Everything You Need To Know About The 'Refreshed' Tesla Model 3

author: Manish Kharinta   

Tesla recently announced that its upcoming range of electric vehicles will no longer come with two different options for regenerative braking. Now the world's most valuable automaker is getting ready to introduce a refreshed version of its mass-market Model 3 sedan.

The upcoming version of the Model 3 is poised to receive a wide range of new updates, including add-on features and some new styling elements. 

In China, Model 3 sedan rolling off the assembly line at Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory will come with new features such as double pane glass windows and a blacked-out exterior trim.

The laminated glass windows have been redesigned to reduce road noise, which is a challenge for Tesla, since the electric powertrain is so quiet that wind and tire noise often makes its way into the cabin. The new glass though should help make the cabin a bit quieter. 

It has also been reported that the new Model 3 will receive a power tailgate as standard across all versions. To use the new feature, the refreshed Model 3 will include a push-button closing mechanism and anti-pinch safety feature similar to the one offered on Tesla's Model Y crossover.

The refreshed Tesla Model 3 will also share its interior door handle mechanism with the Model Y crossover. The sedan will now be offered with illuminated user-friendly exit buttons.

Reports also suggest that Tesla will also equip the Model 3 with improved weather stripping to prevent water accumulation in the trunk, which some Tesla Model 3 owners have reported in their new cars.

The latest Model 3 is getting some interior updates.

Inside the cabin there are a number of new changes. Tesla has revamped the older steering wheel controls in favor of all-new metallic thumb scroll wheels. There were also rumors about Tesla adding a heated steering wheel to the updated interior ensemble, but so far Tesla has not disclosed any further information about the update.

The central tunnel that sits between the front seats is also getting a makeover. Instead of the shiny black piano finish, the new unit will come with a soft-touch brushed plastic panel. The central tunnel also comes with a micro-suede wireless phone charger console to help protect devices.

In addition to the updated driver controls, the glove box will include additional USB ports, which are always welcome in today's digital world as an extra place to charge electronic devices.

These additional USB ports will also make it easier for customers to use the Model 3's Sentry Mode theft deterrent system. Tesla will likely also offer a 64 GB flash drive as standard with the upcoming sedan.

With the additional USB port, Tesla owners will be able to insert a formatted USB drive into their car before they enable Sentry Mode. In the event of an attempted break-in, owners will be able to download a video recording of an incident using Sentry Mode, which begins 10 minutes prior to the time a threat was detected.

In addition to the interior changes, the charging ports for the rear AC vents have been switched from standard USB to Type-C fast charging ports but this update might be exclusive to the China-made models where many people own iPhones.

Outside the car, The wheels of the Model 3 updated model have been redesigned along with some minor cosmetic changes to the headlights. 

Finally, with the current climate surrounding the safety of Tesla's updated Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, we might have to wait quite a while to find out whether the company will offer it on the upcoming Model 3 sedan.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.