Model 3 Highland: Tesla Goes Back to Basics

For today’s test drive, we’re behind the wheel of the new Tesla Model 3 Highland in its RWD version—a perfect opportunity to discover how Tesla has evolved its bestseller. The Tesla Model 3 has been in production since 2017 and arrived in Europe about two years later, quickly conquering the market thanks to its competitive price and Tesla’s pioneering role in the democratization of electric vehicles. Over time, the Model 3 has evolved through constant software and hardware updates, such as the introduction of a heat pump in 2021. In 2023, the Model 3 underwent a radical update with a facelift dubbed “Highland.”

This new version brings several changes, refining a project that was already immensely successful. Over the years, we’ve had the chance to test the Long Range and Performance variants, but never the “entry-level” version if we can even call it that—which is what we’re driving today. A great chance to see what this configuration has to offer and what the facelift has introduced. The new Model 3’s exterior has been updated to modernize its lines without drastically changing the familiar shape. The front now features new LED matrix headlights with a sharper design reminiscent of the more elegant Model S. At the rear, subtle tweaks to the taillights and diffuser give the car a cleaner, more contemporary look.

The test vehicle is finished in Stealth Grey (€1300), paired with 18-inch Photon wheels. Inside the Tesla Model 3 Highland, the upgrades become even more compelling. The new seats offer improved comfort over the previous generation and finally include ventilation in addition to heating, providing a premium experience year-round. A particularly welcome addition is the customizable ambient lighting, which adds a modern touch and creates a more inviting atmosphere.

Another important upgrade is the introduction of double-glazed rear windows, further improving the cabin’s acoustic insulation and overall comfort. The central touchscreen, now slightly larger, remains the heart of the car’s controls, offering an intuitive and responsive interface. For rear passengers, Tesla has added an 8-inch display—ideal for media consumption or adjusting the climate control—significantly enhancing comfort and onboard entertainment.

Build quality has also taken a step forward: solid assembly and premium materials give the cabin a more refined and robust feel. However, there’s one downside—the removal of the stalks for turn signals and gear selection. These controls are now managed via the steering wheel and touchscreen, a change that may take some getting used to, especially for those less familiar with Tesla’s minimalist approach. So how does the new Tesla Model 3 Highland drive? As owners of the previous generation in the same RWD configuration, the comparison is inevitable.

The Highland offers a refined chassis that feels noticeably more comfortable than the previous version, without sacrificing handling precision. The car sticks to the road even in the most demanding corners, thanks to a well-balanced weight distribution and carefully tuned suspension. Unfortunately, the OEM tires—Michelin E-Primacy at the time of the test—don’t quite do justice to such a well-designed chassis. Compared to the earlier version, the steering feels less sharp, reducing the car’s twitchiness and making for a more relaxed driving experience—a change likely to appeal to a broader audience.

The Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD maintains the same powertrain as the previous generation: a 60 kWh LFP battery and a single rear-mounted electric motor. This configuration strikes a perfect balance between performance and range. However, the efficiency—already excellent before—has been further improved thanks to a slightly better drag coefficient, helping to lower consumption. During our test, which covered around 3000 km, we recorded an outstanding average consumption of just 13 kWh/100 km. On the highway at a steady 130 km/h, consumption rose to around 18 kWh/100 km, while in urban driving, careful driving saw figures drop to around 10 kWh/100 km.

These numbers confirm Tesla’s ability to maximize efficiency without compromising performance. Charging speeds are equally impressive, with a DC fast-charging peak of 170 kW, allowing a 20–80% charge in under 25 minutes at Tesla Superchargers. On AC, the onboard charger supports up to 11 kW, ensuring solid versatility for home and public charging. Software has always been one of Tesla’s strengths, and the Model 3 Highland is no exception. The interface remains clean and intuitive, with improved responsiveness that makes every action feel instantaneous.

Thanks to OTA updates, the system continually evolves with new features and refinements, keeping the car technologically up-to-date without requiring trips to a service center. One particularly awaited update finally activated the full functionality of the Matrix LED headlights, which were introduced with the facelift but initially inactive. Now, the system works perfectly, intelligently adapting the light beam to maximize visibility without dazzling other drivers—a big improvement in safety and another example of Tesla’s forward-thinking approach. With a starting price of around €40,000 (excluding options such as paint, advanced Autopilot, or custom wheels), the Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD is undoubtedly a best-buy in its segment. It strikes a near-perfect balance of range, efficiency, comfort, and technology, making it one of the most complete offerings on the market. Whether you need a long-distance cruiser or a practical everyday vehicle, this version of the Model 3 delivers. At the end of the day, there are no true competitors that can match its overall package at this price point—and for that reason, we can confidently crown it the queen of its category.