Within hardly 24 hours of its unveiling, automotive journalists started releasing their first impression reviews of the new Tesla Model 3 Highland.
Tesla actually had already lined up a premiere of the new Model 3 for selected YouTube influencers and automotive outlets at an undisclosed location in Norway. Tesla invited outlets like AutoTopNL (Netherlands), CarWoW (UK), and Fully Charged (UK & Europe) — all videos below.
The most talked about feature in all these reviews was the Model 3 Highland’s improved aerodynamics. The previous generation Tesla Model 3 had a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd and the new generation Highland Model 3 takes it even further to 0.219 Cd.
However, most of the journalists and enthusiasts are saying that the new Tesla Model 3 is the most aerodynamic Tesla car ever made. However, the Tesla Model S has a better drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd.
Tesla Model Y has a Cd of 0.23 just like the previous-gen Tesla Model 3. So the new Model 3 Highland is the most aerodynamic compared to the Model Y, Model X, and the previous-gen Model 3, not the new Model S or Model S Plaid.
Tesla has made subtle changes to the exterior of the new Model 3 in addition to the more obvious ones we covered in our detailed report yesterday. These new design changes Tesla has made help with the overall aerodynamic fine-tuning of the vehicle.
The improvements in the aerodynamics of the new Tesla Model 3 result in a 5-8% more range as compared to the previous model. Tesla has achieved a new milestone in energy efficiency (fuel consumption) with the redesign of its Model 3 compact luxury sedan.
The new Tesla Model 3 Highland is not just more efficient and aerodynamic, it is also even safer. Tesla just leveled up the safety of the safest sedan in the world. Robert Llewellyn from Fully Charged reports in his video that Tesla has further strengthened the doors of the Model 3 Highland. This reinforcement will help Tesla Model 3 tackle side-impact (t-bone) accidents even better.
Robert even tried closing the doors of the new Model 3. The doors give a better thumping sound compared to the previous generation Model 3 EV he owns. Fully Charged even named its Tesla Model 3 Highland video ‘Game Changer?’, let’s watch Robert’s review:
In addition to the new smaller rear screen, Robert experienced better legroom and space on the back seat of the new Tesla Model 3. Since he owns the previous model, he can easily differentiate between the two. The new sound system in Highland has 17 speakers and is a thing to praise.
This is an amazing car — if you ever have the chance to drive one you won’t be disappointed, it really is extraordinary!
Robert Llewellyn / Fully Charged Show
A Tesla owner from Norway also got a chance to test drive the new Model 3 Highland yesterday. According to his Reddit post, he was amazed by the big leap Tesla has made in terms of driving experience compared to the previous model.
u/asksombody also owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3, and he says that the previous model feels like a ‘horse carriage’ compared to the new one (maybe a bit exaggerated but he might have gotten more excited after driving it for the first time).
“It’s very quiet! The new sound system is definitely an upgrade with more punch and clarity, especially at medium sound levels,” he said.
Mat Watson from Carwow UK drove in an old Tesla Model 3 to the location of the premiere. He did this to have a fresh idea of the difference in both vehicles when he got the chance to test drive the new Model 3 Highland.
As a result, the new Model 3 can travel further than the old car. It Long Range edition comes with the same 75kWh battery pack as before, while the Standard Range keeps the same 57kWh pack. However, the range on the Long Range car has now been increased from 374 miles to 423 miles! The car also comes equipped with two motors to produce 490hp and 490Nm.
On the inside, there are a number of new features. The seats now come with ventilation, and there’s an LED light bar that runs along the side doors and across the dash. The stalks have also been removed from the steering wheel, with indicator buttons now added to it.
Carwow
Stay tuned for constant Tesla updates, follow us on:
Google News | Flipboard | X (Twitter) | WhatsApp Channel | RSS (Feedly).
Related
- Tesla update 2026.2.3: hidden features, Service Mode FSD updates, battery recalibration, more
- Tesla update 2026.2.3 goes wide release, explore new features and release notes
- Tesla launches Model Y Standard AWD in the US with reasonable price, range, and better acceleration
- Tesla replaces standard Autopilot with TACC, Musk explains why
- Tesla begins Robotaxi service without safety monitors (Unsupervised FSD) in Austin, Texas (videos)
- Tesla offers a 5-year, Unlimited KMs warranty on 2026 Model 3 and Model Y in Australia and New Zealand
.){kind=link}
423 miles at 75 kilowatt hours equals 187.999 miles per kilogram of hydrogen (423 ÷ 75 * 33.33333 = 187.999), very impressive, should put a fuel cell in that thing.