Tesla expanded its family of electric vehicles with a premium compact sedan in 2017. Dubbed the Model 3, it quickly became a best-seller despite the obvious issues, such as the bad overall finish of certain examples and the cabin that has often been called snug. Since its original introduction six years ago, several other vehicles have taken a direct swing at it, and BMW's i4, Hyundai's Ioniq 6, and Polestar's 2 are on the list.
If you somehow missed the big news, there is a new Tesla Model 3 for the 2024 model year. Well, new is an overstatement because it is a mid-cycle refresh of the popular car and a well-deserved one that aims to fix some issues. Unveiled earlier this week, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 does not fly under the radar as there are some major improvements in several key areas, including the design department.
One Small Step for Tesla, One Big Impact for Its Fanbase
Photo: Tesla
Right off the bat, the facelifted Model 3 looks fresher compared to its predecessor. Tesla significantly updated the face, making the nose a bit pointier. The vehicle has slender headlamps with different graphics and a new bumper. As you can expect from a mid-cycle refresh, the profile carries over with no changes at all. You get the same flush-mounted door handles, side mirror caps, and a slightly sloping roofline behind the central pillars. It will be even easier to tell it apart from the old one out back as it has new C-shaped taillights. Overall, the trunk lid is roughly the same, and the bumper has received a sporty diffuser.
Do the wheels look familiar? Well, every Tesla enthusiast out there can tell you that they are new. That's right, besides giving it new front and rear ends, the automaker has also crafted new alloys. These are the 18-inch Photon and the 19-inch Nova sets, which look better than most aftermarket proposals if you ask us. The car manufacturer hasn't said anything about the exterior colors, so that means that the palette remains untouched. Still, we could be wrong, as they might have expanded the offering.
Interior Design and Tech Equipment – Same but Different
Photo: Tesla
Tesla has chosen to retain the minimalist layout of the Model 3, and that's obviously not a surprise. Nonetheless, there are a few upgrades worth mentioning here, such as the new dashboard that features ambient lighting, which flows into the door cards that are also new. The steering wheel is part of the novelties, and as you can see, there is no turn signal stalk behind it anymore. That's not the only controversial modification, as users will have to access the touchscreen to change gears.
More sound-deadening materials were used throughout its construction, so it should be quieter. It also features new perforated upholstery and an 8-inch display out back that allows passengers to adjust the climate settings, doubling as an entertainment system. And speaking of screens, it is worth noting that the main one has increased from 15 to 15.4 inches, featuring slimmer bezels at the same time. You get Netflix, YouTube, and several arcade games, too, which makes waiting for the battery to charge more bearable.
Once folded down, the rear seats provide a flat cargo floor that allows the hauling of voluminous items. Tesla claims that it has enough room for no fewer than 15 carry-on suitcases, stating at the same time that the cargo area has gone up to 20.97 cubic feet (594 liters) from 19.8 cu-ft (561 lt). And if that's not enough, then you should also factor in the multiple cubbies and bins scattered throughout the cabin. The Autopilot self-driving feature is still on deck, allowing the car to accelerate, brake, and change lanes on its own.
What About the 'Oily Bits'?
Photo: Tesla
The Model 3 is offered in three trim levels. The base variant has a rear-mounted electric motor and can travel a claimed 272 miles (438 km). The Performance offers 315 miles (507 km) of range, and the Long Range boasts 333 miles (534 km), though it won't be easy to achieve these numbers. It takes a little over five seconds to hit 60 mph (97 kph) in the entry-level Model 3, some four seconds in the Long Range, and 3.5 seconds in the Performance. The battery pack still lies under the floor for a low center of gravity and improved handling.
In terms of warranty, you're looking at four years/50,000 miles (80,467 km) for the limited one, eight years/100,000 miles (160,934 km) for the powertrain, and an extra 20,000 miles (32,187 km) for the battery and drive components on the Long Range model. There is no corrosion protection included, so you'll have to take care of those aspects on your own.
Pricing has yet to be announced, and the facelifted Tesla Model 3 should appear on the official website before the end of the year, reports indicate. Rumor says the 2024 electric sedan might kick off at roughly $42,000 for the most affordable variant, going up to around $55,000. It is possible that deliveries will commence early next year, assuming that everything goes as planned.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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