The electric revolution has been all around for a while, and I finally took a test drive of the all-new Tesla Model 3 Highland. Let me tell you, this electric sedan is a game-changer with pocket-friendly, high performance, and upgraded features on the go.
This 2024 Tesla Highland model is a redesign of the 2017 launched, popular mid-size electric sedan. Tesla has users across the globe and it has taken over the world with its Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in the electrical car segment.
What’s New for Tesla 2024?
Tesla has entered the year 2024 with a new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland. Tesla has given up on its traditional mid-cycle update and went all-in with the “Highland” upgrade. While there is only a minute of styling upgrades, the impact is big and easily felt when I sit for the test drive.
The coming highland updates are set to enhance its global performance with its sleeker front end, a quieter cabin due to sound-deadening materials, and more acoustic glass, along with a comfortable interior with upgraded materials.
Moreover, the Tesla Model 3 Highland also gets upgrades in the wheel-steering column along with transmission shifter stalks.
Tesla Model 3 Highland Specs:
- Fast Charging: 15 min Recharge can take you up to 175 miles
- Styling with Maximum Aerodynamics: A single charge can take you 341 miles (EPA est.) with updated exterior styling optimized for maximum aerodynamics.
- Made for Long Drives: AWD Dual Motor makes it fit for long drives
- Sophisticated Materials: Feel classy with premium materials
- Strong Infotainment System: Power up your audio entertainment with up to 17 speakers, dual subwoofers, and dual amplifiers.
- Adjustable Ventilation: You can monitor the ventilation of your front seat from your phone or adjust it to automatically change with climate controls.
- Clear Calls and Dual Charging Portal: Enjoy clear talks on a call with top-level microphones and charge two phones at the same time.
- Upgraded Infotainment System: The infotainment system has also witnessed an upgrade with an 8” touchscreen that allows climate controls or watching your favourite show.
- Easily Available and Fast Charging: Charge it anywhere, everywhere as you go with faster and more efficient charging.
- A Quieter Cabin: Ditch the road noise with a quieter cabin enabled by 360-degree acoustic glass.
- UV-Resistant Glass Roof: Stay protected from harmful UV rays with all glass roof
- One do-it-all Tesla App: Control everything from a one-do-it-all Tesla app. Pre-heat or cool your car, plan a route with charging stops, and much more
Pricing and Which One to Buy?
The Tesla Model 3 Highland comes in two main trims: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The base RWD starts at a very competitive price point, making it the right option for budget-minded EV enthusiasts. The Long Range AWD bumps the price up a bit, but rewards you with some serious range and neck-snapping acceleration – more on that later.
Tesla Model 3 Highland Rear-Wheel Drive version: $38,990
Tesla Model 3 Highland Long AWD model: $45,990
Choosing between the two depends on your priorities. The RWD offers a fantastic everyday driving experience with decent range, while the Long Range AWD is a beast for road trips and those who crave instant acceleration and that adrenaline rush. Honestly, both versions left me impressed, but for the extra driving thrills, the Long Range AWD might be my pick.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Performance
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or shall I say, the cheetah in the garage? Tesla has made the claim of 0-60 MPH time and 125 MPH highest speed in just 4.2 seconds. The dual motor all-wheel drive configuration combines to produce 394 horsepower and 337 pound-feet in the Long Range option. While this was already there, there is the pre-updated model. This level performance trim elevates the driving experience to a whole new level.
But here’s the thing – electric performance isn’t just about straight-line speed. The Tesla Model 3 Highland, in any trim, handles like a dream. The instant torque delivery and low center of gravity make cornering the best.
The energy consumption estimates are another great thing to consider about the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland. The RWD model is provided with 132 MPGe, however the Long Range is comparatively low with a 131 MPGe estimate. Both the models have 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options and the same consumption estimates.
Tesla Model 3 Highland Interior
Tesla’s minimalist approach to car interiors has always been a point of contention. While some love the clean, tech-focused design, others find it a bit sterile. The Highland refresh attempts to address this. The new center console offers more storage space, and along with replacing the traditional steering wheel, the overall feel is more premium. The all-glass roof adds a sense of airiness, and the improved build quality is evident throughout the cabin.
The massive 15-inch touchscreen that dominates the center console. It’s your command center for everything from climate control to navigation to the mind-blowing Autopilot system. The responsiveness and user interface are top-notch, making it a joy to use (once you get used to not having physical buttons for everything). The rear seat is provided with an 8.0-inch display to adjust the ventilation and even use it for entertainment.
Here are some of the top interior features of Tesla Model 3 Highland:
- 15.4-inch central and rear 8.0 infotainment displays
- Up to 17-speaker audio system
- Ventilated, temperature control, and electrically adjustable front seats
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- An auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Dual wireless charging for smartphones
- Sound insulation with acoustic glass roof
- Multi-tasking steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
Tesla upholsters the cabin in black sustainable leather. However, If you want the black-and-white combination, you can get it for $1,000.
Upsized Trunk Capacity
The Tesla Model 3 Highland comes with an increased trunk capacity. It has improved daily usability to 21 cubic feet from 19.8 cubic feet. This is the total cargo volume and it is unclear how Tesla will increase it without interfering with the car’s platform. The gearheads may be upset due to the unavailability of a hatchback design, however, this disappointment will be balanced out with the boosted cargo space.
Interior Dimensions
| Front | Rear | |
| Headroom | 40.3 Inches | 37.7 Inches |
| Legroom | 42.7 Inches | 35.2 Inches |
| Shoulder Room | 56.3 Inches | 54 Inches |
| Cargo Capacity | 3.1 Cu.Ft. | 19.8 Cu.Ft. |
Tesla Model 3 Highland Exterior
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 Highland remains largely unchanged, and that’s a good thing. It’s a sleek, modern design that continues to turn heads. The subtle updates for 2024, like the sharper front fascia and revised tail lights, just add a touch of refinement without losing the original appeal. The minimalist lines and flush door stay true to Tesla’s commitment to clean design.
While some may find it a bit too futuristic, I think it strikes a perfect balance between sporty and sophisticated, here is how:-
- Comprehensive exterior redesign
- New Stealth Gray and Ultra Red paint options
- New wheel options
- Revised multifunction steering wheel
Exterior Dimensions
| Length | 184.8 Inches |
| Width | 72.8 Inches |
| Height | 56.8 Inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 Inches |
| Front Track | 62.2 Inches |
| Rear Track | 62.2 Inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,862 Pounds |
Impressive Charging, and Battery Life
This is where the magic happens. The Tesla Model 3 Highland offers some seriously impressive range figures, depending on the trim you choose.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland
The RW Tesla Model 3 utilises a 57.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which can cover over 272 miles on a single charge according to EPA estimates. If you use One plug, it can take up to 91 hours for the battery to charge from zero to 100%. Using a level two plug can speed up charging and it will take just 10.4 hours for complete charging. And to add to the surprise the level three supercharges will just take 25 minutes to charge it from 10%-80%.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range
The 79 kWh battery of the long-range can go up to 358 miles on a one-time charge. Charging from the house socket can take up to 120 hours, while the level two-point will run this time to 11.5 hours. However, you can charge it in just 27 minutes with a level three DC fast charger.
| 57.5 kWh Battery | 79 kWh Battery | |
| Range | 272 miles | 358 miles |
| Level 1 AC 110V Charging time (0-100%) | 91 Hours | 120 Hours |
| Level 2 AC 220V Charging time (0-100%) | 10.4 Hours | 11.5 Hours |
| Level 3 DC 440V Charging time (10-80%) | 25 Minutes | 27 Minutes |
What is the Safety Factor?
The Highland Upgrade is minutely engineered with safety features like high-level 360-degree visibility and 250m powerful vision processing, energy-absorbing side sills, a safer battery pack placed low in the vehicle to reduce rollover risk, and a metal body to withstand the car’s weight.
Tesla has a global five-star crash test rating and it continues to stay true to its commitment to safety. All the safety features of Tesla Model 3 Highland remain the same as the previous model. This means, like the previous model, the IIHS and NHTSA remain valid along with the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award of 2022.
The Tesla Model 3 Highland comes with Tesla Autopilot, which includes:
- Dynamic cruise control with autosteer
- Forward collision detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind Spot detection
- Enhanced navigation
- Improved automatic lane change
About Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Tesla Model 3 Highland comes with a basic vehicle warranty that covers maintenance for up to 4 years or 50,000 mi, depending on whichever happens first. The warranty for the battery and drive unit is 8 years or 120,000 mi depending on whichever comes first.
In the End
From a sleek new look, and great performance to an affordable price tag, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland is a greener choice for car buyers who are budget and environment-conscious. It has already been released across markets in Europe, China, the Middle East, and the United States and soon it will be available in India between April and May 2024.
FAQs
The cost of the Tesla Model 3 Highland may vary based on its two variants. The starting price of the Tesla Model 3 Highland Rear-Wheel Drive version is $38,990 however it is $45,990 for the Long AWD model.
Tesla Model 3 Highland is available in two colors- Stealth Grey and Ultra Red. The colorings are designed to change with light and angle.
The top speed of the Tesla Model 3 Highland is 0-60 MPH acceleration at 4.2 seconds for 125 miles per hour.
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