s not just those up front who get to play with a touchscreen – passengers in the back do to.

That’s because the facelifted Model 3 has an all-new 8-inch rear display with integrated climate control, ventilation, and entertainment functions.

9. Ventilated front seats – and heated seats in the back

The front seats of the facelifted Tesla Model 3 are vented, meaning the driver and front passenger should stay cooler in summer conditions

In a bid to keep up with the EV Jones’ – like BMW’s i4 and Polestar’s 2 – there is more seating luxury than before in the Model S.

Both front chairs get ventilation to blow cool air into the back and bottom of the driver and passenger. And every seat in the vehicle is now heated.

10.  Will it come in RHD – and how much will it cost?

Expect there to be a £1,000 to £2,000 increase in price for the facelifted Model 3 range when it arrives in the UK next year. And don’t worry, the steering wheel will be on the correct side of the car for our roads

Unlike the Model S and X, which are now only sold to Britons in left-hand-drive, the Model 3 facelift will be sold in the UK with the steering wheel on the right.

However, we don’t yet know how much it will cost.

The upgraded Model 3 is not yet displayed on the Tesla UK website, though with deliveries starting relatively early next year, we expect prices to increase in the region of £1,000 and £2,000, meaning they will range from around £45,000 to £60,000.