New 2023 Tesla Model 3 facelift takes the fight to the BMW i4 and Polestar 2

The upgraded Tesla Model 3 gets improvements to technology, range and refinement

The facelifted Tesla Model 3 has finally been revealed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show. Alongside the new exterior design also comes additional range, keeping the all-electric mid-size executive saloon competitive against a burgeoning cast of rivals. 

We were blown away by the Model 3 when it arrived in 2019 by its mix of agility on the road, practicality and EV range, so much so that we named it our 2019 Car of the Year. Fast forward to 2023 and the Model 3 has several impressive rivals in the form of the BMW i4, Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, so a mid-life refresh for the Tesla was expected. 

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The exterior redesign is more subtle than the one given to the Model S back in 2016. The facelift, codenamed ‘Project Highland’ was kept under close wraps during development, although we were able to catch an early glimpse via spy shots revealing a slightly altered front end. 

Now we can see it in full with its thinner headlights and reshaped front bumper. Tesla says the update “brings more refinement, comfort and premiumness – inside and out – while staying true to its sleek, uncluttered design aesthetic.” 

To the rear there are new C-shaped rear light clusters and a large faux rear diffuser on the redesigned bumper. Tesla says the exterior tweaks, along with new aero-optimised wheel designs on 18-inch and 19-inch wheels has improved the aerodynamic efficiency of the Model 3.

That extra slipperiness means a low drag coefficient of 0.219 which helps to bump up the Model 3’s range. Even with no claimed changes to the battery pack, the Rear-Wheel Drive now manages a claimed 319 miles from a single charge (up from 305 miles), with the Long-Range version offering 391 miles (up from 374 miles). 0-62mph for the 242bhp Rear-Wheel Drive stands at 6.1 seconds and 4.4 seconds for the 346bhp Long-Range. Range and performance figures for the facelifted ‘Performance’ model are yet to be revealed. 

Interior comfort should also be boosted by the new acoustic glass, quieter tyres, improved suspension bushings and various seals and sound-deadening materials Tesla has added. 

The manufacturer says the facelift Model 3 comes with a ‘next-generation’ interior. While it looks broadly similar to the current Model 3’s cabin, there are a few key changes. The steering wheel takes on a new design which incorporates indicator buttons rather than stalks and the dash has new flowing wraparound ambient lighting. Instead of using a steering column-mounted gear selector, the updated Model 3 comes with gear selection via the car’s central screen.

The commanding 15.4-inch touchscreen is the same size as before but features more usable screen space and continues to offer over-the-air updates. Two wireless phone chargers are located beneath the main touchscreen and to the rear there are new eight-inch displays that can switch between climate control, ventilation and entertainment. 

The new facelifted Model 3 hasn’t appeared on Tesla’s UK sales site just yet, but we expect it to go on sale in early 2024 with prices starting from around £45,000 for the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive and topping out at £60,000 for the Performance. 

Click here for our list of the electric cars with the longest range…

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