Summary
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland update brings significant changes, making it almost a new generation of the Model 3.
- The battery life has been enhanced, with the base rear-wheel-drive model boasting a 344-mile range when fitted with 18-inch wheels.
- The Highland update introduces sleeker exterior design cues, including a front section inspired by the upcoming Tesla Roadster and new paint and wheel options.
The Tesla Model 3 has finally been handed a comprehensive facelift, years after it was officially launched to the global market in 2017. The all-new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland update is a welcome reveal from the American electric car manufacturer. Unfortunately, this refreshed model is only being sold in European and Chinese markets for the time being, but it will be making its way to North America in due time with similar features. The Highland brings with it a long list of changes that pretty much makes it a new generation of the Model 3, but the brand maintains that it is just an update.
The Tesla Model 3 is a force to be reckoned with in the global EV market, as it outperforms all of its EV sedan rivals in the sales charts every quarter. It’s safe to say that this update is the most anticipated one from EV fans and prospective buyers, because it is certain to help the moniker solidify its conquest of the increasingly competitive segment. The Highland update brings with it a new set of design cues, features, and improved specifications that are sure to get everyone excited. These are 10 things to know about the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland update.
All specifications, data, and rumors relating to the Tesla Model 3 Highland update were sourced from the manufacturer, Autocar, Car and Driver, Car Magazine, and other well-known publications.
1 Enhanced Battery Life
The Tesla Model 3 Highland remains an electric car, so it should be no surprise that its new battery pack is arguably the most important revision applied to the range. Tesla has not revealed the Model 3’s battery specifications, There was an expectation that the brand’s new LiMnFePO4 battery chemistry may be applied for the sake of increasing range, longevity, and performance. However, it appears the LFP chemistry remains. The European WLTP energy consumption testing firm estimates that the Model 3’s efficiency decreases from 145 to 158 MPGe with the new pack. The base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 boasts a 344-mile range claim when fitted with 18-inch wheels. The Long Range increases this to 421 miles. These figures are 12 percent better than the pre-facelifted 2023 Tesla Model 3.
The WLTP is known to be a bit more generous with consumption compared to the EPA, so its claimed estimates are not an accurate reflection of what the new model will score when it becomes available to the USA. Tesla has issued a number of changes to the Model 3 Highland to reduce the overall battery range. Only WLTP figures are available because the details here pertain to the European model. Tesla has not officially disclosed the exact battery specifications as yet, but it has confirmed that it features 170 kW fast charging, which can be used to recover 175 miles of range in 15 minutes. The battery will be covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty in European regions.
2 Sleek Exterior Design
The Tesla Model 3 Highland keeps its familiar exterior design, but it inherits some sleeker and more futuristic cues. The front section is clearly inspired by the upcoming Tesla Roadster, with its sharp and faux-grille-free nose and slim LED headlights. The rear keeps the Model 3’s existing design cues, with some minor alterations to the taillights and bumper.
Further changes include the omission of the Tesla logo, which is replaced by bold lettering on the trunk lid. Tesla has added Ultra Red and Stealth Gray paint options to the palate for those wanting more exclusivity and individuality. This is joined by a new set of 18-inch Photon Aero and 19-inch Nova alloy wheel designs.
3 No Hardware 4 Present
Tesla’s much talked about Hardware 4 Autopilot computer for the Full Self Driving (FSD) function is understood to not be making an appearance in the 2024 Model 3 Highland update. This technology is currently available in the flagship Model X and S, so filtering it down into the more accessible Model 3 would have been a big deal, but sadly this is not the case. Hardware 4 improves FSD’s autonomous driving abilities thanks to a new computer and set of sensors and cameras placed around the car.
Hardware 4 improves the system’s visibility in various weather conditions that would overwhelm the existing Hardware 3, which has come under serious criticism from expert testers in the field and owners. A new radar system is the biggest rumored inclusion for Hardware 4 as this piece of technology has been described to be unnecessary by Tesla founder and owner, Elon Musk.
4 Huge Interior Refinements
The Model 3 Highland’s interior is graced with more changes than any other aspect of the car. The highlights of the cabin changes are a new multifunction steering wheel and an elongated continual air vent that stretches across the dash. This is hidden beneath so that it is out of sight to create a cleaner dashboard design. The front seats benefit from heating and cooling functions, which can be preset via the Tesla app.
The entertainment system is accentuated by a new 17-speaker surround sound audio system with improved Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and microphone performance. The cabin experience is rounded off by a more comprehensive ambient lighting system. The infotainment screen gets a marginal increase of 0.4 inches to 15.4 inches, and two wireless chargers for smartphones are located on the center console.
5 Premium Rear-Seat Experience
Those who will use the Model 3 Highland as a family car or people-mover will appreciate the changes made to the rear bench. The seats are now adorned with perforated leather upholstery and extra cushioning to enhance comfort levels. Heating functions have also been added, but ventilation remains absent.
The 8.0-inch control panel is a pleasant addition as it allows rear passengers to control multiple car functions such as the climate control and entertainment features. It can also be used to watch movies while the car is in motion.
6 Upsized Trunk Capacity
Tesla increased the Model 3 Highland’s trunk capacity from 19.8 cubic-feet to 21 cubic-feet to improve daily usability. The figure increases to 24.1 cubic-feet if the unchanged frunk is included in the total cargo volume. It's not clear how Tesla was able to increase this capacity despite not drastically changing the platform of the car.
It is understood that some fans are disappointed that the Model 3 Highland will not employ a hatchback design due to its inferior accessibility, but the increased trunk capacity is sure to alleviate some of that disappointment.
7 Improved Comfort And Silence
Tesla places a lot of focus on comfort and silence, and this is no exception with the Highland update for the Model 3. The brand has implemented a more refined suspension system to improve road comfort and reduce road noise. More cabin insulation and thicker acoustic glass are applied to further reduce the car’s noise vehicle harshness levels. Some interior refinements installed to the Highland update were previously spotted on leaked images of the upcoming Cybertruck.
The Model 3 Highland keeps the dynamic suspension system with no changes. This innovative feature automatically adjusts the car’s suspension based on driving conditions. The dynamic suspension system ensures that the ride remains smooth and comfortable, whether cruising on a smooth highway or navigating through a tight series of corners.
8 More Focused Control System
Tesla has opted to streamline the driver controls by removing the turn signal and transmission stalk. Turn signal buttons are now placed on the far sides of the multifunction steering wheel. Tesla opted to place the new gear selector in a rather peculiar location that some may find to be annoying and out of reach. No signs of Tesla's infamous yoke wheel appears to be present in this updated model.
The new electronic shifter is now found next to the reading lights on the ceiling of the cabin. Relocating the turn signals to the steering wheel has some logic to it because it declutters the steering column and arguably allows for easier access. The transmission selector is a rather bizarre decision, much like integrating it into the infotainment system on the Model S. The Auto Shift function has been confirmed for the Highland update, which should improve daily usability.
9 No Changes To Performance
The Tesla Model 3 Highland update does not bring any improvements to the car’s already class-leading performance, as both the rear-wheel drive and Long Range all-wheel drive models boast the same 0-60 mph acceleration times of and 6.0 seconds and 4.2 seconds, respectively.
Many Tesla fans have noticed the lack of a Performance trim from this update, and there is no official word on when the brand’s European division will reveal it. Tesla may be reserving this trim for its own special reveal because of how aspirational it is among the electric car communities.
10 It Has Been Launched In China And Europe, To Begin With
The Tesla Model 3 Highland update will be sold in the U.S. in due time. The brand has not given word as to when it will arrive, but order books are likely to open before the year concludes. Chinese and European orders will be fulfilled before the year concludes. All trims have been handed a 12 percent price increase, which is a reasonable bump considering how much has been updated.
Potential customers may find it peculiar that the updated American EV was launched in foreign markets before its homeland, but regions such as China and Europe are considered key markets for its success. There’s also the possibility that Tesla is still undergoing examination for its local release as it gets inspected by firms such as the IIHS, NHTSA, and EPA.