Today, we get a close look in person at the Tesla Model 3 refresh – aka Model 3 Highland – in Munich for IAA.
The update was officially launched in Europe and Asia last week.
It is not yet available in North America as Tesla is right now only producing it out of Gigafactory Shanghai, and therefore, the new version of the Model 3 is only refreshed where Tesla sells vehicles produced out of China.
We had a chance to see the new Model 3 in person for the first time this week in Munich for IAA.
Tesla is not known for regular presence at car shows, but the automaker decided to show up at IAA with a very understated booth:
But you don’t need an extravagant booth when you have what everyone wants to see, which is the new version of one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world.
We didn’t have much time with the Model 3 refresh, but we managed to put together a quick video of all the new features (thanks to Micah for filming):
Electrek’s Take
My impression of the new version of the Model 3 in person was good. The exterior design changes are not massive, but they make enough of a difference to be called a “refresh” in my opinion.
Top comment by J Harding
I own a Model 3 Performance and love it. Having no turn signal stalk may steer me to another company when it’s time to get a second electric vehicle. There are some things that should be universal on vehicles such as the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, and the turn signal stock. This is for the sake of those who may drive this car for the short term and are accustomed to those commonalities. I think Tesla really should have surveyed their customers before making that move.
One other thought. Have you ever tried to make a sudden U-turn with oncoming traffic not too far off? I don’t want to look over to a screen to shift in reverse if I can’t make the turn on one swoop. I want a stock for reversing so I can safely pay attention to my surroundings.
Update on 8/7/2023
So I went to a Ford dealer to sit in a Mach E. They have stalks, but what a piece of junk inside compared to my 2022 Tesla Model 3. I was not impressed with the F150 either. Tesla is light years ahead of Ford in ergonomics. I tried out the Model X blinkers but only in the showroom. Not a fan but I would have to get used to it. It will be sad to see stalks go away someday but I wouldn’t cross the line to another car company because Tesla’s cars are far nicer inside. Please Elon, keep the stalks as an option!!!!
I enjoy the slightly more aggressive design and the new wheels, which strike a nice balance between look and aerodynamic performance.
As for the interior, I really like the updated dash. If you weren’t a fan of the dash before, you probably wouldn’t be now either since it is still based on the same minimalist approach – maybe even more minimalist, but I personally like it.
The new steering wheel without stalk is probably the most controversial update. At this point, if you don’t like the change, you are going to have to decide if it’s a dealbreaker for you with Tesla because, after the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, Tesla has made it clear that this is the direction it is going.
Finally, there’s the new rear screen. It is a nice addition, especially for vehicle controls from the back seat. For entertainment, it feels a bit small.
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