Tesla Model 3 Highland Redesign

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【Summary】The new Tesla Model 3 Highland update brings a comprehensive refresh to the popular electric sedan. Changes include a smoother front fascia, sleeker headlights, and a diffuser-like arrangement at the rear. The range has also been improved, with the standard model achieving 344 miles and the Long Range model achieving 421 miles. The interior features new materials, improved soundproofing, and updated screens and controls.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 9:21 AM PT

The Tesla Model 3, which has been on sale for six years, is rumored to receive a comprehensive refresh known as Project Highland. This update aims to bring significant changes to the popular mid-sized electric sedan.

One noticeable change is the smoother and cleaner front fascia, with the removal of the small fog light pods and the introduction of sleeker headlights and a new strake around the turn signal area. At the rear, there is a diffuser-like arrangement cutting into the bumper, along with a modern claw-like design for the rear tails.

But the update goes beyond just the exterior. Tesla plans to make broader changes to the Model 3's fundamentals, aiming to reduce costs by cutting component counts while refreshing the car's external and interior appearance.

Improved range figures have also been revealed. The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 with 18-inch wheels now achieves 344 miles for the standard model and an impressive 421 miles for the Long Range model. These figures represent a 12 percent improvement over the current Model 3's range.

Inside the cabin, the Model 3 features new materials such as aluminum and fabric, along with a fresh ambient lighting system. Tesla has also made improvements to the cabin's acoustics, including new acoustic glass and soundproofing materials. Other changes include a new 8-inch rear display screen, new steering-mounted controls, and slimmer bezels on the main 15.4-inch infotainment screen.

Sources suggest that production of the Project Highland update has already begun at Gigafactory Shanghai, with Tesla's Fremont plant expected to follow suit. Deliveries are anticipated to start in October for Europe and the Middle East, but availability for the U.S. market has yet to be announced.

With increasing competition in the EV sedan market, a refresh for the Model 3 is a logical move for Tesla. The company aims to maintain strong sales through a combination of the update and its aggressive pricing strategy.