Tesla Model 3 Update: More Affordable and Enhanced Features
Tesla's Model 3, the company's most affordable electric vehicle, is finally receiving a long-awaited update. Since its introduction in 2017, the Model 3 has become a benchmark in the electric vehicle market, praised for its performance, range, and technology. With the new Project "Highland," Tesla aims to enhance this popular sedan while reducing production costs, ensuring it remains competitive against emerging rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BMW i4.
Key Updates
Discontinuation of the Standard Range Model
In a significant shift, Tesla has discontinued the entry-level Model 3 Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive. As of October 2024, the reintroduced Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive has taken its place as the base variant, providing customers with a more robust option right from the start. This change highlights Tesla's focus on delivering a better overall experience, aligning with consumer preferences for increased range and performance.
Design Enhancements
The 2024 Model 3 boasts several exterior and interior updates. The design has been refreshed with new headlights and taillights, and the front end has been redesigned to resemble the sleek lines of the Tesla Roadster. This modern aesthetic not only enhances the vehicle's appeal but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, Tesla has upgraded the materials used throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall luxury feel. New wrap-around ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, while touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel provide a futuristic touch, replacing traditional physical buttons. Additionally, rear seat comfort has been prioritized, offering passengers a more enjoyable experience during longer journeys.
One of the most notable improvements is the quieter cabin. The 2024 Model 3 features tighter panel gaps, acoustically insulating glass on all windows, and improved suspension bushings. These enhancements work together to significantly reduce road, wind, and tire noise, creating a serene driving environment that allows for relaxed conversations.
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Technology Upgrades
Technology has always been a cornerstone of the Model 3, and the latest version is no exception. An 8.0-inch touchscreen for rear passengers has been introduced, enabling them to control climate settings and entertainment options. Passengers can stream popular services like Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, with plans for gaming capabilities via over-the-air updates in the future.
Despite these advancements, the Model 3 still primarily relies on a central touchscreen for most functions, which means drivers need to divert their attention away from the road to check vital information like speed. The steering wheel's redesign eliminates the turn signal stalk, replacing it with touch-sensitive buttons that may take some getting used to for drivers accustomed to traditional controls.
Impressions of the Updated Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has consistently ranked high among compact luxury sedans, thanks to its impressive performance and extensive range. The 2024 updates have further refined these qualities. Our first impressions indicate that the Model 3 is quieter than ever, with less road and wind noise infiltrating the cabin. This improvement makes a significant difference in the driving experience, allowing for easy conversation even at highway speeds.
While the ride quality has seen enhancements, it remains on the firmer side, providing a sporty feel that many drivers appreciate. The updated model exhibits less head toss and body motion than previous versions, contributing to a more connected driving experience. For those seeking a more responsive feel, the rear-drive variant is recommended, as the Dual Motor model can occasionally feel detached.
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Interior Design and Comfort
The cabin's minimalist design has received a refreshing upgrade, featuring new textured cloth and a more inviting ambient lighting setup. However, users who prefer physical buttons may still find the centralized touchscreen controls lacking. A minor drawback noted is the insufficient tint on the ceiling glass, which makes the absence of standard sunroof shades more apparent.
In terms of build quality, Tesla appears to be making progress. The tighter panel gaps not only improve the vehicle's perceived quality but also enhance its aerodynamics. However, concerns regarding the Full Self-Driving Beta remain prevalent, with reports of erratic behavior that have raised questions about its readiness for public consumption.
Despite these lingering issues, the refreshed Model 3 Highland stands out in its segment. Tesla has successfully rejuvenated the vehicle, maintaining its appeal in the face of increasing competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers.
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Performance and Range
While the 2024 Model 3 features many updates, its powertrains remain largely unchanged. This is not necessarily a drawback, as the existing setup already provides excellent performance. The range remains competitive, with the Long Range RWD model rated at 363 miles, the Long Range AWD variant at 341 miles, and the standard range model at 272 miles. The high-performance variant can achieve up to 303 miles, surpassing the Hyundai Ioniq 6's maximum range of 261 miles.
The real-world range can differ from official estimates, as our tests demonstrated. The Long Range AWD variant managed approximately 250 miles under typical driving conditions. When using a Supercharger, we found it possible to recover 118 miles of range in just 15 minutes or 184 miles in 30 minutes. The Standard Range model yielded around 211 miles on a single charge, with a 5 to 80 percent recharge taking about 33 minutes.
Acceleration and Horsepower
Performance metrics for the Model 3 remain impressive. The Long Range AWD Highland variant accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, matching the performance of its predecessor, the Dual Motor Long Range model. In quarter-mile tests, the Highland achieved a time of 12.3 seconds at 114.4 mph, besting its predecessor by a mere 0.2 seconds. This performance is powered by front and rear motors generating a combined output of 394 horsepower and 377 lb-ft of torque. The Long Range RWD variant is expected to be slightly slower.
The Standard Range model has slightly reduced acceleration, hitting 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 102.0 mph. Nonetheless, it remains a fun and sporty drive, producing 257 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque from a single rear-mounted motor.
The Model 3 Performance Variant
Expectations for the new Model 3 Performance are high, especially since the previous version was celebrated as one of the best electric sports sedans on the market. Tesla estimates the updated model can reach 0-60 mph in an impressive 2.9 seconds, making it slightly quicker than its predecessor. With over 500 horsepower, the Performance variant stands as the most powerful Model 3 yet, featuring a top speed of 163 mph. Aesthetic enhancements include unique front and rear designs, a rear diffuser, a carbon fiber spoiler, and sports seats in the cabin, emphasizing its sporty character.
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Safety Features
Safety has always been a priority for Tesla, and the updated Model 3 includes the Autopilot driver-assist suite. This system excels at maintaining distance from other vehicles and keeping the car centered in its lane, provided that the cameras are unobstructed. Enhanced Autopilot, available for an additional $6,000, introduces features such as automatic lane changes and Navigate on Autopilot, although the Summon parking feature still needs refinement.
The Full Self-Driving Beta feature remains controversial, with many users finding it unreliable and not justifying its steep $12,000 price tag. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has achieved commendable safety ratings, scoring five stars from the NHTSA and earning "Good" ratings across all tested categories from the IIHS.
Technology Overview
As with its predecessors, the Model 3 relies heavily on a central touchscreen for most functions, a characteristic that has drawn both praise and criticism. The lack of an instrument cluster or head-up display means drivers must divert their attention away from the road to access vital information, such as speed.
The redesigned steering wheel replaces the traditional turn signal stalk with touch-sensitive buttons. While this shift may be seen as a cost-cutting measure, it also presents a learning curve for drivers who prefer more tactile controls. Predictive shifting is another new feature, allowing drivers to select gears through the central touchscreen or a ceiling-mounted shifter, enhancing convenience.
The rear passenger touchscreen adds a layer of interactivity, allowing occupants to control climate settings and entertainment options. This setup allows for a more engaging experience, especially during longer trips.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland became available in early 2024, with prices starting around $44,000 for the Long Range RWD model. The Long Range AWD variant is priced above $49,000, while the Model 3 Performance comes in at approximately $57,000. These price points position the Model 3 as a competitive option in the luxury electric sedan market, appealing to a broad range of consumers.
Conclusion
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland is a significant update to an already impressive vehicle. With enhancements in design, technology, and performance, Tesla has successfully refreshed its flagship sedan while addressing some of the previous model's shortcomings. As competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies, the Model 3 continues to stand out for its blend of performance, range, and cutting-edge features. While challenges remain, particularly regarding the Full Self-Driving capabilities, Tesla's commitment to innovation and quality ensures that the Model 3 will remain a top choice for consumers seeking an electric vehicle that excels in both performance and practicality.
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