Tesla hasn’t quite officially unveiled the updated version of its top-selling Model 3 electric sedan – but leaked images, details, and videos mean we now know all the key details about the electric car.
The new Tesla Model 3 has been officially revealed – our coverage for Australia is here.
According to details published by CarWow and Inside EVs updated Tesla Model 3 receives refreshed looks inside and out, better aerodynamics, as well as more range.
For now Tesla has only detailed the updates for the entry-level, single-motor rear-wheel drive variant, as well as the dual-motor all-wheel drive Long Range. Not details have been provided on the flagship Performance thus far.
At the front the Tesla Model 3 has a slimmer headlight cluster with a new LED daytime running light signature. The fog light unit has been removed and there’s also a refreshed air intake.
CarWow
The side profile remains largely unchanged, however there are different wheel designs, including refreshed aero covers.
At the rear there’s a new tail light design with a C-shape and body-colour elements.
Tesla claims the refreshed Model 3 now has a drag coefficient of 0.219, down on the pre-update 0.23. For context, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has a drag coefficient of 0.20.
As a result the updated Tesla Model 3 has between 5 and 8 per cent more range, depending on the variant.
The Model 3 RWD now has a claimed WLTP range of 513km, up 22km on the current pre-update model.
The Model 3 Long Range now has a claimed WLTP range of 629km, up 27km on the current pre-update model.
The updated models have claimed 0-100km/h sprints of 6.1 seconds and 4.4 seconds, respectively.
There’s revised suspension with new springs, new dampers, and changed mountings for the subframes. There are also revised tyres designed to offer more compliance.
On the inside is a new landscape infotainment touchscreen, but its dimensions and processor remain the same. There’s also a new 8.0-inch screen for rear passengers that’s capable of controlling climate and media.
There’s a new steering wheel with no stalks on either side of it. The indicator buttons, for example, are integrated onto the steering wheel.
Another interior change is there’s now LED ambient light along the base of the windscreen. This allows for personalisation for the dashboard trim. A 17-speaker premium sound system replaces the previous 14-speaker setup.
There’s a better Wi-Fi receiver for over-the-air (OTA) software updates, phones are recognised from further away with the Bluetooth key, and it’s claimed there to be better phone call quality.
Tesla claims the Model 3 now has 30 per cent less wind and ambient noise.
There are new materials that focus on quality on noise suppression, with acoustic glass all around. It was previously limited to the dashboard and front windows.
Deliveries of the updated Model 3 will begin in late October in Europe and the Middle East. We’re expecting Tesla to announce details about the North American model and its availability soon.
Production is reportedly already underway in Shanghai, which is where the Australian-specification Model 3 examples come from.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for more information about the updated Tesla Model 3
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