In a significant stride towards its official launch in China, the eagerly awaited Tesla Model 3, also known as the Highland upgrade, has been listed in a comprehensive catalog of upcoming models by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This heralds the final preparatory step before the car is officially introduced to the Chinese market. During the week of September 13-19, the public has the opportunity to peruse the essential specifications of the vehicle and provide valuable feedback. Subsequently, the regulatory approval process will proceed to its culmination.

Of particular interest to enthusiasts are the additional specifications of the Tesla Model 3, now unveiled on MIIT’s official website.

Dual Variants: Single-Motor RWD and Dual-Motor AWD

The Chinese variant of the new Tesla Model 3 offers consumers two distinct versions: the single-motor rear-wheel-drive (TSL7000BEVAR7) and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (TSL7000BEVBA4), denoted as the Tesla Model 3+. It’s worth noting that the Performance version is conspicuously absent from this lineup.

According to MIIT, the base model of the Tesla Model 3 continues to be equipped with CATL-supplied batteries (likely of the LFP type), while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD) version relies on LG Energy Solution’s cylindrical 2170-type NCM batteries. However, specific battery capacity figures remain undisclosed.

Revised Dimensions Enhance Aerodynamics

The Tesla Model 3 Highland boasts subtle dimensional alterations compared to its predecessor. It gains a slight increase in length, measuring 185.8 inches (4,720 mm) compared to the outgoing model’s 4,694 mm. However, the width and height have been reduced to 72.8 inches (1,848 mm) from 1,850 mm and 56.8 inches (1,442 mm) from 1,443 mm, respectively. Notably, the wheelbase remains unaltered at 113.2 inches (2,875 mm). These changes, coupled with design refinements, contribute to the car’s improved aerodynamics, achieving an impressive drag coefficient of 0.219, compared to the previous figure of 0.23.

Assuming that the battery capacity remains constant, the primary reason behind the increased driving range of the new Tesla Model 3 Highland is its enhanced efficiency.

Enhanced Efficiency Leads to Extended Driving Range

The base model of the new Model 3 offers a commendable 377 miles (606 km) of CLTC range, representing a nine percent increase over its predecessor. In the case of the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD) version, the improvement is slightly smaller at 5.6 percent, providing a range of 443 miles (713 km).

MIIT’s website also reveals pertinent details regarding the vehicle’s powertrain. The Tesla Model 3 RWD features a 194-kilowatt electric motor in the rear, while the LR AWD version boasts an additional 137-kW electric motor in the front.

Pricing and Performance

The pricing for the MIC Tesla Model 3 RWD is set at $35,636 (259,900 CNY) and offers a range (CLTC) of 377 miles (606 km), accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

For the MIC Tesla Model 3 AWD, the price stands at $40,572 (295,900 CNY), offering a range (CLTC) of 443 miles (713 km), 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

Weight and Tires

The curb weight of the new Tesla Model 3 is 3,880 pounds (RWD) and 4,019 pounds (LR AWD), with the total weight of the LR AWD variant reaching 4,971 pounds. The LR AWD version is fitted with 235/45R18 front tires and 235/40R19 rear tires.

Future Prospects

The Tesla Giga Shanghai plant has already commenced production of the new Model 3, although customer deliveries in China are not expected until the fourth quarter of 2023. Furthermore, these vehicles are also being shipped to Europe, where the eagerly anticipated Highland edition has made its grand entrance. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development in the world of electric vehicles!