The Tesla Model 3 Thread

World’s top-selling electric sedan: Tesla Model 3 gets major refresh, more range

The Tesla Model 3 is the world’s top-selling electric sedan, and to keep the winning formula going strong the carmaker pulled the covers off a revised version in China on Friday.

This is the first change that the Elon Musk owned company has made to its mass-market car line-up since it launched its global best-seller, the Model Y, in 2020.

Interestingly, when the original Model 3 was revealed in 2016, it was tipped for South African introduction, but those plans have since been shelved as Elon Musk feels our import duties for EVs are too high. So for now at least, the Tesla Model 3 will remain forbidden fruit for local EV fans.

Tesla said it would debut the new Model 3 at a trade fair in Beijing on Saturday and some of its new features, including a rear display for back-seat passengers, appeared to be aimed at Chinese car buyers.

Tesla said the new model for China also featured a better acoustic system, more comfortable interior and additional airbags. Images of the exterior showed small changes that gave the sedan a sleeker front, including new headlights, while the rear is set apart by fresh C-shaped tail lamps.

 
Updated Tesla Model 3 gets fresh look, more range and nicer materials

The Model 3’s up to 391 miles of range… but has Tesla made a howler with the indicators?

Surprise! After many internet leaks and much speculation, a significantly updated Tesla Model 3 has now been revealed, with ‘more refinement, comfort and premiumness’ (Tesla’s words, not ours) in the offing.

Let’s start on the outside: the styling has been overhauled with sharper lines making for a less frog-like appearance, with sleeker headlights and brake lights woven into the design.

That’s all in the name of improved aero of course, and together with optimised wheels and tyres, Tesla claims improved wind noise and range. The Long Range AWD will now do 391 miles on a single charge, up from 374 previously.

Two new colours to note: Ultra Red and Stealth Grey. See the gallery above.

 
The new Tesla Model 3 is here with better looks, longer range

Tesla is like that one friend who never fails to dominate the conversation at a party. This time, it's back in the limelight with its new and improved Model 3. The “refreshed” Model 3 promises greater range, better design, and more features. Tesla did manage to spring a surprise on all of us with the unveiling, but the bigger surprise is absolute lack of mentioning of the new model in the US - it seems it's not ready to cross the Atlantic just yet. But let's break it all down.

The Model 3 has some exterior enhancements that are more than just skin-deep. It now sports a chiseled front and rear, which not only makes it look sleeker but also improves aerodynamics. This aerodynamic efficiency helps to extend the vehicle's range. By the way, the car is now an inch longer and a tad bit lower than its predecessor. And there’s no question it looks way better, more mature, and less “froggy” - small and subtle changes have actually made a big difference.


 
Tesla’s New Model 3 goes on sale in China

After finally announcing its updated Model 3 Tesla has now opened pre-sales in China. The new Model 3 is aiming for deliveries in Q4. Unfortunately, but the rumors of lower prices did not come true at all. Prices for the Model 3 in China start at RMB 259,900 yuan (about €33,400), which is roughly 12% more expensive than its predecessor.

That said, some industry insiders believe the cost could go down after Tesla clears its inventory of the older Model 3 units. That means the newer, fancier version may actually get cheaper. Or it could just be wishful thinking.

Tesla offers two versions of the new Model 3: rear-wheel drive (RWD) and long-range all-wheel drive (AWD). The RWD version costs less but still flaunts impressive stats: a CLTC driving range of 606 km)) (CLTC), peak output of 264 horsepower, and {{340 Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the AWD variant comes in at a spicier RMB 295,900 (about €38,000) but offers a range of 713 km on the same optimistic Chinese cycle and a far more potent 450 horsepower.

 
Tesla Model 3+ specs revealed in China

China's regulatory body, under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), unveiled the specs for Tesla's revamped Model 3 on September 12. And, while the automakers might have groaned about this reveal, let’s just say we’re more than a little intrigued. Here's a snapshot of what we've gathered so far from the land of dragons and emperors.

Tesla is stepping up its game by offering two unique trims for its electric vehicle (EV) aficionados. The standard version of Tesla Model 3 in China, just like its European counterpart, boasts a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) that can flex a power of 194 kW. But if that doesn’t float your boat, and you’ve got a bit more oomph in mind, Tesla's dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) is there to dazzle you. This marvel of engineering harnesses an additional 137 kW motor powering front wheels, bringing the total output to a whopping 331 kW. Surprisingly, that's a lower output than on the Model 3 LR destined for the European market.

Before any vehicle can grace the Chinese roads, it needs a nod from the local regulators. The MIIT, being the gatekeeper in this context, gives a monthly sneak peek into what's brewing in the automotive world. Expectedly, automakers aren’t fans. But for the rest of us? It's like an early Christmas present. This little exercise in transparency tells us that we could very well see the new Model 3 on Chinese streets by October.

 
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