Facelift and more for Tesla Model 3

Electric saloon throws down gauntlet to rivals with longer range, revised interior and enhanced safety

- FELIX PAGE

The Tesla Model 3, one of the world's bestselling electric cars, has been substantially updated for 2024, bringing longer ranges, improved refinement and a new look.

Tesla said that more than 50% of the saloon's components have been refreshed in response to customer feedback, with the ultimate aim of improving refinement and comfort.

Known by the internal codename Project Highland, the updated Model 3 has been the subject of much speculation since the first clues were announced in late 2022. Since then, a series of leaked images and camouflaged prototypes have given clues to the final design, but Tesla characteristically refrained from giving away any official details until now.

As suggested by widely circulated pictures of an undisguised car earlier this year, the most obvious change on the 2024 Model 3 is its overhauled front end, which is said to reduce drag in pursuit of more miles per charge and reduce wind noise at a cruise.

Tesla emphasised that it was "staying true to the sleek, uncluttered design aesthetic" of the Model 3, and indeed the new-shape headlights and reshaped lower bumper are the most significant visual changes, with the rest of the car largely unaltered save for the integration of new C-shaped rear light clusters into the boot lid.