Tesla has quietly rolled out some welcome upgrades to the Model 3 and Model Y -- though not everyone will receive them just yet. The latest changes to the popular electric vehicles are landing in Asian and European markets, including the UK and Australia, while official US availability remains unconfirmed.
The Tesla Model 3 benefits the most. There's now a front-facing camera built into the car -- just like the refreshed Tesla Model Y -- complete with integrated heating and a washer system to keep the camera lens clear in all conditions. Owners have been asking for this sort of visibility upgrade for years, and while it is subtle, it's a change you notice right away when navigating tight city streets or complex parking spaces.
Tesla has also brought back something many drivers missed -- a turn-signal lever. The cars previously used touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, which divided driver opinion. Tesla confirmed that a retrofit option is available for the stalk, but not for the camera.
The indicator stalk has returned to the Tesla Model 3.
The Model 3 and Model Y also benefit from extended range, thanks to upgraded battery packs with higher-density cells. In the Model 3 lineup, the Rear-Wheel Drive variant now offers up to 323 miles WLTP on 19-inch wheels or an estimated 344 miles on the standard 18s. The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive reaches 466 miles WLTP on 18s, up from 436 miles previously. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive goes to 445 miles WLTP on 18s, while the Performance stretches from 328 to 355 miles WLTP.
On the Model Y side, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive now covers 390 miles WLTP on 19-inch wheels or 372 on 20s, compared with 364 and 353 miles before. It's not a revolutionary increase, but I've found that even a small bump in range makes a meaningful difference to how confidently you plan longer trips.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
There's also a minor change worth noting: The Tesla "T" logo has disappeared from the front of the Model 3. The branding on the trunk remains, but Tesla is clearly continuing its trend of minimal exterior badging.
So far, these updates are limited to Asia, Europe, the UK and Australia. US customers may feel left out, but there are hints of what's coming. A handful of Model 3 Performance owners in the States have already shared photos online of their cars sporting the new front-facing camera, suggesting a staggered rollout is happening behind the scenes -- although nothing official has been confirmed.
Read more:Â Best Electric Cars and EVs for 2025
