The 10 Tesla Model 3 Highland Features Nobody Saw Coming (but Are Welcome Nonetheless)

When the first information about Project Highland surfaced at the end of 2022, nobody expected the refreshed Model 3 to be more than a mild redesign of the existing car. Sure, Tesla aimed to bring the Model 3 closer to the Model Y, which already saw several updates. These included megacastings, structural battery packs, improved suspension, HW4 Autopilot computer and sensors, and more.

The revamped Model 3 would also allow Tesla to make more money by cutting costs wherever possible, which made many people consider it a step back compared to the existing model. Tesla already took features out of the current model, including ultrasonic sensors. More cost-cutting measures would certify that these missing features would not be coming back.

Still, leaks from earlier this year indicated that Tesla was shooting for the stars with much more profound changes than previously imagined. The first picture of the car's front (now proven legit) showed a rather radical redesign that changed the character of Tesla's most affordable model.

Every Project Highland prototype has been closely analyzed throughout the past nine months, and every visible change has been thoroughly documented. It was a tedious game of "spot the difference," which ultimately allowed us to comprehend where the Tesla Model 3 development was heading.

That's when we discovered that the refreshed Model 3 would go the Model S/X route with a stalkless steering wheel, a change that will surely annoy many people in Europe. It might not matter much in the US, where roads are mostly straight, but the small roundabouts in Europe will be challenging to navigate trying to hit the right turn signal button while rotating the wheel at the same time.

We've also discussed other missing or added features as the information surfaced in the forums and social media. We knew about the ventilated seats and the ambient lighting long before we could officially confirm it. We also learned that the Model 3 Highland would arrive with an improved audio system, although this puzzled us more than it enlightened us.

The Model 3 already featured an impressive sound system, which many consider among the best in the industry, so what could be improved? Well, the answer, along with other exciting features we've never heard of until now, is offered below, so make sure you read until the end to find out. Here's a list of all the exciting things the refreshed Model 3 features.

1. The Tesla Model 3 Highland has a magnetic glove box

People who sat in the car during the IAA Mobility event in Munich (Germany) noticed that the new Model 3 now features a glove box that latches with an electromagnet instead of a mechanical latch. This new feature offers a dual benefit – being more economical to produce and thus saving money for Tesla while at the same time being more durable and convenient.

The glove box can still be opened using a voice command or a button on the screen as before. Closing it is now a lot more satisfying, thanks to the magnets. Still, people were uncertain whether the new magnetic system still allows securing the glove box with a PIN as before. According to the owner's manual, this hasn't changed, and you can still set a PIN to open the compartment.

Still, not everyone is convinced that the magnetic system is as good as the conventional latch to lock one's items safely. Although nobody tried, some were left with the impression that you could pry it open using a spoon or a knife, as the magnets don't seem to be that strong. Still, keep in mind that this is still a glove box, not a vault, and you shouldn't keep your valuables in the vehicle.

2. Ceiling PRND gear-shift buttons

The Tesla Model S and Model X, also stalkless, feature backup gear shift controls (PRND buttons) in the center console next to the wireless phone charger. Intriguingly, people who entered the refreshed Model 3 at Tesla's booth in Munich could not find such things. Later, reports showed that the buttons were placed on the ceiling between the sun visors. The markings in the overhead console are almost invisible, but they're there all right.

This was confirmed once Tesla published the new owner's manual on its website. The manual explains that the buttons are only visible when you touch them. Once a button is pressed, an amber light illuminates the selection. They can also activate automatically when the car's computer detects a malfunction with the center display or in Transport or Valet mode. Another method to activate the gear shift buttons is by briefly pressing both scroll buttons on the steering wheel.

3. Manual rear door release

Tesla uses electrically operated door releases on its vehicles because it needs to automate the function. When you press the door release button, the computer triggers the window to lower just a little before unlatching the door, allowing it to open. Still, the electrical system can no longer open the door if the 12-volt system goes down, for instance, in a crash or a fire. That's where a mechanical release comes in handy.

Tesla hates these systems, especially for the rear doors. The current Model 3 does not come with a manual release on the rear doors, or it has it hidden beneath the door panel. This makes it impossible to use in emergencies. Thankfully, the refreshed Model 3 comes with properly designed manual releases on the rear doors, which can also be used in emergencies.

As on other Tesla models, the emergency door release is in the door pocket under an easily accessible tab. You only need to raise the lid and pull the wire underneath to open the door manually. This should be done only if the electrical system fails, the owner's manual warns, as it can damage the door opening system.

4. Blind spot indicators

Most modern vehicles on the road today come with a blind spot indicator system, especially in Europe. This handy feature triggers a visual alert (usually an orange or red triangle located in or near side mirrors) when a car is approaching from behind in the adjacent lane. This warns the driver to take a better look before changing lanes or overtaking.

For all the tech crammed inside a Tesla EV, this feature was unavailable until now. Instead, Tesla offered a visual clue on the center display and, more recently, added a side repeater Blind Spot Camera that appears on the main screen when the turn signal is activated. Still, many prefer the much simpler and more efficient warning light. With the Model 3 Project Highland, Tesla finally made the change.

The blind spot indicator light is placed in the A-pillar speaker and is most likely activated when side-mounted cameras "see" cars in the blind spot. Traditionally, carmakers use radar sensors in the bumpers to detect objects in the blind spot, but that is not the case with Tesla. With the refreshed Model 3, the feature can be deactivated in the "Lights" menu.

5. 17-speaker audio sound system

Tesla was always praised for the high-quality sound system installed in its vehicles. The audio system is designed in-house with a bit of help from some sound engineers Tesla poached from Bang & Olufsen. That's why, learning that the refreshed model will feature an even better sound system, many people shrugged. Now we know what this means, thanks to additional data we've gathered.

The beefier sound system in the Model 3 Highland features a 17-speaker design, three more speakers than the Premium Audio System in the previous model. It also features two amplifiers and two subwoofers in the trunk, something we've also learned about the Cybertruck. Thanks to this approach, Model 3 owners now have an additional storage compartment on the right side of the trunk.

We still don't know if this revamped sound system is offered as standard or if it's only reserved on the more expensive trims. Currently, the 14-speaker Premium Sound System is only offered on the Long Range and Performance models, whereas the RWD model only has nine speakers activated. We'll learn more when the first RWD units will start shipping in Europe next month.

6. NVH and comfort enhancements

Many complaints about the original Model 3 were related to the rigid and unrefined suspension, as well as the high rolling noise. Tesla addressed these issues with the revamped model, making the Model 3 a lot more attractive than before. The new suspension has new springs and dampers, new bushings, and a better-isolated subframe to keep road vibrations in check.

Cabin noise has also been minimized by using more sound-deadening material, while acoustic glass has been used for all the glass panels. Previously, only the front windows featured acoustic glass, but now Tesla uses it all around. The EV maker claims a 30% decrease in wind and ambient noise, a 25% improvement in impact noise, and a 20% improvement in road noise. Even so, European reviewers still complain that the Model 3 is noisier than other cars in the segment.

7. Better quality materials in the cabin

Nobody saw this coming, especially with all the gossip about Tesla's cost-cutting measures. Tesla proved critics wrong and tried to improve the Model 3 in areas that matter to the buyers. The perceived quality was chief among these, with the cabin's look and feel vastly improved compared to the original model.

Everyone who sat inside the refreshed Model 3 appreciated the soft-touch materials used throughout. Even the door pockets are now felted instead of using hard plastic, as before. Tesla went out of its way to make the Model 3 Highland a truly luxury model and silence the critics who loved to emphasize the lousy quality of the Model 3. Good job, Tesla!

8. Rear touchscreen

This is another feature nobody thought was coming to the least expensive Tesla model. The Model S and Model X are different breeds, as people pay pretty money to have these niceties. Still, no one expected it in the far more affordable Model 3. As in the Model S/X, this is not a completely independent unit from the center screen, so you still cannot play cartoons in the back while listening to music in the front.

The rear passengers can use the screen to adjust the climate controls, including fan speed, temperature, and airflow direction. This only affects the rear seats, as expected. They can also use it to access media and streaming services. Still, don't expect the refreshed Model 3 to feature a separate audio channel for the rear seats. Whatever sound adjustments you make on the screen will also affect the settings for the front passengers.

9. Active hood

One of the more puzzling features of the new Model 3 is the Active hood. Especially in the US, this safety function is less understood. Many on social media asked why Europeans are so concerned with pedestrians. Well, the reason is that pedestrians and cyclists are far more present on European streets and roads than they are in North America.

Still, in Europe, an active hood is used on many car models to boost Euro NCAP ratings. If you are unfamiliar with it, it's a system that automatically raises the hood by 80 mm (3.15 inches) when a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist is detected. This helps reduce head injuries, providing a deeper deformable surface to cushion the impact with the vulnerable road user's head.

Such a feature is offered on the refreshed Model 3 in Europe, although it's unclear whether it will also be offered on the US model. The Model 3 was available before with an active hood in Europe, so this is not an entirely new feature, just one that doesn't look so familiar to the American people.

10. Light show

You'll find the Light Show option among the several features in the new Model 3's Toybox. This is not new, but it's reassuring that the refreshed model is also capable of putting out a light show. The car will synchronize the headlights to the music, so make sure you turn the volume up, roll down the windows, and enjoy it.

People first saw the refreshed Model 3's light show at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The show was synchronized to Max Carlisle's "Auld Lang Syne in the City" tune played through the improved sound system. The light show uses daytime running lights (DRLs), turn signal LED strips, low beams, and high beams to impress the bystanders. In the case of the car on the show, it also actuated the powered trunk for more drama.

Conclusion

As the first customers take delivery of their refreshed Model 3, we will discover new features and, no doubt, easter eggs. Certainly, we covered only a few of the new features introduced with the new generation. We're still waiting to confirm (or not) the presence of the megacastings and the structural battery pack, among other things.

The additional bumper camera meant to eliminate the blind spot at the front is also controversial, as Tesla showed pictures of the Model 3 with and without it. If you have interesting insights about the refreshed Model 3, we'd love to share them in the comment section below.