2024 Tesla Model 3 facelift revealed, pricing confirmed

The facelifted 2024 Tesla Model 3 electric sedan has debuted with a fresher design, improved interior, and driving comfort – but it’s slightly pricier.

Deliveries are expected to start in January to March 2024; however, the flagship Model 3 Performance variant won’t be available at launch.

The electric vehicle maker told British site Carwow [↗] that around 50 per cent of parts have been changed compared to the outgoing model.

2024 Tesla Model 3 pricing

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Fresher exterior, more range

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 introduces a sleeker European-style exterior design, while improving aerodynamic efficiency to maximise driving range.

There’s slimmer LED headlights with a skewed C-shape daytime running light signature, a sharper one-piece C-shape tail-light, more efficient 18-inch 'Photon' and optional 19-inch 'Nova' wheel ($1800) designs, and the availability of Ultra Red ($2600) and Stealth Grey ($2300) exterior colours.

The front bumper is smoother with a wider intake and includes a new forward-facing camera to detect low-lying objects. But, it has removed the front fog light housing and the rear bumper introduces more Model Y electric SUV-esque plastic cladding with rear fog lamps.

Tesla told Carwow [↗] that these design changes have improved the electric sedan’s aerodynamic efficiency by eight per cent to achieve a 0.219 drag coefficient (previously 0.225cd).

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Despite previous rumours, the battery and powertrain haven’t been changed – but the Long Range is now more competitive with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq (614km WLTP claim) and just-facelifted Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor (654km WLTP claim).

This means the single-motor RWD has a 57.5kWh usable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and a claimed 0-100km/h time in 6.1 seconds, while the all-wheel-driven Long Range provides a 75kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack that launches from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

As per the outgoing model, this means the RWD can recharge at up to 170kW DC on a compatible fast charging station with no charge limit, whereas the Long Range can charge at up to 250kW DC with Tesla recommending a 90 per cent everyday charging cap only to maintain good battery health.

All variants are capable of three-phase 11kW AC charging rates.

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Upmarket interior

Inside, the 2024 Model 3 goes more upmarket with improved material quality, redesigned dashboard, and a Volkswagen-style ambient lighting strip that runs across the front and into the doors capable of more than 200 colour combinations.

The softer fabric-like material dash piece now faces upwards, while there are more prominent air vents. Owners can now individually turn off the passenger-side vent to maximise driving range.

Additionally, the facelifted electric sedan gains a new steering wheel design. It’s rounded (no yoke here), but the stalks have been removed in favour of touch-sensitive indicators and automatic ‘Smart Shift’ drive selection or manually via the touchscreen.

Addressing complaints on the updated Tesla Model S and Model X large EVs overseas, the horn can still be activated by pressing the centre boss.

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After it was redesigned in the 2021 update, the centre console has again been changed with two sliding mechanisms, akin to the more expensive Model S liftback.

Importantly, for Australia, the 2024 Model 3 comes with perforated seats – enabling ventilation functionality for the front pews for the first time.

This feature isn’t even available on the Model S and X overseas, although it briefly appeared in a limited number of older examples.

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Improved tech

The 2024 Model 3 features a 15.4-inch central touchscreen with slimmer bezels and is powered by the same AMD Ryzen processor – but Tesla claims it has improved brightness and responsiveness.

Rear passengers now benefit from a dedicated 8.0-inch touchscreen behind the centre console to control the rear air vents, view videos and play games.

On the Long Range, the audio system has been upgraded to 17 speakers with improved bass from dual subwoofers and amplifiers. However, the base RWD only has nine speakers – which is fewer than before – with a single amplifier.

The USB-C charging ports can now output 65 watts.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular and cabin microphones are also said to be improved, while a ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor enables more reliable Tesla phone key functionality when paired with a compatible smartphone.

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Better driving comfort

Improved materials and addition of acoustic glass on the rear windows and windscreen claim result in a quieter cabin, too.

The new wheel design, tyres and an uptick in the bonnet to deflect wind results in a claimed 30 per cent improvement to wind noise, 25 per cent improvement to impact noises, and 20 per cent improvement to road noise.

Comfort has also improved thanks to new springs, dampers, bushings and tyres designed specifically for the new Model 3.

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When will the 2024 Tesla Model 3 launch in Australia?

Orders are open now for the facelifted 2024 Tesla Model 3 electric sedan – ahead of first deliveries starting between January to March 2024.

It will directly compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, recently facelifted Polestar 2 liftback, and forthcoming BYD Seal sedan.