Tesla Model 3 updated for 2024

TESLA has released details of its facelifted Model 3 with Australian deliveries of the strong selling EV to commence in the first quarter of next year.

The update, which is the first significant change since the model debuted in 2017, brings a renewed exterior visage and revamped upholstery and interior trim, as well as an increase in driving range across the line-up.

Prices has increased by between $1500 and $4500, the entry point to the range now beginning at $61,900 plus on-road costs (see full pricing details below). Orders are now open via Tesla’s public website.

The Tesla Model 3 rivals BEV models including the forthcoming BYD Seal ($TBA), Cupra Born (from $59,990 +ORC), Hyundai Ioniq 6 (from $74,000 +ORC), Polestar 2 (from $67,400 +ORC) and Volvo EX30 ($59,990 +ORC).

From launch, Tesla will offer a base-grade rear-wheel drive and long-range all-wheel drive variant. There is no mention of the Performance all-wheel drive variant at this stage.

Warranty coverage remains well behind the industry average at four years or 80,000km (whichever comes first).

Importantly, aerodynamic performance of the Tesla Model 3 has been improved with a new drag coefficient number of 0.22Cd (down from 0.23Cd). The figure is said to help reduce energy consumption to 11.2kWh per 100km in the entry model and 11.9kWh for the AWD, taking the driving range to 513km (+22km) and 629km (+27km) respectively.

There is no information provided to suggest the Model 3 receives new battery packs. Currently, the entry model features a 57.5kWh LFP unit and the high series variant a 75.0kWh NMC unit.

Acceleration performance is, however, unchanged. The entry grade model will hit 100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds and the long-range all-wheel drive variant 4.4 seconds. Interestingly, top speed for both variants falls to 201km/h, down 24km/h and 32km/h respectively.

Visually, the MY24 upgrade brings slimmer LED headlights, a reshaped front bumper and air intake, new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels (the latter a $1800 option), a freshened rear-end with reprofiled LED tail-lights, and a new-look rear bumper with central diffuser.

The new bumpers mean the updated Model 3 is some 25mm longer than the outgoing model, but other dimensions remain unchanged. The Model 3 measures 2089mm in width and 1441mm in height. It tips the scale at 1765kg in RWD form and 1828kg in AWD guise.

Cargo space jumps 33-litres to 594-litres (rear) but is unchanged up front (88-litres).

Two new optional paint hues – Ultra Red (+$2600) and Stealth Grey (+$2300) – join the palette for 2024. They replace Red Multicoat and Midnight Silver respectively.

Tesla says the updated Model 3 is 30 per cent quieter in terms of wind noise when measured against the outgoing model, as well as 25 per cent quieter in suspension noise and 20 per cent quieter in terms of road noise. The changes come from new acoustic glass, modified springs and dampers, and softer tyres.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, we find a slightly larger 15.4-inch infotainment array (+0.4 inches), touch-sensitive indicators and gearshift selector, new synthetic leather upholstery (available in black-and-white from $1500) and powered front seats with heating and ventilation.

The Model 3 also receives an updated dashboard design with fabric inserts, new look door cards and a refreshed centre console. The dash and door cards gain multi-colour ambient LED lighting on both grades, while the range-topper adds a 17-speaker premium audio system with dual subwoofers.

In the back seat, we find an 8.0-inch central touchscreen familiar to the larger Model S.

Additional options include Enhanced AutoPilot ($5100) and FSD (Full Self Driving) capability ($10,100).

Australian-delivered Tesla Model 3s will be made in China with initial deliveries set to arrive in the first quarter of the new year.

2024 Tesla Model 3 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.