The new restyled Tesla Model 3 ©Tesla
It was enough to mention yesterday in a paper the excitement that the new restyled Model 3 can arouse for Tesla to grant our wishes. The Texas brand of electric cars has officially unveiled its new sedan, the restyled Tesla Model 3, also known as Project Highland.
New design, new infotainment experience, new atmosphere inside the cockpit, new equipment, new technical sheet… Let’s take a closer look at what really changes compared to the previous model, which has worked since 2017 with some touch-ups during its six years of commercial life.
The visual signature of the electric sedan has been redesigned, with sharper lines that give it a sportier look. The rear of the vehicle is also changing, with LED headlights sporting a much more pronounced C-shape. The dimensions change somewhat, with 3 cm more in length, for 4.72 m, even if the wheelbase remains the same, at 2.88 m. The vehicle is still offered with two sets of rims, 18 and 19 inches.
The restyled Model 3 offers a new aerodynamic signature. Automobile Propre, who was able to find out, tells us that the sedan now has a Cd of 0.219 (against 0.23 previously), one of the lowest recorded by a Tesla to date. This allowed engineers to review the sound quality of the vehicle on board, which was reduced, with the added bonus of better soundproofing. The brand announces “a 30% reduction in aerodynamic and ambient noise, and a 20% reduction in road noise“, specifies the specialized site.
Two new colors are available: Stealth Gray and Ultra Red. They are designed to evolve according to light and viewing angles, says Tesla on its site.
The interior of the restyled Model 3. ©Tesla
A completely redesigned cabin
The interior has been completely redesigned to offer a cabin in the style “enveloping and comfortable“. If the dashboard remains identical with its very refined signature and its 15.4-inch central screen, which allows everything to be controlled, the brand now offers high-end materials, which could be lacking on the previous model, with a quieter cabin and an improved audio experience (up to 17 speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers) Rear passengers will be able to benefit from an 8-inch screen with controls for climate control and entertainment.
A second screen appears on the back of the restyled Tesla Model 3.
A new round steering wheel incorporates physical and tactile controls with haptic feedback. As on the top-of-the-range models, driving is therefore done without the controls.
Under the screen, a double induction charger is present and USB-C ports are made available.
On the technical side, Tesla did not want to upset the deal. The weight remains almost identical with a Propulsion model which takes 6 kg, displaying 1761 kg on the scale, while the Large Autonomy model loses 6, at 1824 kg.
On the autonomy side, things are improving, with a Propulsion model approved for autonomy (WLTP) of 513 km with the optional 19-inch rims, and 554 km with the 18-inch rims (compared to 491 and 520 km previously). For its part, the Long Autonomy version goes to 629 km and 678 km with its small rims.
Last but not least, the bill did not significantly swell despite all these changes. The Model 3 Propulsion is offered at €42,990 excluding the ecological bonus and the Grande Autonomie model at €50,990, i.e. €1,000 more each. Only white paint is now standard. It will take an additional €1,300 for the other classic colors and €2,000 for the two new colors. Available for purchase today on the Tesla site, the first models will be delivered next October.