Tesla’s updated Model 3 sedan has been available in the U.S. for about a month now. Recently, the company’s designers and engineers showcased the new design enhancements in a video.
The Model 3, which was first introduced in 2017, is Tesla’s most affordable electric car. The refresh was much anticipated and aims to keep the Model 3 popular.
One of the vehicle designers explained that they streamlined the original design by removing what he referred to as “baby fat,” resulting in a sleeker and more athletic look.
At the rear of the car, designers removed split lines to create a cleaner appearance. They also added new color options, including a bold “Ultra Red” and a sophisticated “Stealth Gray.”
Tesla has also made the Model 3 quieter inside. This improvement was partly achieved by adding a small ramp on the edge of the hood, which better deflects the wind at both high and low speeds.
Inside the car, designers made subtle but significant changes to enhance the overall experience, such as improving the wraparound feel and updating the LED lighting. A new display has been added for the second-row passengers, allowing them to control the climate and adjust seat heaters, among other features.
Ventilated front seats, one of the most requested features by customers, have been included in this refresh. An upgraded steering wheel with haptic interface controls is also part of the new package.
Tesla is facing increasing competition in the electric vehicle market and recently lost its top sales spot to Chinese automaker BYD. The company, led by Elon Musk, hopes that the refreshed Model 3 will help it maintain strong sales numbers.