Tesla reveals all new Model 3 with first major refresh in 6 years
Published on Sep 01, 2023 at 2:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Sep 04, 2023 at 1:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
What you’re looking at here is the all new Model 3, with upgraded looks and improved range.
This is Tesla’s first major refresh in six years.
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The all new Model 3 features a redesigned front end, with smoother edges and slimmer headlamps.
The wheels are new as well.
The same design principles apply at the back, with (much) thinner taillights and a redesigned bumper that makes the car looks less boxy.
Tesla says this is more than just vanity, because the new body is apparently a lot more aerodynamic.
And this of course makes the car faster and more efficient in terms of range.
For the aerodynamically minded out there, the new drag coefficient is 0.219, down from 0.23.
In plain English, this means you now get a boost in range of about 40 miles.
The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 has a range of 344 miles (553 km), up from 305, while the Long Range can now go 421 miles (677 km) on a charge, up from 394.
And the design upgrades aren’t minor.
Inside, you’ve got a brand-new steering wheel, new wireless chargers for your phone and three charging ports with a new 8-inch rear display.
As for the main display, the 15.4-inch touchscreen on the dashboard is now more responsive and brighter.
Performance-wise, you’re looking at 245 horsepower for the base model and 351 horsepower for the Long Range.
Mind you, even the base model does 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in just 6 seconds, and we wouldn’t call it slow.
Tesla doesn’t do facelifts as often as other brands do, they usually just do over-the-air updates.
But this is different because the company claims that more than 50 per cent of the new Model 3’s components are new.
Tesla is so proud of this update it even gave it a name, they call it ‘Project Highland’.
The company hasn’t said anything about pricing yet, but there’s reason to be optimistic on that front.
After all, Tesla keeps slashing prices across the board, and even the range-topping Model S Plaid is cheaper than ever before.
With that in mind, and a bit of luck, the all new Model 3 should still start around $40,000 like the old model.
And that’s before you include the $7,500 Federal tax credit.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
