After months of waiting, we finally have our first look at the new Tesla Model 3 headlights in action.
Drive Tesla was first to exclusively report on these new headlights when we received a picture of them in August. A few months later they were rumoured to be coming with a long list of other changes, most of which have now appeared in the refresh 2021 Model 3’s being delivered right now.
We have since learned the new headlights won’t be appearing on North American cars, and instead will be limited to EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) bound Model 3’s.
Other than a sighting of the new headlights on a pre-refresh Model 3 in China earlier this month, we have yet to see them appear on cars from Giga Shanghai. According to a recent video uploaded to YouTube, it appears that may no longer be the case.
In the video, uploaded by DDCar, the Model 3 with the new headlights is put side-by-side against another Model 3 with the previous generation headlights. Although it’s difficult to tell because of the uneven surface the lights are projected on to and the ambient light, the new headlights are definitely brighter and illuminate more of the wall with distinct edges.
According to the owner, the new headlights “feel more concentrated, with slightly higher brightness, while the new version has a wider range.”
Here is a comparison of the new headlights on the regular setting (left) and when the high beams are turned on (right).
After we revealed the photo earlier this year, there was some speculation they could be adaptive headlights based on the new bulb. The owner also confirmed this is not the case. At one point in the video the wheels are being turned, but you can see the bulb is not turning at the same time.
Separately, an owner in the UK reportedly received the new headlights on his recent delivery, and also uploaded a video to YouTube showing them off while driving down the road at night. We can’t confirm these are actually the new headlights as they are not shown in the video.
Check out both videos, and let us know what you think in the comments section below. If anyone can translate what is being said in the video, please let us know.
