Tesla Model 3 facelift arrives in the UK with a new lower price
The Tesla Model 3 has been given an overhaul for 2024, bringing extra range, design tweaks and a price cut
Following the updated Model S and X, Tesla has given the Model 3 a facelift for 2024, with a design refresh inside and out, new interior tech and an impressive bump in range. While the market is catching up to Tesla with aggressively-priced, efficient EVs, this update should help solidify the Model 3’s status as one of the UK’s top-selling models, especially given its new £39,990 starting price. UK deliveries will commence in January 2024.
The exterior design is familiar, but a redesigned front bumper reduces the Model 3’s visual height head-on, with a wider, more aggressive look. This trend continues with slimmer headlight units, pushing further into the arches to create the illusion of increased width. The same can be said at the rear, with a more prominent diffuser section and modern, single-piece rear lights making an appearance. The Model 3’s silhouette remains unchanged, but new optional 19-inch Nova wheels set it apart from the original, with its new 0.219 drag coefficient the lowest of any Tesla.
The cabin has also been given a complete overhaul, with the dash, door cards and infotainment system receiving updates. Now said to be more refined thanks to sound insulating glass, improved suspension bushings, seals and sound dampening, the interior takes inspiration from the updated Model S and X with a flatter, less cluttered aesthetic. Tesla is so keen on clutter reduction, in fact, that it’s removed steering column stalks entirely, with indicators now activated via buttons on the steering wheel.
The single-slot air ventilation system is now redesigned too, with ventilated seats and ambient lighting also new to the model. While the same size as before, the primary 15.4-inch central infotainment system now features a sharper display, with rear passengers are now treated to an 8-inch display with access to climate control functions and entertainment. As standard, the Long Range car comes with a premium dual-amplifier 17-speaker sound system, with the entry-level rear-wheel drive car coming with a nine-speaker system.
Perhaps most notable is the quoted increase in range, with the entry-level Model 3 RWD now claiming a WLTP range of 318 miles (a 13 mile increase), or an estimated 344 miles should you opt for smaller 18-inch wheels, 27 miles up on the previous car in the same spec. Opt for the Long Range and the WLTP range figure increases to an impressive 390 miles (a 16 mile increase), or an estimated 421 miles on 18-inch wheels (32 miles more than the outgoing car). For reference, the new BYD Seal saloon achieves 354 miles WLTP in its most efficient form.
Performance is unchanged for the RWD and Long Range models, which reach 62mph from rest in 6.1sec and 4.4sec respectively. Top speed has now been capped to 125mph for both variants though, down from 140mph and 145mph. There’s no sign of a Model 3 Performance just yet, but we’re sure it’s not too far away.
Buyers can choose from a range of five colours including two new shades; Stealth Grey and Ultra Red (each a £2000 option). As before, all variants are available with either a black or white interior, the latter a £1100 optional extra.
Unusually, the new Model 3 is £3000 cheaper than the outgoing model, starting at £39,990 for the standard rear-wheel drive and rising to £49,990 for the Long Range. First UK cars are expected to hit the road in January 2024.
