2024 Tesla Model 3 (facelift) revealed, U.S. launch looks imminent [Update]

Update: ‘Interior’ and ‘Release Date’ sections revised.

Six years after its launch in July 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has received a facelift for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a refreshed design, new features, increased range, and several other changes making it more attractive than the current model, which is considered the best electric mid-size car globally. Here’s everything we know about the new electric sedan:

Note that the images and details in this story are of the German-spec car, as the U.S.-spec model is yet to be revealed. We’ll fully update the story again when Tesla unveils the latter.

Design

Front

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has new, horizontal headlamps that are slim, shaped like those of the Model S, and have some next-gen Roadster cues in the graphics. For the U.S. market, spy shots have shown additional orange reflectors inside the headlight assembly, which is required by the local law.

A new, horizontal line at the top of the front-end and a more upswept horizontal line at the middle level, right above the air intake, provide the car with a more aerodynamic appearance. Tesla has skipped fog lights on the new car, ensuring a cleaner look. The new front bumper is simpler and more conventional.

Side profile

The 2024 Model 3 features elongated cutouts for the side Autopilot cameras extending back to the front doors. The housing of these cameras doesn’t look any different, though. Tesla offers new alloy wheels and tires for improved range and reduced driving noise on the 2024 Model 3.

18-inch Photon wheels are the base option, and this design substantially restricts air flow to keep the drag to the bare minimum. The Photon wheels can be ordered with winter tires as an option. 19-inch Nova wheels are the second option, featuring a more conventional, double-spoke design.

Rear

At the rear, the 2024 Model 3 flaunts, revised, C-shaped lights that emphasize its sleek exterior. Block-lettered brand inscription instead of the “T” logo seen on the outgoing model exudes more class and elegance. A new bumper with relocated light reflectors, present on the black portion in the lower end instead of the body-colored area like on the outgoing model, helps the new car look cleaner.

Cameras & Sensors

In a series of X posts on June 23, 2023, Teslascope said that the new Model 3 will have Hardware 4 and a new Autopilot computer. Tesla will equip the car with upgraded cameras and even a new bumper camera, Teslascope added.

It was also reported that Tesla will remove the Model 3’s temperature sensor with the latest update. The updated car will display the exterior temperature based on the GPS location using weather data, reports said, indicating it won’t be possible to get a temperature reading of the exact location, say the garage where the car is parked. The company was reportedly going to improve the Model 3’s GPS module, which made us expect more accuracy.

Tesla hasn’t confirmed any of the camera or sensor changes that were being speculated. Perhaps, we’ll know more about these reported revisions when the company releases the 2024 Model 3 owner’s manual.

Colors

The facelifted Model 3 is available in five colors, including two new paint options:

1. Pearl White Multi-Coat
2. Deep Blue Metallic
3. Solid Black
4. Ultra Red (new)
5. Stealth Grey (new)

In the U.S., Tesla just started offering a wrap for the Model 3 for a price of USD 7,500 or USD 8,000 depending on the color. We think the company will offer color films for the new Model 3 as well. There are seven options for the outgoing model, and we think many of them will be available for the new car as well:

1. Glacier Blue
2. Forest Green
3. Satin Rose Gold
4. Slip Grey
5. Satin Ceramic White
6. Satin Stealth Black
7. Crimson Red

Why does the Model 3 need a refresh?

Tesla’s designs are beginning to age, and concurrently, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Polestar, and Chinese competitors are unveiling EVs with refreshing designs, some of which break ground in their segments. Just look at Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, Volkswagen’s ID.7, Polestar’s 4, Nio’s ET5, or BYD’s Seal, all of which have unique proportions and feel. This is also only the beginning of the onslaught as Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, and other brands will soon enter the segment, and add more flavors. For Tesla, facelifts and periodic updates would be a proactive measure in the face of rising competition from all parts of the world.

Interior

Dashboard

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has quite a few changes on the inside, too. The dashboard is a new, sleeker panel, and its upper part blends more consistently with the doors, wrapping around the occupants like a cocoon. These areas of the new car’s dashboard and doors that are in a continuum are accented by an ambient lighting system, a feature that isn’t present in the outgoing car. Unlike the latter, the former doesn’t have wood trim, and we think it’s better off without that aesthetically. One more change in the dashboard of the new car is the use of a magnetic glove box.

Touchscreen

Instead of the current 15-inch central touchscreen, the new model gets a 15.4-inch display. However, both look identical, so maybe it’s just Tesla stating a more precise measurement instead of a rounded-up number, not actually a change in the size of the panel.

Sound system & rear touchscreen

Audiophiles will be happier in the 2024 Model 3, as it has a new, 17-speaker sound system with two subwoofers and two amplifiers instead of the outgoing car’s 14-speaker system with one subwoofer and two amplifiers. Another noteworthy tech upgrade is the fitment of an 8-inch touchscreen for the rear passengers, located on the back of the center console. Rear passengers can use the new touchscreen for both entertainment purposes and climate functions.

Seats & glazing

Tesla has used softer, more refined materials with top-of-the-line workmanship in the 2024 Model 3. The updated model has new, ventilated front seats, which can be pre-cooled via smartphone. The company has installed improved microphones in the car for enhanced phone calls. It says the new model has a quieter interior, thanks to 360º acoustic glazing. Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering, has said in an official video (uploaded on Weibo, now on X), that the dual-pane glass that is installed on the front windshield and driver side window, is now extended to the rear windows and windshield to create a cabin isolation feeling.

Additionally, there are rumors now of a ‘Sport’ trim in the Model 3 Highland for the U.S. with bolstered seats, that could succeed the Performance trim.

Steering wheel

Tesla has changed the steering wheel of the Model 3 with the mid-cycle refresh. It features a rim akin to the Tesla Semi‘s steering wheel, but its center pad, spokes, buttons, and scrollers are similar to the Tesla Cybertruck‘s squircle-shaped steering. Unlike the outgoing Model 3, the new one doesn’t have steering stalks. Turn signals can be activated using touch-control buttons in the left spoke of the new steering wheel.

Rumor has it Tesla will offer a steering yoke with a steer-by-wire system in the new Model 3. Lexus already plans to offer this technology in the RZ in some markets from 2025. The steering yoke should be an option against the new steering wheel. Tesla hasn’t revealed the Performance variant of the 2024 Model 3 yet, and it could be saving up some of the goodies for the upcoming variant.

The optional by-wire steering system should give the drivers a more comfortable driving experience, eliminating unwanted tire and brake vibrations. The steering yoke’s topless design should give the driver a more open view of the road ahead and minimize their need to adjust their sightline.

Manual door release

The updated Model 3 has a new safety feature to save occupants from being trapped in the car in a situation where the electronic locking system doesn’t work. The rear door can be opened manually in such an event, by pulling forward a mechanical release cable hidden under a cover in the bottom of the rear door pocket.

Specifications

The facelifted Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720 mm (185.8 in.) in length, 1,933 mm (76.1 in.) in width, and 1,441 mm (56.7 in.) in height. Thus, it is 26 mm (1.0 in.) longer and 2 mm (0.1 in.) lower than the outgoing model, but just as wide. It has 138 mm (5.4 in.) of ground clearance, 2 mm (0.1 in.) less than the 2023 Model 3. The 2024 Model 3 offers 689 liters (24 cu. ft.) of cargo space, which marks an improvement of 33 liters (1 cu. ft.).

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has been launched in Germany in Standard Range RWD and Long Range AWD variants. As we stated, the Performance AWD variant could be launched later. Recently, evidence has surfaced online (via X) to suggest that a Ludicruous AWD variant could be in the pipeline, possibly as a replacement for or an upgrade over the Performance AWD variant. This variant seems will likely be differentiated by sports suspension, upgraded brakes, 19-inch ‘Helix’ alloy wheels, and a Plaid graphics badge-like emblem on the trunk lid. Like the Long Range AWD variant, it should have a dual-motor powertrain.

Standard Range RWD

The 2024 Model 3 Standard Range RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.1 seconds, which is no different from the outgoing model. However, its top speed is 201 km/h (125 mph), not 225 km/h (140 mph) like that of the latter.

The new car supports charging at up to 170 kW, which is no different from the outgoing model. However, it delivers a much higher WLTP range of 554 km (344 miles) with 18-inch wheels or 513 km (319 miles) with 19-inch wheels. In comparison, the outgoing model can travel up to 510 km (317 miles) with 18-inch wheels or 491 km (305 miles) with 19-inch wheels.

In the U.S., the 2023 Model 3 Standard Range RWD has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, a top speed of 140 mph, and an EPA-est. range rating of 272 miles (with 18-inch wheels)/267 miles (with 19-inch wheels).

Long Range AWD

The 2024 Model 3 Long Range AWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, the same time as the outgoing model (6.1 seconds). However, this variant’s top speed is also 201 km/h (125 mph), which is an even bigger downgrade from the outgoing model, which can do 233 km/h (145 mph).

The peak charging input of the new Model 3 Long Range AWD is the same as the outgoing model – 250 kW. However, while the latter’s WLTP range is 626 km or 389 miles (with 18-inch wheels)/602 km or 374 miles (with 19-inch wheels), the former can travel up to 678 km or 421 miles (with 18-inch wheels)/629 km or 390 miles (with 19-inch wheels).

The U.S.-spec 2023 Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, attain a top speed of 145 mph, and cover a distance of up to 333 miles (with 18-inch wheels)/315 miles (with 19-inch wheels), as per EPA.

Aspect\Specification	2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range RWD	2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
Length	4,720 mm (185.8 in.)	4,720 mm (185.8 in.)
Width	1,933 mm (76.1 in.)	1,933 mm (76.1 in.)
Height	1,441 mm (56.7 in.)	1,441 mm (56.7 in.)
Ground Clearance	138 mm (5.4 in.)	138 mm (5.4 in.)
Curb Weight	1,765 kg (3,891 lbs.)	1,828 kg (4,030 lbs.)
Cargo Space	689 liters (24 cu. ft.)	689 liters (24 cu. ft.)
Drivetrain Layout	RWD	AWD
No. of Motors	One	Two
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration Time	6.1 seconds	4.4 seconds
Top Speed	201 km/h (125 mph)	201 km/h (125 mph)
Max. Charging Power	170 kW	250 kW
WLTP Range (18-inch wheels)	554 km (344 miles)	678 km (421 miles)
WLTP Range (19-inch wheels)	513 km (319 miles)	629 km (391 miles)

New shock absorbers

Moravy, in the video cited earlier in this article, also confirms the inclusion of “Frequency Selective Damping,” as part of the new shock absorbing technology, which the engineer claims improves the ride while maintaining the handling of the new Model 3.

First impressions

Gauging from the first reviews, the new Tesla Model 3 offers a better ride than the outgoing car. It feels quieter and more relaxing, too, which is because of improved sound-deadening measures. Tesla revised the Model 3’s hood with the facelift, and that change has led to reduced wind noise. There is some tire noise on rough roads, but it feels less than before.

The updated Model 3 has a firm chassis just like the outgoing model, which means it feels fun to drive, but it tackles bumps and irregular road surfaces slightly better. Performance-wise, the reviewers feel that it’s the same, although the reduced top speed might feel like a bummer to some customers, especially those in Germany.

The absence of steering stalks does make signaling turns a bit tricky at first, but the touch-control indicator buttons function better than in most cars, offering good haptic feedback (on that particular button) and not engaging by accident. It’ll take some time to get used to, and while we’d still prefer steering stalks, driving without them won’t be as difficult as most people imagine.

In a nutshell, our take is that the new Model 3 is just as dynamic as the car it’s set to replace, but more comfortable, which makes it feel more luxurious and closer to the BMW i4, which is still the benchmark for refinement in the mid-size segment.

Release Date

Tesla hasn’t announced the 2024 Model 3 in any of its North American markets yet: USA, Canada, Mexico, or Puerto Rico. The reason could be a delay in starting production at the Fremont Factory, which could be the exclusive production site of the updated car for North America. However, we still think the regional launch announcement is imminent, with cars expected to reach customers in the coming months.

Tesla is testing the 2024 Model 3 in the U.S. without camouflage. Just back on October 11, 2023, Reddit user o_Regular_8542 shared spy shots of a fully undisguised red-colored unit of the facelifted car from a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its trunk lid appeared to have a badge that read “特斯拉,” which translates to “Tesla” in Chinese. Thus, it’s possible that Tesla didn’t build this particular new Model 3 at its Fremont Factory domestic facility and sourced it from Gigafactory Shanghai instead.

According to a post from X user teslashanghai, Tesla will make ~1,200 units of the new Model 3 every day at Gigafactory Shanghai, where production is currently underway for domestic and export markets.

Price

In Germany, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 retails at EUR 42,990 in the Standard Range RWD variant and EUR 51,990 in the Long Range AWD variant.

In the U.S., Tesla should price the new Model 3 close to the outgoing car, starting from around USD 41,000. For reference, the company offers the latter at USD 40,240 in the Standard Range RWD variant, USD 47,240 in the Long Range AWD variant, and USD 53,240 in the Performance variant.

Tesla announced big price hikes across its line-up in 2021 and 2022, and it’s now trying to offset the same with rollbacks. On May 16, 2023, during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Elon Musk, the company’s co-founder and CEO, said the Model 3’s total ownership cost – USD 0.49/mi – is now comparable to that of a Toyota Corolla (USD 0.46/mi).

Federal Tax Credit

The new Model 3 might not be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to USD 7,500 for a long time. On the Model 3 custom order page of its website, Tesla says the federal tax credit for the Model 3 is likely to reduce after December 31, 2023.

The maximum USD 7,500 federal tax credit under America’s Clean Vehicle Program is the sum of two equal amounts: the critical mineral amount and the battery component amount. Maybe Tesla thinks it won’t meet either of these two requirements in 2024, and we think it could be the former.

The critical mineral amount requirement states at least 40% of the value of the battery’s applicable critical minerals must have been extracted or processed in the U.S. or in a country with which the U.S. has an FTA, or recycled in North America. In 2024, the 40% figure will change to 50%.

The battery component amount requirement states no less than 50% of the value of the battery’s components must have been manufactured or assembled in North America. In 2024, the 50% figure will increase to 60%.

TopElectricSUV says

The Tesla Model 3 is already the best-selling electric car in its segment, and with updates, it has become more appealing. Set to rival the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and VW ID.7 as well as the upcoming Mercedes CLA Electric and the U.S.-made 2025 Nissan EV, the new Tesla Model 3 looks like a truly unique proposition in its segment. Featuring a sharper design, new electronics, improved quality, and an enhanced powertrain, the refreshed Model 3 is a slightly more upmarket product and even more efficient.

2024 Tesla Model 3 FAQs

Featured Image Source: Tesla