Tesla’s hugely popular executive saloon has received a styling refresh, sharpening up the design as part of a series of significant changes.
Unveiled – unexpectedly – at IAA Munich 2023, Tesla has overhauled the Model 3’s styling, which hadn’t been changed since its introduction in 2017.
Although the silhouette is essentially the same, the front and rear have been treated to slimmer, more premium headlight clusters and revised bumpers. The styling changes are not just a quick smartening up job, but also act to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
This is one of the key reasons behind the Model 3’s driving range figures, taking the rear-wheel drive model from 305 miles to 346 miles, while the Long Range version is boosted by almost 50 miles to 423 miles. That’s despite the battery sizes remaining the same.
Perhaps the most significant changes come inside, where Tesla has cut out items from a what was already a minimalist cabin. Stalks are the most noticeable changes: there aren’t any now. Previously, there was one that acted as the drive selector. This has now been replaced by buttons on the large touchscreen to pick park, drive, or reverse. In case the screen stops functioning, there are back-up buttons placed in the roof.
What will take longer to get used to is the removal of the indicator stalk. This has been replaced by buttons on the steering wheel, which is likely to cause some problems in the twisty, non-linear road network of the UK and Europe.
Other than the removal of the stalks, there is a new steering wheel, promised improvements for sections like the central storage bin, and there’s also a small screen for passengers in the rear between the front seats. This can not only control hearing controls, but also stream content from the likes of YouTube.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, as are specification details for UK models, as the revised Model 3 is due to arrive early in 2024. We’ll be able to let you have the revised Tesla Model 3 leasing prices then.
