Tesla has updated the Model 3 again with a new design accent recently introduced in the new Model Y in China and the long-awaited heated steering wheel.
2021 Tesla Model 3
Tesla officially launched the Model 3 2021 refresh with more range and new features in October of 2020, but as we previously reported, the refresh is still sort of ongoing.
The automaker started introducing changes to the Model 3 produced in China first, like the chrome delete, and they added new features like double-paned windows, powered trunk, and a new center console.
With the update, Tesla also introduced “under-the-hood” improvements, like a new heat pump and a new battery pack with higher capacity.
New Tesla Model 3 Updates
Now, Tesla is again updating the Model 3 made-in-China and like previous changes, we expect that it will soon come to the Model 3 produced in the US.
Last week, we reported on Tesla updating the interior design of the Model Y electric SUV based on an update to the Model Y configurator in China as they are starting production at Gigafactory Shanghai.
One change was a new wood panel inside the doors of the Model Y, and now we see that the change has made it to the Model 3 too:
Tesla has also added a heated steering wheel, which has been a long-awaited option, which we heard was coming with the 2021 Model 3 update.
In the Chinese configurator, you can see the new option when choosing the premium interior, which is available for Model 3 Performance buyers:
However, like it has been the case with previous Tesla options, we believe that the hardware is becoming standard and Tesla is likely to offer the heated steering wheel option as a software upgrade through its mobile app to buyers of the cheaper version of the vehicle.
While these changes are currently only reflected in the Model 3 made-in-China, we expect Tesla to make those changes to the Model 3 vehicles produced in Fremont in the coming weeks months — making them accessible to North American customers.
Stay tuned for more information.
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Author: Fred Lambert
Source: Electrek
