Should You Consider The New Tesla Model 3 As Your Next EV?

The concept of electric vehicles (EVs) is a relatively old one in much of the Western world. One of the companies that can be considered as the pioneers behind this move has to be Tesla. The American brand blasted its way into the automotive space with the Tesla Roadster back in 2008, an all-electric sports car – Elon Musk was in fact one of the very first customers to take delivery of the Roadster.

Fast-forward to 2017, the Tesla Model 3 was introduced as the brand’s first-ever compact sedan. Today, not only is the Model 3 Tesla’s most affordable car, but it is also available in the UAE. Tesla has witnessed a fair amount of success in the UAE market. For 2023, the new Tesla Model 3 was launched with some cosmetic tweaks and a few other updates that make this the most desirable Model 3 to date. In the meantime, if you wish to purchase a used Tesla in the UAE, do visit YallaMotor right away.

Exterior of the new Tesla Model 3

While it might be the most affordable Tesla car around, the new Tesla Model 3 in no way (shape or form) looks like a cheap EV. The shape of the Model 3 has not changed since its debut seven years ago, but that doesn’t mean you should be disappointed. The front fascia has gone under the knife, where the headlights now are narrower with sleeker LED DRLs, along with a sportier-looking bumper with side inlets, and a prominent Tesla badge on the hood.

There aren’t any noticeable changes to the side profile of the new Tesla Model 3, while buyers have the option to choose between two 19-inch wheel designs. Where one looks cool and sporty, the other lowers drag and aids in improving the EV’s range. The rear houses a new set of C-shaped LED taillights that boast a sleeker design over the old model, and now come with a revised bumper that features a better air diffuser – further improving the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior of the new Tesla Model 3

The previous-generation Model 3 did not have the quietest cabin for a car in its class. However, with overall better cabin insulation, the new Tesla Model 3 should fare better than its predecessor and thus offer a quieter ride. While the design of the seats has not been changed as such, they are now upholstered in new and higher-quality material. Speaking of which, Tesla claims that it has upgraded the quality of materials found in the new Model 3 – the previous ones scored quite poorly on this front.

There is no particular mention of improving the space for the occupants in the new Model 3 by the company, so we have to assume that the interior will be just as compact for those seated in the back as the old car, but those up front wouldn’t have such complaints. The EV can still seat four adults in relative comfort as the seats are decently padded and supportive, while ventilated front seats will be a boon for UAE customers during the summer months.

One of the other really noteworthy changes to be found in the updated Tesla Model 3 is its new steering wheel, which has omitted the column-mounted stalks for the turn indicators and the transmission selector as well. This will really be felt by those who are moving from a traditional ICE car or an older EV, and is likely not what I would call the best of updates over the old Model 3. However, the interior feels more upmarket than before.

Tesla has also moved many of the physical controls to the 15.4-inch touchscreen, which can be irksome as well – the small readout for the car’s speed isn’t easily visible either. While the screen-based controls are absolutely fine in theory, in the real world, it is better to have tactile physical controls when on the move. The main touchscreen works well – it is quick to respond, almost lag-free, is crammed with features, boasts good graphics and entertainment & streaming options are aplenty.

Features of the new Tesla Model 3

The new Tesla Model 3 comes with customizable LED ambient lighting, all-around acoustic glass coverage, electrically-operated frunk and trunk, wireless charging, Tesla’s in-house 17-speaker audio system, an 8-inch touch-infotainment screen for rear passengers, remote access via the Tesla app, a Google-based navigation system, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control with auto-emergency braking, a voice command system, front & rear cupholders, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

However, the new Tesla Model 3 misses out on some relatively basic features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a tech giant like Tesla and a modern car like the Model 3, this is a big miss! The new Tesla Model 3 does get some cool features like Dog Mode, Camp Mode, and Sentry Mode. In Dog Mode, you can leave your dog (or any pet for that matter) in the car while you step out for a bit, and the climate control system will ensure that the cabin is kept cool and airy for your pet’s comfort.

In Camp Mode, the Model 3 will aim to maintain a pre-set cabin temperature and will also try to run the car’s entertainment system for a prolonged period of time. Meanwhile, with Sentry Mode activated, the Model 3 will send alerts to your phone if it detects potential threats around the vehicle. The top-end Tesla Model 3 Performance also comes with adaptive dampers, 20-inch wheels, Track Mode V3, and sport seats.

Performance of the new Tesla Model 3

The new Tesla Model 3 will be available in three variants – Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, and Performance All-Wheel Drive. The Model 3 Standard Range claims a maximum range of 513 km (WLTP) on a full charge, while the Model 3 Long Range has a claimed maximum range of 629 km (WLTP). Power consumption for the Standard Range is rated at 13.2 kWh/100km, with the Dual Motor Long Range Model 3 consuming 14.0 kWh/100 km.

The rear-wheel drive Model 3 can hit 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, while the dual-motor Model 3 with all-wheel drive will go from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The latter can accept DC fast-charging of up to 250 kW, with 15 minutes of charging resulting in a range gain of up to 282 km. The single-motor Model 3 can also gain the same amount of range when plugged in for 15 minutes, though its maximum charging speed is limited to 170 kW.

The range-topping Tesla Model 3 Performance has a maximum WLTP range of 528 km and gets all-wheel drive as standard. With 510 hp, the Model 3 Performance can hit 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and claims a top speed of 262 km/h – other variants are restricted to 201 km/h. Upgrades to the new Model 3’s steering, suspension, brakes, and tires mean better handling, flatter cornering, more confidence during spirited driving, and an overall better dynamic response when pushed hard.

If you are worried about the Tesla Model 3 range, fret not, as it is one of the longest-range electric cars currently in the market.

Price of the new Tesla Model 3

The price of the new Tesla Model 3 in the UAE starts from AED 167,990 for the base Rear-Wheel Drive variant, while the mid-tier Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive starts at AED 197,990. The price of the Tesla Model 3 Performance in the UAE starts at AED 219,990, making it the most expensive of the bunch.

If you are looking to buy used cars in Dubai, or are wondering what new car prices in Dubai are, YallaMotor has you covered. Similarly, we have all popular car brands in Dubai and also the most expensive cars in Dubai listed on our website.

Conclusion

So, should you consider the new Tesla Model 3 as your next EV? Well, if you want a modern electric sedan with modern features & design, capable handling & performance, and a relatively comfortable interior that is much better than older Tesla cars, then the 2024 Tesla Model 3 could very well be worth your while.

FAQs

How much will a Tesla Model 3 cost?

A: The Tesla Model 3 costs between AED 167,990 and AED 219,990 in the UAE, while the cost of a used Tesla Model 3 in the UAE is around AED 95,000.

How much does the Tesla cost in UAE?

A: The cost of Tesla cars in UAE are between AED 167,990 and AED 397,990.

Is Tesla Model 3 a luxury car?

A: The Tesla Model 3 is not a luxury car in the UAE.