Tesla launches facelift ‘Project Highland’ Model 3

Tesla has launched the highly anticipated facelift of its popular Model 3, codenamed ‘Project Highland’.

The Tesla Model 3, which first went on sale in 2017, has seen several evolutions and upgrades in its six-year history but this is the first time that Elon Musk’s Austin, Texas-based auto manufacturer has revealed a full make-over for the hugely popular family saloon.

The revisions are both external and internal with the most striking visual differences being to the front end to bring a sleeker and more contemporary look incorporating narrower headlights. The rear of the vehicle has also seen styling improvements with new tail lights and bumper. The Tesla brand name has been given a more prominent position, now being displayed across the width of the tailgate, beneath a pronounced aerodynamic boot lip.

The changes to the new Tesla Model 3 are not restricted to just the exterior. The interior has also undergone a major revision with a new 8-inch touchscreen in the rear, allowing passengers seated in the back to adjust their climate controls and infotainment. In-car entertainment has also been refreshed with the addition of three new speakers to bring the total to 17 along with improved Bluetooth microphone performance and improved wi-fi and Bluetooth for better connectivity to routers and phone keys.

Also new for 2024 will be customisable ambient interior lighting, a feature that is hugely popular in competitors such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

Also new for 2024 will be customisable ambient interior lighting, a feature that is hugely popular in competitors such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

Range has seen an uplift on the new 2024 models with Tesla claiming an 11-12% increase in range over the previous generation. That means that the Long-Range version could go as far as 420 miles on a single charge.

With the launch taking place in Norway, Europe will be a focus for Tesla with deliveries of the new Model 3 beginning in October. Currently the company has not revealed when a version for the North American marker will be available or when a RDH model for the UK will be on sale. Pricing looks to be competitive, though, with no increase in MRP over the current version for the SR model and only a $1,000 increase for the LR version. No details on any performance models have been released so far.