Updated Tesla Model 3 Goes Further, Loses Turn Signal Stalks

Tesla’s “Project Highland” is finally here.

Amid constant price cuts, and Cybertruck rumors, Tesla found the time to update its strong-selling Model 3. The new model’s incremental changes make the car go a little further, and feel a little more comfortable on the road. At its core, the updated Model 3 doesn’t appear to look all that different than the old one. Tesla insists that over 50% of the Model 3’s parts have changed, making for a better EV.

The sleeker front fascia gets slimmer headlights and loses its fog lights. The rear taillights have been restyled; they’re now thin, c-shaped units that are integrated into a reshaped trunk decklid. These are more than simple styling changes – coupled with the new wheel designs, Tesla says the Model 3’s aerodynamic has dropped to 0.219, down from the 0.23 of the old car. The aerodynamic gains allow the Model 3 to add anywhere from 5 to 8% more range, depending on trim and wheel options.

The interior is mostly the same as before, meaning, it’s still just a big screen slapped in the middle of a very spartan dashboard. The screen itself is a bit bigger, with a slimmer bezel. The rear seats get their own small 8-inch screen that controls multimedia and climate, just like the Model S and Model X. The dashboard itself was restyled, but it appears that the Model 3 lost its wood trim option. It also lost its gear selector and turn signal stalks, replaced by buttons on the steering wheel, and in the infotainment menu, respectively. The car does gain ventilated front seats, though.

Otherwise, it appears that the new Model 3 is about the same as the old one. Tesla told European journalists that there have been some improvements to the suspension for better ride. The Model 3 has the same battery and motor options as before.

The new Model 3 was shown off to European and Chinese audiences first, where they were already able to preorder the new car. The US and Canada haven’t received range, pricing, or availability details. Given the latest price cuts on existing inventory of the Model 3, likely in an attempt to liquidate old products in anticipation of a new car, we know details are coming very soon.

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