What is it?
The Highland refresh arrived in Australia in 2024 and is the most significant update the Model 3 has received since launch. New nose and tail, acoustic glass all round, a rear passenger touchscreen, and the Performance variant returned to the line-up in late 2024.
The lineup runs from Rear-Wheel Drive at $54,900 plus on-roads, through to Performance at $80,900 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 4 years, 80,000 km (vehicle).
Interior and Technology
Supercharger network is the single biggest reason Australian buyers pick a Model 3: 250 kW peak DC, mapped native, no app or card. 629 km WLTP on Long Range AWD is segment-leading for the price.
No driver instrument cluster, everything lives on the central 15-inch screen. The Highland refresh also removed the indicator stalk in favour of wheel buttons. 4-year warranty trails Korean and Chinese rivals at 7 years.
Should you buy the Model 3?
Reasons to buy
- Supercharger network is the single biggest reason Australian buyers pick a Model 3: 250 kW peak DC, mapped native, no app or card. 629 km WLTP on Long Range AWD is segment-leading for the price.
- Warranty: 4 years, 80,000 km. Battery: 8 years, 160,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2023), full driver-assist suite.
- 594 L total including frunk boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- No driver instrument cluster, everything lives on the central 15-inch screen. The Highland refresh also removed the indicator stalk in favour of wheel buttons. 4-year warranty trails Korean and Chinese rivals at 7 years.
- You want a longer factory warranty (Korean and Chinese rivals at 7 years and up), Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a sharper price (BYD Seal), or a traditional dashboard layout with stalks.
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. If you live in CarPlay, the Highland is a non-starter.
- Top trim climbs to $80,900 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Tesla Model 3 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
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