Tesla has officially kicked off sales of the new Model 3 in China, and the first deliveries are to begin in just a few weeks, according to a post from the company’s official Weibo account.
The upgraded Model 3, known as Project Highland, was officially unveiled for China and several other markets last month. As with the original announcement that included pre-sale prices, Tesla says the new Model 3 will be priced higher than the previous version China, with the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant starting at 259,900 yuan (C$48,300/US$35,500), about a 12% increase compared to the previous price of 231,900 yuan. The LR now starts at 295,900 yuan (C$55,000/US$40,400).
More importantly however is that the first deliveries are expected to take place later this month, while new orders placed today should expect delivery in about 6 to 9 weeks, according to estimates on the online configurator.
$TSLA 🇨🇳
BREAKING: Tesla China begins deliveries of new Model 3 Highlands in late October! pic.twitter.com/fJf1QaRPoQ— Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) October 19, 2023
The new Model 3 comes with a host of changes, both to the interior and exterior of the electric sedan. The front end features an all-new design with new headlights and front bumper that no longer has fog lights and integrated side air vents. The rear also has a new look with new taillights and a new rear bumper with a diffuser that matches those found on the S/X/Y.
There are more substantial changes on the inside with new materials and design cues from the flagship Model S and Model X that give the Model 3 a more premium feel. Tesla also decided to go without gear and turn signal stalks, opting instead for capacitive buttons on a new steering wheel, along with Auto Shift and touchscreen controls.
While Tesla has increased the price of the upgraded Model 3 in China, it was the opposite story in the United Kingdom (UK). Earlier this week Tesla started taking orders for the new Model 3 at a lower price than before.
There is unfortunately still no sign of when the new Model 3 will arrive in North America. As we have previously reported, Tesla has been telling staff that they should not expect it until early 2024. The question even came up on yesterday’s earnings call, but Tesla didn’t answer it saying they don’t announce new products on earnings calls.
