Yahoo Autos Tesla Model 3 Highland First Look: Exterior and Interior Review
The Tesla Cybertruck may have stolen the headlines (yes, even ours), but it's not the most important new product Tesla has launched in recent months. Last fall, Tesla also revealed its first significant refresh of its game-changing sedan, the Model 3. It's referred to as the Highland, and I got up close and personal with one at Chicago Auto Show. And while I didn't have a chance to drive it, some of the biggest changes are simply to the exterior and interior, which is discussed here.
There's not a huge amount to report regarding the Model 3's body. The big change is to the front fascia, where it features a new bumper and headlights. Instead of the upturned snout we've seen for years on the 3 and Y, the Highland gets a far more ordinary, straightened out nose. The headlights lose their boomerang shape, too, and get crisp little corners at each end. It's far less distinctive than before, but simultaneously seems more handsome; a lateral move if anything. The tail gets a slight tweak, too, with C-shaped taillights. They're a bit more interesting design-wise, but they're also super easy to miss.
So it's time to hop inside. With a combined press and pull of the flush door handles, the Tesla reveals an interior that definitely looks similar to its predecessor. But give it a moment, and you start noticing the changes, and they're actually quite welcome. The most noticeable change is the long, arcing ambient light strip that carries from one door panel, up and around the dash to the base of the windshield, and back around to the other door panel. It's reminiscent of a similar arcing trim piece from the late Jaguar XJ. The lighting can be customized, too. It all adds some welcome visual interest to the dash, rather than simply being a featureless shelf. This is probably the best application yet of Tesla's uncompromisingly minimalist interior design.
Somewhat strangely, though, Tesla no longer seems to offer a wood grain dash trim. They've opted for a fabric-covered panel instead. It's nifty, and we generally like seeing upholstered panels in other cars, particularly with unique fabrics. But it's a little disappointing to see the wood grain option go away, as that helped bring some welcome warmth to Tesla's fairly cold aesthetic.
Another change to the Model 3 Highland is the steering wheel. Tesla has ditched stalks for functions such as turn signals, opting instead to use steering wheel buttons. While we're fans of buttons, not for turn signals. Nevermind that we've all been programmed to use turn signal stalks, their advantage is that they remain stationary when turning the wheel. You always know where they are. By contrast, the Highland's turn-signal buttons are constantly moving. We mentioned this on the Cybertruck as well, but that's less of an issue because it has fast-ratio steer-by-wire, which means that you're far less likely to turn the wheel over multiple times, and can likely keep your hands in the same spot on the wheel most of the time. It's just a silly decision done in the name of minimalism (but really cost cutting) that doesn't contribute significantly to that theme. And to be fair, they aren't a good idea in various Ferraris, either.
