2024 Tesla Model 3: Old games, new skin

Since last year, the future of the automotive industry, which was once speculated to go fully electric, has again become uncertain.  While Bangladesh's local car market has just started to introduce electric vehicle makers, globally, more and more companies are re-investing money on gas combustion engines and EVs are still far from catching the convention.

Yet, going the EV route is still the most feasible option for automakers in terms of sustainable alternatives and remains as a solid option to invest in. In this feature, we talk about a car from a company that started the "green" movement as a whole.

In 2024, the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 received a major refresh, with welcoming changes on the exterior styling but nothing substantial. The front fascia is sleeker than the predecessor, giving it a mature, yet fresher look to it. The ventless, uninterrupted muted look however, remains to the car.

The tail lights in the refreshed Model 3 now feature single units resembling curved light bars. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

A big focus of Tesla since the beginning was on minimalism, and in this new facelifted model, this is more prominent than ever. The LED headlights are thinner than before where the DRL's do a great job at accenting the shape of the lights. The tail lights went through a complete overhaul where the whole unit resembles a curved light bar which, in my opinion, looks fantastic, and does a great job at highlighting the "less is more" design language at the rear.

One thing more I would like to highlight is the camera galore that it has going on on each side with visible camera stocks on the fender lines and door sills, but perhaps the strict EU regulations led to the mirrors remaining untouched. Draping the fender lines comes a set of sticky 18'' vented wheels, with Michelin e-primacy tires to keep it stuck to the ground.

Once you unlock the car with your key card, unfortunately the bells and whistles stop. Although mind you, the interior is very minimal and easy to look at, but the only thing that sticks out is a large 15.4'' tablet-esque screen which controls the entirety of the vehicle and a steering wheel. There are no stocks, no gear levers, no knobs or buttons except two on the steering wheel— everything else? Controlled with the screen.

This screen packs nearly all the functions of the vehicle, including the gears. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

The cabin seats though, are made of leather and comfortable to sit in whilst being bolstered, and even when it comes to the rear benches comfort is uncompromised. But the absence of interactive buttons to control settings is borderline infuriating to say the least; where even choosing the gear in the car is done with the damn screen. Figuring things out feels like setting up a new phone, where dealing with the borderline clutter of the digital buttons needs some getting used to.

Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto are absent– quite absurd for a car with one too many digital features, but the infotainment makes up for it. The 9-speaker system in our test unit was actually great, perhaps the upgraded sound deadening with thick glass from an already silent car makes up for it; expect thumpy bass and high treble, a classic V- shaped sound profile for all the audiophiles out there.

Driving the Tesla though is nice. You slide ' a thing' on the screen to put it in gear and you are good to go. The steering is athletic and the suspension is just fantastic. The Model 3 can take corners and absorb bumps like a champ.

The bolstered leather seats are comfortable and there's adequate leg space. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

Since this is an electric car, the cabin is eerily quiet, you can almost hear passengers breathing. But the party piece is when you push the throttle the whole way, the 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds from our model can be instantly felt! As once the Tesla accelerates, you are literally yoked back in your seat.

Steering controls are responsive but the absence of the knob behind the steering wheel needs some getting used to. Expect random beeps at any given time from the sheer amount of obstacles on our roads which the car can brilliantly detect from its cameras and sensors. And for obvious safety reasons, we decided to skip the autopilot mode but the feature was there in our test mule.

Even the rear passengers receive their own screen for various features including climate control. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

The new Tesla Model 3 while being electric, in retrospect, is a great option for the city of Dhaka. Although the infrastructure is still developing, a home charger is easy to set up. When it comes to range, our all-wheel drive test mule is claimed to ensure of up to 550 km on a single charge. Since traffic in Dhaka is mostly stationary, the car does not use charge when idle and minimal when the AC is on.

At Tk1.2 crore, the Model 3 is definitely on the pricier side when compared to its direct competitor– the BYD Seal. It also slightly lacks behind in terms of performance. But as an EV, the Tesla will definitely ensure better road presence, apart from doing its job perfectly well going from point A to point B.

Specifications:

Motor: Dual Motor

Transmission: Single Speed Automatic

Max Power: 394 bhp

Max Torque: 511 Nm

Range: 550 km

Price: Tk1.2 Crore