Tesla Model 3 Highland

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【Summary】Tesla is set to bring a comprehensive refresh, called Project Highland, to the popular Model 3 sedan. The update includes changes to the front fascia, rear bumper, and tail lights, as well as improvements to the interior. The Model 3 will also see an increase in range, with the standard model achieving 344 miles and the Long Range model achieving 421 miles. The update is expected to go into production at Gigafactory Shanghai, with deliveries starting in October for Europe and the Middle East.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 9:25 AM PT

The Tesla Model 3 has undergone several minor updates in the six years it has been on sale. However, the new Project Highland update appears to bring a comprehensive refresh to the popular electric sedan.

One noticeable change is the smoother and cleaner front fascia, which no longer features the small fog light pods. The headlights have also been redesigned with integrated daytime running lights, and the turn signal area now has a new strake. At the rear, there is a diffuser-like arrangement cutting into the bumper, giving it a more distinctive look. The rear tails have also been redesigned with a modern claw-like design.

In addition to the exterior changes, the update will bring broader changes to the Model 3's fundamentals. The goal is to reduce component counts for cost savings while updating the car's appearance both externally and internally.

Updated WLTP range figures reveal that the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 now achieves 344 miles with 18-inch wheels, while the Long Range model can reach an impressive 421 miles. This represents an approximately 12 percent improvement over the current Model 3. The interior has also been updated with new materials, including aluminum and fabric, and features a fresh ambient lighting system. The cabin has been sonically improved with 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 the Project Highland update will first go into production at Gigafactory Shanghai, with indications that manufacturing has already begun. Tesla's Fremont plant in California will likely produce the new facelift models as well. Deliveries are expected to start in October for Europe and the Middle East, but availability for the U.S. market has not been announced.

A refresh for the Model 3 is necessary considering the increasing competition in the EV sedan market. Tesla hopes that this update, coupled with its aggressive pricing strategy, will help maintain strong sales.