Leading American automaker Tesla has officially returned to the IAA Mobility Auto Show in Munich with its new Model 3 Highland after ten years. The move is apparently part of the company’s strategy to maintain its dominance against the threats posed by its Chinese rivals.
Tesla’s attempt to defend its position against Chinese rivals
Berylls Group’s Jan Burgard claims that the sudden return of Tesla in the IAA Mobility demonstrates its commitment to safeguard its dominant position in the industry amid the growing competition caused by Chinese brands, AFP reported.
Automakers from China are already advancing in their home market. However, they further aim to lead the European electric vehicle industry through their affordable models. Therefore, their imminent entry into the region can potentially snatch Tesla’s market share.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
Tesla exhibited the facelifted Model 3 at the IAA Mobility Auto Show. As you can see in the photos, it still has a closed front face.
However, it now has an improved front bumper and headlight designs compared to the prior model. The rear part of the Tesla Model 3 has the iconic wraparound C-shaped taillights. It features a “Tesla” lettering rather than the traditional logo, as observed by TechGoing.
In addition, it also sports a new multi-spoke wheel design. Meanwhile, its steering wheel’s design is somehow modified with new physical buttons across the scroll wheels. However, Tesla still refused to include physical gauges in the new model.
As for the technical specifications, below are the official details from Tesla’s website:
| Tesla Model 3 Highland | RWD | AWD |
| 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 | Four-wheel drive with dual motor |
| 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 |
Meanwhile, below are the pricing of the Tesla Model 3 Highland’s RWD and Dual-Motor AWD trims:
| Variants | Base Price |
| RWD | €42,990 ($46,649.31) |
| Dual-Motor AWD | 51,990 ($56,415.39) |
IAA Mobility highlights electric vehicles
The Munich automotive show is a highly awaited event in Germany every two years. Tesla North indicated that Chancellor Olaf Scholz kicked off the special event on September 5.
However, prominent automakers took the opportunity to draw attention to their new electric models on Monday’s press preview.
It significantly highlights the shift to electric vehicles as part of the government and industry’s effort to promote sustainable transportation.
See Also:
- Tesla showed consistent growth in the European auto industry in May 2023, capturing 2.63% of the market
- Tesla finally offers Model 3 Highland in several European markets
- Tesla launches Model 3 Highland in Australia, revokes initial orders for Performance variants
- Tesla launches complimentary off-peak Supercharging in some European nations
- Tesla boosts recruitment efforts for its Autopilot team in Europe
Chinese electric automakers continue to advance in the global EV industry with their innovative and affordable models. That said, it is unsurprising that Tesla is exerting extra effort in defending its market position against them.
Nonetheless, the new Tesla Model 3 Highland and the all-electric Cybertruck will undoubtedly boost the company’s sales and delivery figures in the coming months.
