As you may already know, Tesla is currently the best plug-in electric car in Australia. Tesla Model Y has closed the year as the overall bestseller, with more than 3,000 units delivered in November. But now we may see the 2024 Tesla Model 3 beat that record with its various improvements.
The Tesla team innovated the updated Model 3 sedan (also called “Project Highland”) based on the feedback of the owners of the previous variants. It officially launched in September 2024, albeit fans began leaking its pictures as early as March of the year.
Australia was one of the few regions first to receive the 2024 Tesla Model 3- even before the US market. Quite a handful of consumers have already received their orders. It’s how I’ve managed to put together this article, which aims at showing you how the new make compares to the original.
Verdict: 5 Best Changes on the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Australia
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a longer drive range than previous models
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a second infotainment for rear passengers
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a relatively quieter cabin than old models
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has comfy seats with a heating and cooling system
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has an improved suspension for smoother driving
Not-so-Good Changes on the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Australia
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has no stalk for drive modes or signals
- The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a lower top speed than previous models
2021 vs 2024 Tesla Model 3: An Overview Specs of the Electric Cars
| Older Tesla Model 3 | 2024 Tesla Model 3 | |
| Model Variant | Long Range AWD (Dual Motor) | Long Range AWD (Dual Motor) |
| Battery Capacity | 75.0 kWh | 75.0 kWh |
| Max. Speed Limit | 233 KM/H | 201 KM/ H |
| Battery Range (single charge) | Up to 602 KM | Up to 629 KM |
| Acceleration | 4.4s in 0-100 KM/H | 4.4s in 0-100 KM/H |
| Front Infotainment | 15 inch | 15.4 inch |
| Rear Infotainment | None | 8 inch |
| Drive Controls | Physical stalks | Touch bar/ strip |
| Seats Climate | Heating only | Heating & Ventilation |
| Wireless Charging | YES | YES |
| Sound Quality | 15 speakers + subwoofer | 17 speakers + dual amplifiers & subwoofers |
| Acoustic Glass | Front windows & extended roof | All windows & extended roof |
| Tow Capacity | 750/1000 kg | 750/1000 kg |
Are you an owner of the 2019 or 2021 Tesla Model 3 car? As you can see in the chart, the 2024 release has a pack of features you definitely will be jelly about. One of these features is the noticeably quieter cabin.
The new Tesla Model 3 interior is quieter than that of the older model as all windows and expansive roof glass are acoustic glass. Yes, the 2021 release did have acoustic glass as well, except only for the front windows.
With the 2024 Tesla Model 3, you have the acoustic glass on the front and rear windows. The new design on the end part of the bonnet also sends the wind more smoothly over the windscreen. So, the cabin is quieter, with lesser road noise and wind noise than previous versions.
The noise reduction isn’t the only change on the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland. A few extra additions/ improvements you might like include:
Other Features & Performance of the 2024 Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 Australia is Now Cheaper!
Well, Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car you can get when brand-new right now. The idea of the automaker behind this was to appeal to the customers looking for lower-cost electric vehicles, which in turn would expand its market base.
As of now, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 price in Australia is $61,900 for the RWD (Rear-wheel drive) version. Then, the Dual-Motor AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) or Model 3 Long Range has a tag of $71,900.
When we compare the Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y cost, the former takes the point in both the RWD and Long Range models. The launch pricing of the new variant is also relatively lower than its predecessors.
For instance, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 started at $66,000 to $85,000. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 started at $66,900 for the entry-level variant and $83,200 for the long-range version.
All the prices I’ve listed exclude the road fees and other local charges- like the Stamp Duty and Plate fee.
Tip: if the 2024 Tesla Model 3 drive-way price is higher than expected, you can always check out with the loan option of small monthly payments.
Tesla Model 3 Australia has Super-Comfy Seats
The idea behind the new Tesla Model 3 was to make it Super-Comfy and more luxurious than before. Has the designers achieved this?
Yes, indeed! To begin, the 2024 Model 3 sedans still have an uncluttered minimalist interior. The interior is also available in black or white finish. But you’ll notice the dashboard of the black version now has a felt-like panel covering instead of faux wood on previous versions. Then, there’s a strip of LED lights that extends to the doors- controlled from the infotainment.
To make the Tesla Model 3 interior more cozy, they have redesigned all the seats with bolstering and perforations for extra sleekness.
Besides sleekness, the perforations on the front seats work to blow cool air when the vegan leather material gets hot. All the seats, like the steering wheel, have retained the warming feature for cold weather.
Tesla Model 3 Australia has Brighter infotainment
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a 15.4-inch infotainment system instead of the 15-inch size in previous models. It also seems brighter and more responsive.
The display is still on the side of the steering wheel, which some people find a little inconvenient, though.
Tesla Model 3 Australia has no Traditional Stalk
Sadly, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Australia has no physical drive stalk for drive features like the preceding variants. Instead, it has a touch bar strip on the infotainment for the various drive modes. Use this strip bar to shift between the Parking, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive modes.
Also, the refreshed electric Sedan has no stalk for the signal lights as well. If you’d like to take a turn, press the appropriate arrow button on the left side of the steering wheel. Then, the headlight button shown next to these arrows enables the headlight modes.
The left-right side of the steering wheel is where the Tesla team has added the feature for wipers and washers of the vehicle.
Note: Tesla Model 3 Australia is still a smart car like its pricier sisters and has various auto features to enhance your driving experience.
For instance, the car has automatic modes for the turn signals to turn off after completing a maneuver. It also has an auto mode for the wipers to turn on when raining and the windscreen is wet.
Tesla Model 3 Australia Cool Climate Control
In the new Tesla Model 3, you’ll have everything the previous car version could achieve. But for the cabin to be more comforting for everyone, you can not only pinpoint where to direct the air flowing from the vents. The vehicle also has the option to turn off the vents of the front passenger while leaving the climate control system still on.
Do note that the passengers on the rear seats have their own controls for the climate system. The best part, this control system is as sleek and intuitive as the one at the front.
Tesla Model 3 Australia Has Extra Comfort for Passengers
Yet again, unlike its predecessors, the 2024 Tesla Model 4 is more comforting and entertaining for the passengers at the rear. It has a rear infotainment system, like we see in the Tesla Cybertruck, that the people here can use to control various features of the car.
Some of these features you can control with the rear touchscreen display include climate, front seats, plus playing music, videos, and games.
As an extra icing, the rear display has the option to pair with Bluetooth headphones. So, the driver and the front passenger can continue enjoying the blasting stereo while the teens at the back play their games.
Speaking of the stereo, Tesla has upgraded the sound system of the Model 3. You now get to enjoy the Tesla’s signature beats with 17 speakers (instead of the previous 14), plus double subwoofers and amplifiers.
Tesla Model 3 Australia Now Goes Farther
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 performance is another improved feature, with an acclaimed battery range of up to 629km. In comparison to the previous models, this is an extra 25+ kilometers you can cover on a single charge.
Of course, the new Tesla Model 3 still has the same battery of 75KWh. However, the designing team made some changes to the aerodynamics and reduced the drag coefficient from 0.225Cd to 0.219Cd. (At these figures, the Sedan is the most aerodynamically efficient Tesla car in the market).
Nevertheless, the 2023 Model 3 has dropped the speed limit to 201KM/ hour (from 233Km/ hour and 225KM/ hour for the old Long-Range and RWD models respectively).
Tesla Model 3 Australia is Smooth on Rough Road
When driving the 2024 Tesla Model 3, you’ll also notice a significant difference when on the rough road. The reason here is that Tesla has upgraded the suspension system of the new car, allowing it to handle bumps more smoothly.
The redesigned tires of the EV have also helped in handling rough roads and bumps. But as we’ve seen above, it has also sacrificed the speed limit a little bit.
Other Features of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Australia Are the Same
While there are still some details of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 that are fresh, these are the main changes. Remember, the car was just having a facelift to address the most common complaints from the users of the older versions of the car and also improve comfort.
So, many features of the old Tesla are still in the new model. Examples include:
- Autopilot mode
- Chrome delete
- Connectivity
- Pedestrian warning system
- Active safety features
- USB ports at the front and rear
- Wireless charging at the front
- Glove box (opened from infotainment)
- Cameras for the rear, front, side, and cabin
- Storage at the front, rear, and interior.
