This is the renewed Tesla Model 3, with a modified exterior, new interior and more silence.
Europe-first!
‘America First!’, a well-known American president shouted not so long ago. In the case of the renewed Tesla Model 3, that kite does not work, because we will first see this completely modified car in Europe.
- New nose and ass
- Almost completely new interior
- Even more efficient
The Tesla model 3 has been renewed. That had been in the air for a while, but in Oslo today we could smell and feel it for the first time. That feeling is particularly interesting, because Tesla says it has done everything it can to raise the quality and quality impression to a higher level. Not without success, because a slamming door does indeed sound firmer than we have ever experienced with this brand. The whole body has been reinforced, the chassis has been modified for more comfort, there is double glazing for the rear window and rear side windows and better, softer materials make the interior nicer and quieter. Unless you don’t want to, by the way, because the already impressive audio system gets another boost. Long Range versions now benefit from no less than 17 speakers, which, together with custom amplifiers, should provide a true concert experience.
Mood lighting
The interior of the Tesla Model 3 is going to be thoroughly overhauled anyway. The basic minimalist design with one large, central screen remains intact, but that screen has a thinner bezel and almost all visible parts are new. More attention has been paid to beautiful details, flaps and handles feel firmer and the surrounding ambient lighting ensures that it remains cozy in the Tesla even in the dark. The steering wheel is also new. Just like in the Model S and Model X, it contains ‘buttons’ for turn signals and wipers. The ‘PRND’ functions for the direction of travel move to the screen, so that here too the control levers on the steering column could be deleted altogether.
Second touch screen
Even the seats of the Tesla Model 3 have been modified. For example, the front seats are equipped with seat ventilation and the seat of the rear seat is at a different angle, which improves seating comfort. The center armrest is also different here and there is something to do in the back, because just like the larger Teslas, the Model 3 now has a touchscreen in the back. This gives rear passengers control over the heated rear seat for the first time, but there is more. For example, you can watch movies on the screen and you can operate in the direction of the airflow just like in the front, because there is now an ‘Airwave’ here, just like in the front, instead of traditional ventilation grilles. In other words: a narrow, virtually invisible ventilation grille whose direction is determined digitally.
Exterior
On the outside, it’s not too hard to tell you’re dealing with a new Model 3. The nose has already leaked once and indeed gets new, strongly flattened headlights, with fashionable daytime running light strings. The front bumper has a different shape and is stripped of the fog lights. At the rear there are also new light units, which curl in a striking way around the sheet metal of the tailgate. As a result, the light units now go up as well. In that case, the functions are taken over by extra light units in the bumper, which are almost invisibly concealed in the reflector that was already there anyway. The Tesla logo disappears from the tailgate and makes way for a written-out form of the brand name. The rear bumper gets a bigger black ‘chin’, somewhat similar to how a Model Y has it. Speaking of that car, you can bet that the higher brother of the Model 3 will also benefit in the long term from changes that are very similar to what we now see with the Model 3.
Better streamline
The exterior changes are not just for show, but also bring improvements in terms of aerodynamics. The Cd value goes from 0.225 to 0.219, which in turn means that consumption drops by a few percent. The range naturally also benefits from this and rises to 513 for the RWD and 629 for the Long Range. In both cases, according to Tesla, this is still a conservative estimate, because the brand states that with colored basic wheels you can even reach 554 and 678 kilometers respectively. In all cases, it is even further than before, while the drivetrains and batteries are not changed. The power is therefore not tinkered with either: according to Tesla 208 kW/283 hp for the RWD and 366 kW/498 hp for the Long Range. We have not yet seen the Performance in a new form. That version will return, but perhaps there will be some changes to the power there.
€1,000 more expensive
Anyone who orders a new Tesla Model 3 now will already be presented with the new variant. This also applies to people who have recently ordered a Model 3, but have not yet had a car linked to their order. Compared to the version before the facelift, the car is exactly €1,000 more expensive. That means that a rear-wheel drive now costs at least €42,990 (excluding delivery costs), and you can get into a Long Range with four-wheel drive for €50,990. The option list is as usual clear, with two wheel types, two interior colors and five exterior colors. However, the wheels and two paint colors – red and gray – are different than before. Also interesting: the towbar can now also be retrofitted on the Model 3.
The first deliveries of the new Model 3 will take place in October, according to Tesla.