The Tesla Model 3 has received a thorough facelift for 2024, with new features, longer range and even more temptingly affordable prices.

The new Tesla Model 3 arrives in early 2024 with a series of significant updates to the firm’s popular electric car. And instead of those buying or leasing a new Tesla Model 3 having to pay more, prices have actually been cut.

The new Tesla Model 3 is marked out by a new front and rear design, plus an enhanced interior with better quality, more comfortable seats and an improved centre touchscreen. There are big changes underneath too, with a longer range and better driving dynamics.

The new Tesla Model 3 will provide an even sterner challenge to electric rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, Polestar 2 and BMW i4. Recent price cuts to the Ford Mustang Mach-E will boost the challenge from another all-American alternative as well.  

New 2024 Tesla Model 3 price and release date

New Tesla Model 3 prices are even more competitive than the outgoing car. There are now two versions on sale. The new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive costs £39,990, which is £3000 less than the previous entry-level Tesla Model 3.

The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive costs £49,990.

The new Tesla Model 3 has been released for ordering now, and first UK deliveries begin in January 2024.

New 2024 Tesla Model 3: exterior and interior

The new Tesla Model 3 receives a series of styling updates to mark it out from earlier models. At the front, slim new LED headlights have an eye-catching LED daytime running light strip, while the internal headlight structure is finished in moody matt black.

The front bumper of the new Tesla Model 3 is reprofiled to help it slip through the air more cleanly. This contributes to an ultra-low aerodynamic drag factor Cd of just 0.219. That’s the lowest of any Tesla, and helps extend the new Tesla Model 3’s EV range.

The new Tesla Model 3 has an updated range of alloy wheels, which also help improve aerodynamics. 18-inch wheels are standard, and deliver the best range. 19-inch wheels are a £1500 option.

The new Tesla Model 3 has revised C-shaped lights at the rear as well. They are now integrated into the bootlid for a more cohesive look, and the structural design is set off by super-bright coloured LED lighting. ‘Tesla’ lettering also features on the bootlid.

There are two new paint colours for the new Tesla Model 3. Vivid Ultra Red replaces the previous (pricey) Red Multi-Coat. Stealth Grey, a rich dark grey, replaces Midnight Silver Metallic.

The new Tesla Model 3 has a range of interior updates to improve quality, comfort and practicality. There are upgraded materials throughout, including real aluminium and plush textiles, to help lift the premium feel of the new Tesla Model 3.

Customisable multi-colour ambient lighting in the new Tesla Model 3 stretches across the full cabin, from the dashboard into the doors.

The redesigned centre console of the new Tesla Model 3 is covered in aluminium. Above it are dual wireless phone chargers. There is a USB-C socket in the front and two in the rear, all of which deliver up to 65W of power, enough to fast-charge computer laptops and more.

The new Tesla Model 3 features a 15.4-inch centre touchscreen display. It is brighter and more responsive, with a thinner bezel giving a larger, more usable screen area. But while it includes support for Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality remain missing.

The new Tesla Model 3 has all-new seats both front and rear. They now offer cooling ventilation as well as heating – that’s both front and rear – with the controls integrated into the centre screen.

Notably, those in the rear of the new Tesla Model 3 now have their own 8.0-inch touchscreen display. This allows access to climate control, ventilation and entertainment – and Tesla tantalisingly promises there’s more to come via over-the-air updates.

The new Tesla Model 3 even has improved connectivity. Bosses promises a 30% improvement for range, 50% better signal strength plus in-car Wi-Fi that’s twice as strong. Hands-free call quality is improved through additional microphones.

Controversially, the new Tesla Model 3 no longer has column stalks behind the steering wheel. Indicators are now on the left-hand steering wheel touchpad, with the windscreen wash-wipe button on the right side. Drive and reverse is selected by swiping up or down the left-hand side of the centre touchscreen.

The new Tesla Model 3 has keyless entry, auto power-on and auto handbrake disengage. The gearshift display on the centre screen appears when you press the brake pedal, and pops up again at low speeds.  

New 2024 Tesla Model 3: battery, range and performance

The new Tesla Model 3 is offered in two versions. The new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive has a single electric motor producing 250ps, which gives 0-62mph performance in 5.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 125mph.

Battery sizes for the new Tesla Model 3 are not disclosed, but it is understood the new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive has a 57.5kWh battery. With standard 18-inch wheels, it has a range of 344 miles. Choose the 19-inch wheels and this drop to 318 miles. It has a DC rapid-charge speed of up to 170kW.

The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive has two electric motors, producing a total of 355ps. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, with the top speed again electronically restricted to 125mph.

The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive is understood to use a 75kWh battery. It has an impressive range of 421 miles on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, or 390 miles on the optional 19-inch alloys. It has a DC rapid-charge speed of up to 250kW, perfect for the latest third-generation Tesla Superchargers.

The new Tesla Model 3 will be more comfortable thanks to revised suspension and improved tyres. It’s quieter, with 30% less wind noise, 20% less road noise and 25% less impact noise when hitting potholes. It has noise-reducing ambient glass all round, which an enhanced sound system capitalises on. There are nine speakers, a subwoofer and amplifier on the new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, and 17 speakers (plus dual subwoofers and dual amplifiers) on the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

Improvements to the bodyshell of the new Telsa Model 3 help improve its crash safety. There are also clever active safety features, including blind spot indicators in the upper front speaker grilles. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, a red light appears in the speaker grille.

The new Tesla Model has a 594-litre boot, and a useful 88-litre front boot, or ‘frunk’. The new Tesla Model 3 measures 4720mm long, 1850mm wide and 1441mm tall.

Can’t wait for a new Tesla Model 3? Time to consider a Polestar 2…

The stylish Polestar 2 is a sporty five-door fastback alternative to the Tesla Model 3. It has a range of power outputs and battery sizes, and serves up an entertaining drive combined with a cool, sustainable image.

The Polestar 2 was introduced in the UK in 2019, meaning there is a broad selection of used Polestar 2 now available to choose from.

If you're ready to buy we've got 1000s of Used Cars for Sale, while if you're looking to save money, check out our guide to the Best Car Deals.

Looking for more new car news?

The new Citroen e-C3 is a super-affordable new electric car that aims to make EV motoring more accessible. If you need something more practical, the new Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat large family SUV arrives in 2024. Another new Skoda we’re looking forward to here at heycar is the 2024 Skoda Superb. It's set to offer even more space than the acclaimed current car, plus a plug-in hybrid model alongside core petrol and diesel versions. For all the latest news, check out our guide to all the best new cars of 2023.