Just hours after photos of the upcoming Tesla Model 3 refresh codenamed “Project Highland” were leaked, Tesla has officially unveiled its highly anticipated facelift in Europe.
The update includes a “facelifted” front design, interior changes such as more screen space (including a new rear display) and increased range. Tesla says the update replaces more than half of the parts in the vehicle, although we don’t know exactly how this metric is measured.
The most noticeable change is obviously the new design, which retains much of the same look as the current Model 3, but slims down the front end and removes the somewhat bulbous bump on the front end of the current Model 3.
We saw this front in a leaked photo back in April, and it looks like it was real all along. Now we have actual photos from Tesla so you can see the changes in their full glory.
These photos show the new color “Ultra Red”, which replaces the current red multi-coat paint. But this color may only be available in Europe – we’ll have to wait for more information from Tesla on this.
The headlights have also become narrower and more aggressive, in keeping with the overall changes to make the front end appear slimmer.
Tesla says the refreshed Model 3 will have longer range, with 344 miles WLTP for the SR RWD version and 421 miles WLTP for the LR, both with 18-inch aero wheels. These numbers represent an 11-12% improvement over the WLTP ratings for the current Model 3.
However, note that these are WLTP numbers, so they will be larger than the US EPA numbers when they come out. If we expect a similar 11-12% improvement, you’ll see an EPA range of about 300 miles for the SR and about 370 miles for the LR.
This increased range is largely due to improvements in aerodynamics, with a lower and less bulbous front end that directs air around the vehicle more effectively. This has resulted in a drag coefficient of 0.219, Tesla’s lowest value to date (versus 0.225 for the current Model 3), which alone improves range by 5-8%.
Tesla’s new 18″ “Photon” wheels
Tesla’s new 19″ “Nova” wheels
Another improvement is new wheel cover inserts, which represent a compromise between consumer desires for larger-looking wheels and more range. Aerodynamic wheel inserts can significantly increase range, but many think the wheels look better without the caps (I personally disagree, but whatever you like).
There are also a number of significant changes in the interior:
- A new 8-inch rear touchscreen that gives rear passengers control over climate and entertainment
- Removed levers on the steering column, similar to the Model S and X, with the gear selector now on the touchscreen and the turn signal buttons on the left side of the steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats that can be controlled from outside the vehicle via Tesla’s phone app, heating or cooling them before entry
- More comfortable rear seats (now perforated but not ventilated like the front seats)
- The sound system has been expanded to 17 speakers (from 14).
- Improved Bluetooth microphone performance
- Improved WiFi and Bluetooth for better connectivity to routers and phone buttons
- A quieter interior than the original Model 3 due to several changes to aerodynamics and materials
- Customizable interior lighting
- Larger rear trunk, up to 594 liters from the 561
The changes are now available on Tesla’s European websites, where the updated Model 3 is available to order now.
Deliveries will begin in October in left-hand drive markets in Europe and the Middle East, although Tesla has not yet announced when they will begin in North America (or for right-hand drive markets like the UK). We don’t have pricing for North America yet either, but in Norway (for example) the SR version is the same base price as before and the LR version is 10,000 NOK (~941 USD) more expensive. No powerful Highland version has been announced yet.
FTC: We use income generating auto affiliate links. More.