Leading American automaker Tesla unveiled the new Model 3 Highland at a special media event in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday. According to The Driven, several models will appear in Tesla showrooms this weekend.
Revamped Tesla Model 3 promises improved range and comfort
Tesla attempted to address some of the shortcomings of the popular Model 3 electric sedan with the revamped variant, particularly in terms of comfort, efficiency, and range.
According to Tesla representatives, referring to Project Highland as “refresh” was an understatement because more than 50% of the vehicle is brand new. In addition, the exterior design upgrade boosts the driving range by 5% to 9%. It now has new front and tail lights, bumpers, and wheel designs. Tesla also offers two body paint options, including the Stealth Grey and Ultra Red.
Inside, Tesla ensured that cabin noise was reduced by 30% to improve driving comfort. It sports ambient lighting, a slightly bigger touchscreen, USB-C ports, ventilated front seats, touchscreen rear-seat climate controls, an upgraded sound system, and a stalk-less steering wheel.
Tesla also apparently replaced the Bluetooth feature to enhance the system’s responsiveness when employing the Tesla App. It also offers a cellular performance upgrade of 30% to enable faster and easier software updates.
Key specs
The revamped Tesla Model 3 Highland has two variants available, including the RWD and a long-range AWD. Here are the key specifications:
| Tesla Model 3 Highland | RWD | AWD |
| Base Price | $61,900 | $71,900 |
| Battery | Standard range | Maximum range |
| Range (WLTP) | 513 km | 629 km |
| Acceleration | 6.1 seconds 0 – 100 km/h | 0 – 100km/h in 4.4 seconds |
| Drive | rear wheel drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Energy consumption | 13.kWh per 100 km (62 miles) | 14 kWh per 100 km (62 miles) |
| Weight | 1,765kg | 1,828kg |
| Rims | 18 or 19 inch | 18 or 19 inch |
| Displays | 15.4″ central touchscreen at the front 8″ touchscreen at the rear | 15.4″ central touchscreen at the front 8″ touchscreen at the rear |
| Total Width | Mirrors folded: 1,933 mm Mirrors unfolded: 2,089 mm | Mirrors folded: 1,933 mm Mirrors unfolded: 2,089 mm |
| Overall Length | 4,720mm | 4,720mm |
| Luggage | 682 liters | 682 liters |
| Seats | 5 adults | 5 adults |
| Ground Clearance | 138mm | 138mm |
| Total Height | 1,441mm | 1,441mm |
| Track-front and rear | 1,584mm & 1,584mm | 1,584mm & 1,584mm |
| Supercharger Max. / Payment method | Max. 170kW; Payable per use | Max. 250kW; Payable per use |
| Loading speed | Up to 282km in 15 minutes* | Up to 282 km in 15 minutes |
Tesla to relaunch a Performance variant
Tesla also announced plans to reintroduce a 2024 Performance variant for the Model 3 in the first half of 2024. Car Sales reported Tesla’s remarks that the return of the Tesla Model 3 Performance will be “pretty special.”
It will apparently overthrow the RWD variant (priced from $61,900) and Long Range variant (from $71,900) already available in the market. However, Tesla has yet to reveal more information about the Performance trim.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance will undoubtedly shake up the automotive industry, especially considering that the automaker has already overcome the production issues it faced during the previous Model 3s’ production.
For now, Tesla plans to kick off the new Tesla Model 3 Highland deliveries in December. Orders placed starting today will receive delivery by January to March 2024.
