The 2024 Tesla Model 3 refresh, dubbed the “perfect starter EV,” has been making waves in the automotive world, according to a detailed review by tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) on his car review channel, Auto Focus.
The refreshed Model 3, often referred to as “Highland” by enthusiasts, although not officially named so, brings several new features and improvements that set it apart from its predecessors.
“I am very, very impressed with this car right here,” MKBHD begins, highlighting the vehicle’s new distinctive angular headlights and sleek design as the first noticeable changes. The Model 3 refresh also introduces two new paint options, Ultra Red and Stealth Gray, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
“This is the Tesla Model 3, the 2024 refresh. A lot of people are calling it the Highland,” said MKBHD, emphasizing the vehicle’s importance in Tesla’s lineup as possibly their most crucial car due to its visibility and popularity.
Significant improvements include an enhanced drag coefficient of 0.219, contributing to a better range and aerodynamics. The car boasts a full state of charge range of 330 miles, which is impressive given its size and category. “So officially the new drag coefficient is 0.219, and that’s mostly gonna come from the front of the car and the places that are hitting the most air,” says Brownlee.
Inside, the Model 3 refresh sees a substantial upgrade in material quality and comfort, moving in the direction of premium and luxury. The absence of blinker and driver stalks, replaced by touchscreen and steering wheel controls, marks a significant interior design shift towards a more minimalist and futuristic approach.
“There are lots of little things in the direction of premium, in the direction of comfortable, and in the direction of luxury a little bit,” MKBHD observes, pointing out the car’s quieter cabin, softer suspension, and improved speaker system as key enhancements for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Despite these changes, the core essence of the Model 3 remains, with the vehicle still offering an easy calibration for one-pedal driving and maintaining its status as a leader in the EV market due to its comprehensive charging network and software capabilities. “This really feels like a mini Model S,” MKBHD remarks, appreciating the balance Tesla has struck between innovation and maintaining the beloved features of the Model 3.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 refresh, with its blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, is seen as a significant step forward for Tesla’s most visible model. “This is the car I would recommend so easily to anyone just looking for a first EV,” concludes MKBHD, positioning the refreshed Model 3 not just as a continuation of Tesla’s legacy but as a flagship vehicle that could define the future of electric mobility.
MKBHD spent about a week with this new Model 3. He was also one of the first to publish a review of Tesla’s Cybertruck.
Check out this video review below:
