The rumored “Highland” refresh of the Tesla Mannequin 3 is now a actuality.
On Friday, Tesla began promoting the brand new Mannequin 3 in Europe and China; within the U.S., solely the outdated model is accessible.
Known as merely Mannequin 3, the brand new automobile is a really important enchancment in comparison with the unique, with tons of adjustments each outdoors and below the hood.
Adjustments on the skin
The automobile has a redesigned, barely decrease entrance finish and narrower headlights, which not solely provides it a barely sportier look, but additionally improves the aerodynamics. This helps deliver the vary as much as 629 km (391 miles) on the Lengthy Vary, all-wheel drive variant, and 513 km (319 miles) on the common, rear-wheel drive variant. Previous to the refresh, these numbers have been 602 km (374 miles) and 491 km (305 miles), so we’re a roughly 5 p.c enchancment.
The Tesla signal replaces the T emblem.
Credit score: Tesla
Take into account that these are the numbers I am seeing on Tesla’s European websites; EPA estimates within the U.S. are more likely to be decrease, however the enchancment will doubtless be roughly comparable throughout the board.
New hubcaps on the 18-inch Photon wheels.
Credit score: Tesla
The rear finish has additionally been modified, with a TESLA signal changing the “T” emblem, and new, pincer-like tail lights additionally giving the Mannequin 3 a barely extra aggressive look. From the aspect, not a lot has modified, although the wheel selection is now between the 18-inch Photon wheels with new black hubcaps, and the 19-inch, silver-colored, aluminum Nova wheels.
Word that the vary goes as much as 678 km (422 miles) with the 18-inch Photon wheels and the Lengthy Vary model, and 554 km (344 miles) if you happen to select those self same wheels and the Rear-Wheel Drive variant.
The automobile now comes with a brand new set of tires: the Hankook Ion, which must also assist cut back street noise and enhance vary. Based on Tesla, the general experience high quality has additionally been helped by the automobile’s stiffer physique in addition to up to date suspension tuning.
Two new colours are additionally on supply: The Extremely Pink is changing the Pink-Multi-Coat, and Stealth Gray is changing the Midnight Silver Metallic. Tesla says each colours are designed to “change with viewing angle & lightning.”
Adjustments on the within
Tesla upgraded loads of issues contained in the automobile as properly, with some adjustments being fairly surprising.
Larger show and…is that ambient LED lighting?
Credit score: Tesla
The middle touchscreen now has smaller bezels and extra usable display house; extra exactly, the show’s diagonal has grown from 15 to fifteen.4 inches. On the images, it seems to be much like the show within the new Mannequin S and Mannequin X, however that one remains to be larger at 17 inches. Tesla says the brand new display is brighter with increased distinction, and extra responsive.
Then there’s the totally new, 8-inch rear show, permitting passengers within the again to manage the air con and watch the automobile’s leisure. The sound has additionally been improved, with the variety of audio system rising from 14 to 17. The Lengthy Vary mannequin fares barely higher right here, because it has two subwoofers and two amps, in comparison with the only amp on the Rear-Wheel Drive mannequin.
The entrance seats at the moment are comfier, Tesla says, and ventilated, whereas the rear seats are additionally comfier and perforated however not ventilated. And sure, the automobile now has customizable, ambient LED lighting.
The 360-degree acoustic glass means a quieter inside.
Credit score: Tesla
The corporate additionally says the automobile has improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, bringing higher efficiency for the telephone key, in addition to improved mics which ought to enhance sound throughout calls.
Lastly, Tesla says that the brand new acoustic glass contributes to considerably much less street and wind noise.
Stuff that is lacking
It is not all nice. For instance, parking sensors are gone for good, in step with Tesla’s determination to have the automobile depend on digicam imaginative and prescient alone. One other factor that is lacking are the stalks across the steering wheel, which means the gear selector is now on the automobile’s touchscreen (simply as it’s on the brand new Mannequin S and X).
Even fewer buttons.
Credit score: Tesla
Some key options of the automobile have not modified. For instance, the 0-100 km/h time for the Lengthy Vary model remains to be 4.4 seconds. Nonetheless, the highest pace is now listed as 201 km each for the Rear-Wheel Drive variant and the Lengthy Vary variant, which is a major lower from earlier than, when these figures have been 225 km/h and 233 km/h.
Notably, the Efficiency model is not obtainable in any respect proper now; solely the Rear-Wheel Drive and the Lengthy Vary mannequin are on supply.
We’re certain that, when these autos begin hitting the roads, we’ll study quite a few different, minor adjustments to the Tesla Mannequin 3. However even this overview primarily based on Tesla’s web site reveals that that is a fully large improve that goes past a mere facelift, typical for the trade.
As for the worth, it seems to be the identical as earlier than. In Germany, the Rear-Wheel Drive variant begins at 42,990 EUR, whereas the Lengthy Vary model begins at 51,990 EUR. The estimated supply varies by nation, but it surely’s principally listed as Sept-Oct, or Oct-Nov 2023.
