Tesla unveils refreshed Model 3 in Australia, promising more range and comfort

Tesla formally unveiled its refreshed Model 3 at an invite-only media event in Sydney, although consumers will be able to check out the upgraded EV when they appear in showrooms this weekend.

The Highland project to refresh the ground-breaking Tesla Model 3, which has helped redefine the way the world thinks about cars and EVs in particular has been years in the making.

At its Sydney unveiling on Wednesday, it was clear that the upgrades are mostly about comfort, although there are some efficient and range improvements. And the Tesla representatives insisted that the word ‘refresh’ was an understatement, with over 50 per cent of the car brand new.

The changes to the exterior design will offer between 5 and 9 per cent more range.

Other additions include replacing bluetooth which will make improve responsiveness when using the Tesla App, and a 30% improvement in cellular performance, which Tesla says will improve wifi endpoints to make software updates much easier, particularly if parking in a garage or somewhere with normally lower cellular coverage.

Some design features include refreshed front and tail lights, new bumpers, new-designs for the 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels, and two new colours: Stealth Grey and Ultra Red. Tesla says although the vehicle is not specifically tuned to Australian roads, those driving the new Model 3 will experience significant improvement in suspension.

It’s the interior updates, however, where the focus appears to be. While the new Model 3 will offer a lower top speed of 201km/h, ambient noise is said to be 30% quieter.

Ambient lighting, a new stalk-less steering wheel (although no yolk will be offered as an option), a slightly larger touchscreen, USB-C ports that now has enough power to charge two MacBook Pros simultaneously from the centre console, new seats with front-seat ventilation and perforated seat material in the second row, touch screen rear-seat climate controls, an updated sound system, and improved materials on interior trims have all been thrown in.

The new Model 3 will come in two variants. A RWD and a longe-range AWD, with pricing at $61,900 and $71,900 respectively excluding on-road costs, a slight increase from the current versions/

A performance version you ask?

Tesla confirmed a performance variant is to come sometime in 2024, and while no further details were given, the words “something very special” were used to describe the yet to be seen performance variant.

Without the production issues that plagued Tesla in previous Model 3s, it will be interesting to see what they can do with the performance model now that they can focus more on complexity, and less on delivery times.

In the meantime deliveries for the new Model 3 will begin in December, with an order placed today offering a delivery timeframe of between Jan-March 2024.