Key points
Tesla Model 3 Highland's exterior receives a significant facelift, boasting a sleeker front end and redesigned rear lighting clusters.
Inside, the customizable lighting strip adds a touch of modernity, while the minimalist design ethos prevails, albeit with improved materials.
Tesla's commitment to minimalism, featuring button-operated controls and impressive acceleration, setting it apart from traditional vehicles.
NVH ( Noise, vibration, and harshness ) significantly improved
The transformation in the Highland version of the Tesla Model 3 is immediately apparent, primarily in its sleeker front end. With narrower headlights and a sharper snout, the car sheds its previous frog-like appearance when viewed head-on, embracing a more modern aesthetic.
Equally striking are the redesigned rear lighting clusters, now consolidated entirely on the tailgate, which elevates the car's rear profile. The default 18-inch wheels have been reimagined, sporting covers that blend seamlessly with the overall design. And to add flair, two new colors, Ultra Red and Stealth Grey, join the palette.
Inside, subtle enhancements abound, with the standout feature being the customizable lighting strip encircling the top of the dashboard and extending across the doors. The interior retains its comfort and modernity, shedding the questionable dashboard wood veneer in favor of a more refined finish. Though not on par with luxury brands like BMW or Mercedes in materials, the minimalist design ethos prevails, exemplified by the streamlined air conditioning controls integrated into the infotainment system.
However, the real revelation unfolds when you hit the road. Tesla's commitment to minimalism extends beyond aesthetics, notably with the absence of steering wheel stalks reminiscent of traditional controls. Instead, the Highland edition adopts a button-operated system, akin to the Model S Plaid, albeit with slight variations.
Among the new materials is a felt-like covering on the dashboard in our black interior-equipped test vehicle – replacing the faux wood of the old model – which sits near a customisable ambient light strip running around the base of the windscreen, another nice touch.
Storage space up front now includes two large compartments and two cupholders – though the door pockets are not the largest we’ve seen, and the glovebox (accessed through the touchscreen) is small. Amenities include dual wireless phone charging pads, two USB-C ports (now powerful enough to charge laptops) and a 12-volt socket.
In the rear, an 8-inch LCD panel, inspired by the Model S, introduces a host of features catering to passengers' comfort and entertainment. From individualized climate control to access to infotainment, including streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, occupants enjoy a bespoke experience.
Despite these advancements, the rear cargo space remains unchanged, limiting the Model 3's versatility compared to hatchback counterparts. Nevertheless, its ample storage capacity, including the frunk, underscores its practicality.
Improved sound isolation
Amidst the hum of long road trips, comfort reigns supreme. Recognizing this, Tesla has fine-tuned the Model 3 for a quieter ride. Better aerodynamics from the revised front end has laid the groundwork, but the focus extended to minimizing noise intrusion.
Enter the concept of "360-degree acoustic glass." Unlike its predecessor, the refreshed Model 3 boasts this feature across all windows. By enveloping passengers in a cocoon of tranquility, wind noise is significantly reduced.
Yet, the battle against noise doesn't stop there. Tesla addressed road noise by enhancing sound isolation, while a redesigned hood ensures a smoother flow of wind, further diminishing cabin noise.
The results speak volumes: wind noise slashed by 30%, impact noise improved by 25%, and road noise subdued by 20%. With these advancements, the refreshed Model 3 emerges as one of Tesla's quietest offerings, promising fatigue-free journeys that delight.
Performance
In Australia, it's a well-known fact that speeding can bolster government revenue. Tesla's electric vehicles are renowned for their impressive instant acceleration, a feature that has garnered widespread acclaim among car enthusiasts. This feature has continued with the Model 3 Highlander, which effortlessly reaches the speed limit in the blink of an eyelid, a feat that leaves most daily commuting vehicles envious.
Model 3 RWD Model 3 Long Range AWD
0-100 km/h | 6.1 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
Top speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h |
Wheels and Tires
Tesla Model 3 Highland comes with the stock 18″ aero wheels — and the automaker has named them Photon Wheels. These are the wheels that help in achieving maximum efficiency and range. The premium 19″ Nova Wheels is a design modification of the old 19″ Sport Wheels
18″ aero wheels premium 19″ Nova Wheels
Exploring the Maintenance Costs of the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 comes with a warranty package covering four years or 80,000km, whichever comes first. Additionally, there's a battery warranty ensuring the battery pack retains at least 70% of its capacity after eight years or 160,000km.
However, it's worth noting that the overall vehicle warranty falls short of the industry standard, offering less coverage compared to other top-selling new-car brands in Australia.
Tesla's approach to maintenance is unconventional. Rather than adhering to traditional time or distance-based service intervals, maintenance is "condition-based." This means servicing is only necessary when the vehicle detects a fault that requires attention. Plus, many maintenance tasks can be conveniently handled by 'mobile service' technicians who come directly to your home or office.
Tesla does provide a list of "recommended" service items on its website, including tire rotations every 10,000km or when the tread depth difference exceeds 1.5mm, annual cleaning and lubricating (or every 20,000km for vehicles in cold-weather regions), cabin filter replacement every two years, and air-conditioning desiccant bag replacement every four years.
Model 3 Highland range and charging
| Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD | Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range AWD |
Range (WLTP) | 513 km | 629 km |
Charging speed | Up to 282 km in 15 minutes | Up to 282 km in 15 minutes |
Max power input | 170 kW | 250 kW |
Payment for charging | Pay per use | Pay per use |
Charge port/connector type | CCS2 | CCS2 |
While the absence of steering wheel stalks may initially raise eyebrows, the driving experience remains engaging, albeit with a slight adjustment period. Yet, for some, the departure from traditional controls may prove off-putting. Nevertheless, the Model 3 Highland stands as a testament to Tesla's innovation and practicality, offering a compelling blend of performance, technology, and comfort.
As for pricing, the RWD variant starts at $61,900 before on-road costs, reflecting a modest increase from its predecessor. Similarly, the Long Range version commands $71,900, signaling a slight price increase.
