Tesla has taken the wraps on the facelifted 2024 Tesla Model 3 electric car, following months of leaked spy photos and reports. Local deliveries of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 will start early next year.
In what is the biggest change yet to one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, the 2024 Model 3 update brings a refreshed exterior design, a new interior design with new seats and trims, as well as improved materials and, perhaps most importantly, an increased driving range up to 629km.
There are currently two models proposed in the 2024 Tesla Model 3 line-up: the base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive Long Range AWD. Prices have gone up across the range. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive 2024 Model 3 is now priced from $61,900 plus on-road costs, an increase of $4,500. The 2024 Model 3 Long Range is now priced from $71,900 plus on-roads, up $500 on the current 2023 Model 3 Long Range. Tesla is yet to provide any details regarding the Model 3 Performance variant.
Improved aerodynamics for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 have led to a reduction in the all important drag coefficient from 0.23 to 0.219. This is close to the drag coefficient of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, making the 2024 Tesla Model 3 one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars. This translates to energy consumption of just 13.2kWh/100km for the base 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range.
Despite no apparent changes to the the battery packs, this leads to the claimed driving range on the base Model 3 Standard Range increasing from 491km to 513km, and the Long Range from 602km to 629km.
Acceleration seems to be unchanged for now. The base Model 3 RWD still does the 0 to 100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.1 seconds and the Long Range takes 4.4 seconds. Oddly, the quoted top speed has dropped to 201km/h for both models, from 225km/h for the old RWD, and 233km/h for the old Long Range. We don’t think this should be a problem for most Aussie buyers.
Tesla has also made some considerable changes to the outside of the Model 3. The front is now characterised by slimmer Matrix LED headlights, reshaped air intake and an overall simplified look. To our eyes, it looks more handsome and refined.
The alloy wheel options are new too, with 18-inch ‘Photon’ and 19-inch ‘Nova’ alloy wheel designs. Tesla says the wheels are more aerodynamic, leading to better range and lower road noise. The rear has also had a bit of a nip and tuck, with the rear LED taillights featuring a ‘C’ shape, almost reminiscent of some Skoda models. Two new colours feature too, with ‘Ultra Red’ and ‘Stealth Grey’ on offer for the first time.
Tesla has also worked hard to make the new 2024 Model 3 a quieter environment to travel in with new acoustic glass on the rear windows in addition to the front windows and windscreen.
Jumping inside, the interior has perhaps had the biggest changes, thanks to a new wraparound dashboard and door panel design. Things look more modern and minimalist, thanks to the fabric trims on the dashboard, with no more woodgrain and a more sophisticated feel. The new ambient lighting in the dash and doors lifts the interior’s vibe as well.
The prominent infotainment touchscreen now measures 15.4 inches, up from 15.0 and is said to be better quality than before. The gear selector is no more with it being ditched and replaced by a slider on the touchscreen for switching between Drive, Reverse and Park. We’re unclear whether the Model 3 will mirror the US Model S in using AI to predict where the car needs to drive based on the car’s sensors. Tesla has also removed the indicator stalks in favour of buttons on the steering wheel.
The front seats are all-new and are cooled for the first time and audiophiles will love that the sound system of the Long Range model now comes with 17 speakers – three more than before – plus two subwoofers and two amplifiers. The base 2024 Model 3 RWD still has nine speakers and one amplifier.
Tesla has also added an 8.0-inch touchscreen at the back of the centre console for rear-seat passengers allowing them to watch movies and set their own climate.
2024 Tesla Model 3 pricing (plus on-road costs):
- Standard Range RWD: $61,900
- Long Range AWD: $71,900
Tesla says the first Australian deliveries of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 are due between January and March 2024. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto as we find out more about the 2024 Tesla Model 3 and whether the ballistic Model 3 Performance will return to the lineup.
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