Tesla Model 3 updated, up to 657km EV range

Tesla has updated its Model 3 with a range of subtle design and trim changes and improved efficiency that extends the driving range between six and 12 per cent across the three-model lineup.

Tesla has also wound back pricing by between 9 and 11 percent, presumably to account for recent rises in the value of the Australian dollar. It makes the updated car close to the price the Model 3 was selling at when it went on sale in Australia in mid-2019.

The most affordable Tesla model range can now travel up to 657km between charges.

The Model 3 also gets a new heat pump from the upcoming Tesla Model Y, something claimed to significantly improve efficiency (Tesla boss Elon Musk tweeted it “really makes the difference in cold weather”) and do a better job of heating the cabin.

New tyres have also improved efficiency, extending the range of all three models: Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance.

Tesla also says there are improvements to the powertrain and software that contribute to the increased range.

On the base Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus – which is $66,900 plus on-road costs (or about $72,000 drive-away, some 11 percent cheaper than before) the range between charges has extended from 460km to 490km.

Performance is the same as before, the base rear-wheel drive Model 3 claimed to top 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The Model 3 Long Range, which is $83,201 plus on-road costs (about $89,500 drive-away, or 11 percent more affordable than it was last week) drives all four wheels and lowers the 0-100km/h time to 4.4 seconds. Its range jumps from 620km to 657km.

The Model 3 Performance ($94,901 plus on-roads, or about $102,000 drive-away, a 9 percent price reduction) can scurry to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds. Its range has had the biggest improvement of all the Model 3s – a full 12 per cent – increasing from 560km to 628km.

While it’s the drivetrain tweaks that will no doubt impress many – EV range holds big bragging rights, as Tesla rival Lucid is proving – there are also significant trim updates on the Model 3.

Much of the exterior chrome has been replaced with satin black.

So while the Tesla badge remains in chrome, the door handles and side indicator repeaters are now black.

New wheel designs have also been introduced, including 20-inch “Uberturbine” wheels for the Model 3 Performance, which gets Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Inside, the black theme continues. The new Model 3 gets satin black plates on the door sills and “graphite black” electric seat controls.

The shiny piano black finish on various dash components – which is easily scratched – is replaced by a matte black finish.

The previously flimsy door to cover the console at the base of the dash has been replaced with a double inductive wireless phone charger. It’s accompanied by a sliding lid.

The Tesla Model 3 also now comes with a powered tailgate, allowing the boot to be opened via the smartphone app or by pressing a button on the car.

Even the sunvisors have been updated. They now come with a magnetic system to hold them in place.