After months of rumours, spy shots and false alarms, Telsa has finally unwrapped its updated ‘Highland’ version of the Model 3 sedan in Europe and China. It also comes with a few extra surprises and features.
The American automaker says it has changed more than half the parts on its second-best-selling vehicle (only behind the Model Y crossover), with changes including a refreshed exterior design, all-new interior and an increase in range.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
Overall, the exterior keeps the same look as the outgoing model, though it does have a sleeker front fascia and narrower headlights. The Tesla ‘T’ logo at the back has been replaced with the Tesla name in full. Wheel choices include 18-inch Photon wheels with new black hubcaps and 19-inch aluminum Nova wheels.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
Inside, steering wheel stalks are gone, with gear changes taking place on the centre infotainment screen. Rear passengers get a new 8-inch touchscreen for rear climate control and entertainment, while front passengers get ventilated seats. The sound system gets 17 speakers – up from 14 – and there is customizable ambient lighting. The trunk also grows to 594 litres from 561.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
Range has increased, too, with the SR RWD version getting up to 553 km, while the LR gets 677 km. These numbers are gauged on the European WLTP cycle, so they’ll be lower when tested on North America’s EPA cycle, but they are still between 11 per cent and 12 per cent better than the WLTP numbers of the previous generation Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
While the Highland version is now available on Tesla’s Europe and China websites, we North Americans are still waiting, and there is no timeframe as to when Canada and the US will see this updated version. Stay tuned!
