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The newly refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3—also referred to as the “Highland” upgrade—has garnered early praise for its improved ride quality, refined NVH characteristics, and design enhancements. Munro & Associates’ recent hands-on review confirms this. Tesla didn’t just tweak the cosmetics; this is a serious overhaul aimed at better performance, comfort, and refinement. Our team breaks things down with our expert insights, emphasizing key design changes and what they mean for EV enthusiasts, engineers, and industry investors alike.
A Clear Step Forward in Handling and Ride
During real-world driving on Munro’s private test track—informally dubbed Featherstone Road—Sandy Munro immediately noticed a difference in suspension feel and steering response. The 2024 Model 3 delivered a smoother ride over washboard sections of the track, with no perceptible steering vibration. Compared to the prior Model 3 in Munro’s fleet, the Highland variant eliminates minor shake and jitter through the wheel, signaling improvements in both hardware and tuning.
Tesla appears to have leaned into a more performance-oriented calibration. Sandy likened the handling to that of a well-tuned BMW, only now with an edge in refinement. The suspension setup feels more mature, planted, and responsive—hints that Tesla may have introduced chassis modifications or recalibrations not yet visible without a full teardown.
NVH: Quiet Comfort by Design
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is an area where previous Teslas—especially earlier Model 3s—received criticism. This time around, Tesla prioritized cabin serenity, and it shows. Engineers at Munro noted that the Model 3’s new laminated glass is a game-changer. The front and rear glazing use different lamination strategies, likely inspired by what Tesla already implemented in the Model S.
The result is striking. Wind noise—especially around the A-pillars and windshield—has been dramatically reduced. Even fine details like the windshield wiper positioning and body lip near the hood contribute to aerodynamic smoothness, channeling airflow more cleanly and cutting down on turbulence-induced noise.
Sandy compared the interior noise level favorably with the Cybertruck, which he previously described as “like a tomb.” While not quite that silent, the 2024 Model 3 comes surprisingly close—a major win for Tesla’s evolving NVH strategy.
Structural and Safety Upgrades: More Than Skin Deep
One standout improvement is the introduction of a new three-point door latch system. Housed in a hefty cast or semi-solid forged hinge assembly, this system significantly reinforces side-impact protection. With battery packs growing in size and mass, side-impact dynamics are increasingly complex. Tesla’s structural integration—between body-in-white sill components and the battery itself—appears to have been upgraded to better manage crash energy.
The cast hinges and reinforced latch mounts also improve long-term durability and are typically seen in luxury vehicles like BMWs or Cadillacs. This move aligns the Model 3 refresh more with the premium segment than ever before.
Trunk and Frunk Refinements
Tesla hasn’t ignored the practical aspects either. In the rear, the tail light architecture has changed—now integrated into the trunk lid rather than split across body panels. This not only improves aesthetics but streamlines manufacturing and eliminates a previous styling complaint.
The trunk wiring harness also shows incremental but important upgrades. An injection-molded piece now reinforces the convoluted rubber sheath protecting the wiring—suggesting Tesla encountered issues with the previous setup and opted to invest more in protection.
At the front, the frunk sees cleaner design with better NVH sealing and improved service access. One notable change: the washer fluid reservoir has been relocated—possibly due to packaging conflicts or heating needs in cold climates. Every inch of space under the hood matters. And even minor component shifts can signal deeper architectural changes, such as a revised heat pump layout or more accessible service modules.
Interior Touches: Comfort Meets Ergonomics
Inside, the Model 3’s update continues with revised controls that echo those found in the Cybertruck. Gone are the stalks; turn signals and gear selection are now embedded into the steering wheel or controlled via the central screen. This streamlining gives the cabin a cleaner, more futuristic aesthetic while reducing parts complexity.
While Tesla has removed certain features, like fog lamps and physical stalks, they’ve added others. These include rear displays, improved lighting, and upgraded interior trim. These content trade-offs reflect a strategic cost balance. Tesla appears to be trimming where customer impact is minimal and investing where it adds perceptible value, such as laminated glass or door reinforcements.
A More Premium, More Expensive Model 3
For the first time, Munro confirms the upgraded Model 3 is now more expensive than the Model Y—a significant shift in Tesla’s product hierarchy. This signals Tesla’s confidence in the new design and its appeal to customers seeking luxury-grade refinement in a compact EV.
The cost isn’t just from new styling or infotainment; it’s embedded in upgraded structural components, NVH improvements, and revised packaging that increases perceived quality and comfort. Cast aluminum hinges, laminated windows, complex door closures—all represent cost additions that Tesla has historically avoided in pursuit of mass-market affordability.
Engineering Trade-offs: Smart Additions, Calculated Subtractions
The 2024 Model 3 is a textbook case in lean engineering evolution. Tesla selectively adds cost where it boosts long-term satisfaction—like reducing cabin noise or adding safety structure—and removes less-used elements like fog lamps or physical stalks.
This is a hallmark of Tesla’s iterative design philosophy: test, learn, adapt. As Sandy noted, Tesla is excellent at gathering feedback, listening to customers, and implementing those learnings quickly. That agility shows in this refresh.
Final Verdict: The Best Model 3 Yet?
Sandy Munro’s summary says it best—this is the best Model 3 Tesla has ever made. From handling to NVH to component design, it’s a significant leap forward, not just a facelift. Where prior refreshes felt cosmetic, this one feels engineered.
For automotive engineers and EV analysts, the Highland refresh offers a window into Tesla’s evolving manufacturing priorities. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement while foreshadowing strategies likely to appear in future vehicles—including the Model 2 or Roadster 2.0.
For investors, it signals Tesla’s move further into the premium category, with better margins supported by meaningful product enhancements. And for consumers, it promises a quieter, sharper, more satisfying drive.
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