The updated Tesla Model 3 is more expensive than before, but offers more features and greater range.
UPDATE, 29/11/2023 – Our review of the updated Tesla Model 3 has just gone live. This story was originally ran in September 2023, though we’ve now pulled it forward.
The company is quoting an estimated delivery time of January-March 2024 if you order one today.
Missing from the range, at least for now, is the dual-motor all-wheel drive Performance, but the base RWD and all-wheel drive Long Range carry over.
The RWD is priced from $61,900 before on-roads (+$4500), while the Long Range is $71,900 before on-roads (+$500).
Claimed WLTP range is up 22km to 513km for the RWD, and up 27km to 629km for the Long Range.
On the outside, the updated Model 3 features a slicker front design with a simpler lower section than before, while down back there are restyled tail lights.
Under the skin, the updated Model 3 features a revised suspension setup with new springs, dampers, and subframe mounting points designed to deliver a more comfortable ride.
Changes have also been made to the Michelin tyres, which are designed to offer more compliance through softer sidewalls – along with better noise suppression than is currently offered.
Inside, the new Model 3 has a new screen up front… with the same dimensions (15 inches) and processor as before.
The steering wheel is new, with no column stalks for indicators or cruise control. Instead, there are capacitive touch buttons on the wheel.
An ambient lighting strip runs along the base of the windscreen, and it’s now possible to turn off the passenger air vents.
Rear passengers get an 8.0-inch display to control media and climate, along with air vents and USB-C ports.
Pricing
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD: $61,900 (+$4500)
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: $71,900 (+$500)
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Drivetrains
Tesla doesn’t quote power and torque figures, but claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds for the RWD and 4.4 seconds for the Long Range.
Efficiency
The Model 3 can be charged at up to 250kW, and Tesla claims up to 282km can be added in 15 minutes.
Claimed range under WLTP testing is 513km for the RWD and 629km for the Long Range.
Dimensions
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 measures 4720mm long, 1933mm wide (2089mm including the mirrors) and 1441mm tall on a 2875mm wheelbase.
It weighs 1765kg in RWD guise and 1828kg in Long Range guise.
Tesla quotes total cargo capacity of 682L across the front and rear storage areas.
Servicing and Warranty
Tesla backs the Model 3 with a four-year, 80,000km warranty, with a separate eight-year, 160,000km warranty for the battery and drive unit (eight years or 192,000km for the Long Range).
Given it has very few moving parts, there isn’t much maintenance required on the Model 3.
Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters changed every two years, and checking the tyre tread, balance, and rotation every 20,000km.
Thanks to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs require work less frequently than in internal-combustion vehicles.
However the Model 3 will need to have brake fluid checked every two years, and the pads and discs lubricated every 12 months in colder climates.
Safety
The Model 3 has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP.
It scored 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 74 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
Standard Equipment
The Model 3 RWD comes standard with the following equipment:
- 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels
- LED headlights with integrated fog lights
- Acoustic glass
- 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Black interior
- Ventilated front seats
- Ambient lighting
- 8.0-inch rear touchscreen with climate, entertainment controls
- 9-speaker sound system
- Dual 65W wireless phone chargers
- Panoramic glass roof
- App connectivity
- Dog Mode (maintains cabin temperature)
- Camp Mode (maintains cabin temperature, keeps entertainment system on overnight)
- Sentry Mode (monitors vehicle, notifies you of potential threats)
The Long Range adds:
Options
The following features are optional on both variants:
- 19-inch ‘Nova’ alloy wheels: $1800
- Black and white interior: $1500
- Enhanced Autopilot: $5100
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Auto Lane Change
- Autopark
- Summon
- Smart Summon
- Full Self-Driving Capability: $10,100
- All Enhanced Autopilot functionality
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
- Autosteer on city streets (upcoming)
A Premium Connectivity subscription is complimentary for 30 days, and adds:
- Live traffic information
- Satellite maps
- Video and music streaming
- Caraoke
- Internet browsing
Colours
Pearl White Multi-Coat is standard, with the following finishes are optional:
- Solid Black ($1500)
- Deep Blue Metallic ($1500)
- Stealth Grey ($2300)
- Ultra Red ($2600)
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
