2024 TESLA MODEL 3 FIRST DRIVE: THE MODEL 3 RECEIVES A SUBTLE BUT SOPHISTICATED UPDATE

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Tesla Model 3, codenamed 'Highland,' receives a subtle yet sophisticated update, focusing on comfort and refinement rather than outright performance gains. The exterior boasts a sharper, more aggressive design, while the interior is significantly improved with a quieter cabin, more premium materials, and the addition of ambient lighting. Key interior changes include the removal of physical stalks for turn signals and gear selection, now integrated into the touchscreen and steering wheel buttons, a move the reviewer finds takes some adjustment. The ride quality is a major highlight, being noticeably less jarring and more comfortable than previous models, thanks to retweaked suspension and quieter tires. While the rear-wheel-drive model sees no performance or range increase, the overall enhancements make it a more compelling base offering. Notably, the performance model is absent at launch, and the updated Model 3 is currently ineligible for federal tax credits, impacting its value proposition against the Model Y. Despite these points, the reviewer concludes it's a strong contender in the shrinking midsize electric sedan segment and a fantastic starting point for EV buyers.