The Tesla Model 3 Highland, a significantly updated version of Tesla’s popular electric sedan, represents the company’s ongoing commitment to refining its core product. Introduced in September 2023, the Highland revision (often referred to as a facelift) focuses on enhancing interior quality, improving aerodynamics, and increasing real-world range. Positioned in the compact executive car segment, the Model 3 competes with vehicles like the BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Long Range variant, equipped with a 79 kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive, is a key offering within the Model 3 lineup, balancing performance with extended driving range.
Tesla Model 3 (Highland) Long Range: An Overview
The Model 3 Highland builds upon the foundation established by the original Model 3, which debuted in 2017 and played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles globally. The “Highland” designation refers to internal codename for the extensive refresh. This update isn’t a ground-up redesign, but rather a comprehensive overhaul of existing elements, resulting in a more refined and competitive vehicle. The Long Range model specifically targets drivers seeking a blend of performance and practicality, offering a substantial range for both daily commuting and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The Model 3 Highland Long Range utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. Unlike some other electric vehicles that employ a single motor, Tesla utilizes independent motors – one driving the front wheels and one driving the rear. The front motor is an asynchronous induction motor, producing 215 horsepower, while the rear motor is a synchronous motor delivering 283 horsepower. Combined, these motors generate a system output of 440 horsepower and 493 Nm (363.62 lb.-ft.) of torque. This configuration allows for rapid acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 201 km/h (124.9 mph). Power is delivered through a single-speed automatic transmission, characteristic of most electric vehicles. The powertrain architecture is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), relying entirely on electricity for propulsion.
Design & Features
The Model 3 Highland retains the sleek, fastback sedan profile of its predecessor, but incorporates subtle yet significant design changes aimed at improving aerodynamics. The front fascia has been redesigned with a more streamlined appearance, and the headlights are reshaped for enhanced efficiency. The drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.219, contributing to improved range. The interior has undergone a more substantial transformation, with a focus on premium materials and enhanced comfort. A key change is the replacement of the traditional instrument cluster with a larger, central touchscreen display, and the addition of an ambient lighting system. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and features a trunk with a minimum capacity of 594 liters (20.98 cubic feet). Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as Autopilot, though full self-driving capability remains an optional upgrade. The Highland update also includes improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, resulting in a quieter and more refined cabin experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tesla |
| Model | Model 3 |
| Generation | Model 3 (Highland, facelift 2023) |
| Type | Long Range 79 kWh (440 Hp) Dual Motor AWD |
| Start of production | September, 2023 |
| End of production | October, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan, Fastback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 201 km/h (124.9 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.2 kg/Hp, 240.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 269.7 Nm/tonne |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 79 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 355 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery weight | 456 kg (1005.31 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 629 km (390.84 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 14 kWh/100 km (22.53 kWh/100 mi) |
| MPGe | 150 |
| km/kWh | 7.1 |
| mi/kWh | 4.4 |
| Electric motor 1 power | 283 Hp |
| Electric motor 1 Torque | 420 Nm (309.78 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor 1 model/code | 3D7 |
| Electric motor 1 location | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 1 type | Synchronous |
| Electric motor 2 power | 215 Hp |
| Electric motor 2 model/code | 3D3 |
| Electric motor 2 location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 2 type | Asynchronous |
| System power | 440 Hp |
| System torque | 493 Nm (363.62 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1828 kg (4030.05 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2232 kg (4920.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 404 kg (890.67 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 594 l (20.98 cu. ft.) |
| Max. roof load | 64 kg (141.1 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4720 mm (185.83 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1933 mm (76.1 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2089 mm (82.24 in.) |
| Height | 1441 mm (56.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2875 mm (113.19 in.) |
| Front track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Front overhang | 868 mm (34.17 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 977 mm (38.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 138 mm (5.43 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.219 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 320×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 335×20 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R18; 235/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19 |

