Tesla Model 3 2024: Prices, specs and release date

• New Tesla Model 3 fully overhauled for 2024
• Fresh styling includes new lights and paint colours
• Overhauled interior is quieter and better quality
• Ordering open with prices from £39,990 and deliveries from January 2024

The new Tesla Model 3 is now on sale in the UK, with sharper styling, an improved interior, more range – and, surprisingly, even more affordable prices.

The updated Tesla Model 3 aims to build on the electric car’s success since its UK launch in 2019. Sales have been strong and the American electric car firm aims to given them a further boost with this even more competitive new model.

The new Tesla Model 3 will provide an even sterner challenge to rivals such as the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Polestar 2, Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-e. The new BYD Seal is a recent new alternative too.

2024 Tesla Model 3 prices and release date

New Tesla Model 3 prices are even lower than the previous version. For the first time, the Tesla Model 3 costs from less than £40,000, with the new Rear-Wheel Drive version now priced from £39,990.

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive version costs from £49,990, which is still less than the entry-level price of key rivals.

The new Tesla Model 3 is open for ordering now with first UK deliveries expected from January 2024.

2024 Tesla Model 3 styling, interior and technology

The new Tesla Model 3 has a smoother look courtesy of distinctive slimline LED headlights at the front. The compact lights have a more eye-catching LED daytime running light, and sit above an aero-optimised front bumper. There are no front foglights, with the feature now part of the LED lights themselves. 

The new Tesla Model 3’s sharper body lines make it look more modern, despite the similar overall saloon profile to the outgoing car. They also improve aero efficiency, with the new Tesla Model 3 boasting the lowest drag of any Tesla, at just 0.219.

It gets redesigned wheels too, which also help it slip through the air more cleanly. Even the tyres have been updated to make them more aerodynamic.

The new Tesla Model 3 is available in two new colours. Ultra Red is a multi-coat paint that’s described as a high-chroma colour and replaces the old Red Multi-Coat. Stealth Grey replaces Midnight Silver Metallic.

At the rear, the new Tesla Model 3 has sleek new 3D-style tail lamps. These LED units are now integrated into the bootlid, which helps improve fit and finish (note, the Tesla Model 3 is a saloon – if you want a Tesla with a hatch, choose the Tesla Model Y). 

Inside, the new Tesla Model 3 again has a similar layout to the current car, but quality and attention to detail have apparently been significantly improved. Tesla says the interior is where the most noticeable improvements to the new Tesla Model 3 can be found.

Instead of plain plastics, the new Tesla Model 3 uses a broader mix of materials including real aluminium, textiles and other premium finishes. The redesigned centre console has a real aluminium covering and front and rear USB-C charging ports each deliver up to 65W of power – enough to recharge a laptop.

The latest Tesla Model 3 has all-new seats front and rear, offering greater comfort and support. The seats in the front are ventilated and heated, while the rear seats are heated. There is a new 8.0-inch rear display too, with integrated climate control, ventilation and entertainment. Tesla says there’s plenty more to come with this new device, through over-the-air updates.

In the front, the new Tesla Model 3 uses the same 15.4-inch centre display as before, but a thinner bezel gives a larger screen area. It still doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Tesla says Bluetooth will sync everything from contacts to music. “Class-leading” connectivity has 30% better mobile phone coverage, 50% improved signal and double the Wi-Fi range.

The new Tesla Model 3 also has built-in support for Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal. The standard stereo has nine speakers, a subwoofer and amplifier.

For the first time it also gets ambient lighting. A lighting strip wraps around the full cabin, from front to rear, and offers a choice of colours.

There’s a controversial aspect in the new Telsa Model 3, too – it doesn’t have any column stalks behind the steering wheel. Indicators are instead operated by haptic buttons on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. To turn right, press the button at the top, with left turns indicated by the button at the bottom. Tesla says they auto-cancel – and automatic wipers are backed up by a wash-wipe button on the right of the steering wheel.

The new Tesla Model 3 doesn’t even have a drive selector. Instead, P, D and R are operated through the central touchscreen. The driver swipes down on the left-hand side, with the gearshifter automatically appearing when they brake or at low speeds.

An ‘Autoshift Out Of Park’ feature is in beta, which automatically chooses either Drive or Reverse, according to your surroundings, once you’ve closed the door, put on your seatbelt and pressed the brake pedal.

2024 Tesla Model 3 battery, performance and efficiency

The new Tesla Model 3 is offered in two versions, either Rear-wheel Drive or Long Range All-Wheel Drive. Both have a top speed of 125mph.

The new Tesla Model 3 has around 250PS for 0-62mph performance in 5.8 seconds. Tesla doesn’t officially disclose battery capacity, but it is understood the regular model has a 57.5kWh capacity. On standard 18-inch wheels, it has a range of 344 miles.

The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive has dual electric motors producing around 350PS. 0-62mph performance takes 4.2 seconds. It is understood to have a 70kWh battery for an EV range of 421 miles on 18-inch wheels. Choose the optional 19-inch wheels and the range drops to 390 miles.

The new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive can DC rapid-charge at speeds of up to 170kW. The new Tesla Model 3 Long Range can rapid-charge at speeds of up to 250KW.

Safety is improved by a new blind spot indicator in the upper speaker grille on the door. A tiny, bright LED shows up when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot.

According to Tesla, wind noise is improved by 30%, there’s 20% less road noise and 25% less noise from bumps. This is achieved by all-round acoustic glass, improved suspension seals and more sound dampening material.