Arete International, the exclusive distributor of Tesla in Nepal, has introduced the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland for Rs 1.35 crore. Since its original release in 2017, the Model 3 has mostly remained unchanged, but now Tesla has provided several noticeable tweaks to its mainstream electric sedan.

The refreshed Model 3 has a longer range, rated at 550 km WLTP for the Standard Range Plus Rear-Wheel Drive (SR RWD) version when equipped with 18-inch Nova wheels. This represents a remarkable 11-12% improvement over the current Model 3 WLTP ratings.

The increased range largely comes from improvements in aerodynamics, with a sleeker hood and low-profile headlights compared to the old model, channelling air more efficiently around the vehicle, reducing drag and improving overall aerodynamic performance.

As a result of these aerodynamic improvements, the Model 3 Highland achieves a remarkable coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.219, the lowest in Tesla’s lineup and a notable reduction from the previous Model 3’s Cd of 0.225, which improves range by 5-8% on its own.

The 58 kWh battery pack of the Model 3 Highland, paired with a single rear-wheel-drive electric motor, provides 198 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque. Its dimensions include a length of 4720mm, a width of 1,850mm, and a height of 1,441mm. The ground clearance, initially at 138mm, can be increased to 184mm with an optional lift kit.

The 2024 Model 3 Highland undergoes notable interior enhancements. Rear seat passengers now have access to climate controls and entertainment through the new 8-inch touchscreen at the rear. Physical buttons are minimized, with the gear selector integrated into the touchscreen and turn signal buttons relocated to the left side of the steering wheel.

Additional features include ventilated seats, customizable interior ambient lighting, improved Bluetooth microphone performance, an expanded audio system with 17 speakers (up from 14), a full glass roof, a larger rear trunk capacity increased to 594 liters from 561, a new blind spot indicator, and a quieter interior achieved through the use of new materials and 360-degree acoustic glass.

Tesla vehicles are designed to ensure maximum safety. With a total of eight cameras, which together with state-of-the-art image processing technology enable a 360-degree panoramic view, the vehicle’s safety system is designed to minimize the likelihood of collisions or even prevent them completely.  The Tesla Model 3 Highland also gets the ‘Active Hood’ safety feature that aims to reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision, by raising the bonnet’s rear by 80 mm for cushioning. Apart from the new Active Hood feature, the new Tesla Model 3 Highland also gets metal hooks on the lower section of the door to keep them aligned in the event of a crash.

In addition to the already existing exterior colors white, black, and blue, which were available for the previous Tesla Model 3, Tesla has now added two additional color options, stealth gray and ultra red, for an extra premium.

The Model 3’s closest rival is the BYD Seal in the Nepalese market.