Tesla Model 3 Gets Bigger 16 Inch Screen, More Power and Faster Acceleration
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Tesla has given the Model 3 another round of updates in North America. This time, the changes are small but useful. The sedan gets a larger touchscreen, the Model 3 Performance gets more power and range, while the Premium AWD version is now quicker from 0 to 60 mph.
Tesla does not always wait for a traditional model year to introduce changes. Instead, the company can add new equipment or revise specifications during the production cycle.
For the latest Model 3 update, Tesla has kept pricing unchanged while adding several upgrades.
Tesla Model 3 Gets a New 16 Inch Touchscreen
The most noticeable change inside the updated Tesla Model 3 is the new 16 inch central touchscreen.
The previous Model 3 used a 15.4 inch display. The new screen is larger and reportedly offers higher pixel density. Tesla has made the 16 inch screen standard across the Model 3 range.
The larger display is not exactly a surprise. Tesla has already introduced a similar 16 inch screen in the Model Y, and the latest Model 3 update brings the same idea to the sedan.
The rest of the Model 3 interior remains focused on Tesla’s familiar minimalist layout, with most vehicle functions controlled through the central display.
Tesla Model 3 Performance Now Has 528 HP
The biggest mechanical change comes to the Model 3 Performance.
Tesla now lists peak power at 528 horsepower, compared with the 510 horsepower figure associated with the Performance model when it launched in 2024.
That is an increase of 18 horsepower.
Interestingly, Tesla has not changed the official 0 to 60 mph acceleration figure. The Model 3 Performance still claims a 2.9 second 0 to 60 mph time. Tesla’s current specifications also list a 2.9 second acceleration time and a 163 mph top speed.
So, despite the extra power, Tesla is not claiming a faster acceleration time for the Performance model.
That may sound a little strange, but more power does not automatically mean a better published acceleration number. Traction, battery output, software calibration and other factors also matter.
Model 3 Performance Gets More Range
The Model 3 Performance also gets a small range improvement.
Its estimated range increases from 309 miles to 316 miles, giving the car seven additional miles on a full charge.
That is a modest increase, but it is useful because the Performance version has traditionally traded some range for stronger acceleration and track focused hardware.
Tesla’s current Model 3 Performance specifications list the range at 316 miles.
The Performance model also gets a black headliner as part of the latest update.
Tesla Model 3 Performance Changes
| Specification | Previous Model 3 Performance | Updated Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 510 hp | 528 hp |
| 0 to 60 mph | 2.9 seconds | 2.9 seconds |
| EPA estimated range | 309 miles | 316 miles |
| Center touchscreen | 15.4 inches | 16 inches |
| Headliner | Previous design | Black |
The main takeaway is simple. Tesla has added power and range without changing the headline acceleration figure.
Model 3 Premium AWD Is Now Quicker
The Model 3 Premium AWD gets a more noticeable acceleration improvement.
Tesla now claims the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The previous claimed figure was 4.2 seconds.
That means the updated Premium AWD is 0.4 seconds quicker according to Tesla’s latest claim.
Tesla has not explained exactly what caused the improvement.
There is no confirmed power figure associated with this acceleration change, so it would be wrong to assume that Tesla simply increased the motor output.
The range also remains unchanged at 346 miles for the Premium AWD model. Tesla’s current specifications list 346 miles of EPA estimated range for the dual motor Model 3 Premium.
Model 3 Prices Remain Unchanged
One of the more interesting parts of this update is that Tesla has not added a separate charge for the new equipment.
The Model 3 continues to start at $38,630 in the U.S. according to Tesla’s current pricing information. The Model 3 Performance is listed at $56,630.
Tesla’s pricing can vary depending on configuration, destination and other charges, so buyers should check the Tesla configurator before placing an order.
The latest update therefore gives buyers more equipment and improved specifications without turning the changes into a traditional paid package.
Tesla Model 3 Still Does Not Get V2L in North America
There is one notable feature that remains missing from North American Model 3 cars.
Tesla has introduced vehicle to load, or V2L, functionality for the Model 3 in several overseas markets, including China, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
V2L allows the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to external equipment. In simple terms, the car can act as a large mobile power source.
The feature is not currently listed for the North American Model 3. Other markets have received different equipment and specifications, showing that Tesla is continuing to tailor the Model 3 according to region.
Tesla has not clearly explained why the North American version does not get the same functionality.
What Has Changed on the Tesla Model 3?
The latest update can be summed up without making it sound bigger than it is.
A new 16 inch central touchscreen replaces the 15.4 inch display.
The larger screen is standard across the Model 3 range.
Model 3 Performance power increases from 510 hp to 528 hp.
Model 3 Performance range increases from 309 miles to 316 miles.
Model 3 Performance gets a black headliner.
Model 3 Performance still claims 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Model 3 Premium AWD improves from 4.2 seconds to 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Premium AWD range remains at 346 miles.
North American cars still do not get the V2L function available in some overseas markets.
Tesla has kept pricing unchanged with the update.
Is the Updated Tesla Model 3 a Major Upgrade?
Not really, and that is probably the point.
Tesla has not redesigned the Model 3 or introduced a completely new powertrain. Instead, the company has made several incremental changes that improve the car in areas owners will actually notice.
The 16 inch screen is the most obvious everyday change. The Performance model gets more power and seven additional miles of range, while the Premium AWD gets a useful improvement in acceleration.
The interesting part is that Tesla has made these changes without increasing the listed prices. That makes the updated Model 3 a more capable package than the previous version, even if the changes themselves are relatively small.
For buyers considering a Model 3, the Performance version now looks particularly interesting on paper. It combines 528 horsepower, a claimed 2.9 second 0 to 60 mph time and a 316 mile EPA estimated range.
Tesla’s approach remains the same: improve the car when the company is ready instead of waiting for a new model year. In this case, Model 3 buyers get a bigger screen, more Performance power, a little more range and quicker Premium AWD acceleration without a separate price increase.
Sources & References
Official sources
Tesla Model 3, United States
Tesla Model 3 official US page
Official specifications, performance, range and touchscreen information for the US market.Tesla Model 3, Canada
Tesla Model 3 official Canada page
Useful for Canadian specifications, range, equipment and regional availability.Tesla Model 3, Australia
Tesla Model 3 official Australia page
Useful for Australian market specifications, WLTP range and equipment.Tesla Model 3 Performance, Canada
Tesla Model 3 Performance Canada
Official Canadian Performance model specifications and performance information.Tesla Model 3 Performance, Australia
Tesla Model 3 Performance Australia
Official Australian Performance specifications, including power, acceleration and range.
Independent automotive sources
Car and Driver
Car and Driver: Tesla Model 3 update
The main independent source for the 16 inch screen, 528 hp Performance model, 316 mile range and 3.8 second Premium AWD acceleration.Electrek
Electrek: Tesla Model 3 US update
Detailed coverage of the US update and an important source for the fact that Tesla’s announcement specifically covered the US, Puerto Rico and Mexico, rather than Canada.InsideEVs
InsideEVs: Tesla Model 3 range and screen update
Independent EV focused coverage of the US Model 3 update, including the new screen, range increase and V2L situation.ArenaEV
ArenaEV: Tesla Model 3 US update
Useful additional source covering the 16 inch display, 528 hp output, 316 mile range and 3.8 second AWD acceleration.The Supercar Blog
The Supercar Blog: Tesla Model 3 update
Additional independent reporting on the power, range, screen and unchanged pricing.
Tesla Model 3 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the key questions and answers about the latest Tesla Model 3 updates, including the new screen, Performance model, range, acceleration, pricing and V2L availability.
What is new on the updated Tesla Model 3?
The updated Tesla Model 3 gets a new 16 inch central touchscreen, replacing the previous 15.4 inch display. The Model 3 Performance also gets an increase to 528 horsepower, seven more miles of estimated range and a black headliner. The Premium AWD version is now claimed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds instead of 4.2 seconds.
How big is the new Tesla Model 3 touchscreen?
The updated Tesla Model 3 uses a 16 inch central touchscreen. The previous display measured 15.4 inches. Tesla has made the larger screen standard across the Model 3 lineup, and it reportedly also has higher pixel density.
How much horsepower does the Tesla Model 3 Performance have?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is now listed with 528 horsepower. That is 18 horsepower more than the 510 horsepower figure associated with the Performance model when it launched in 2024.
How fast is the Tesla Model 3 Performance from 0 to 60 mph?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance continues to have a claimed 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. Despite the increase in power to 528 horsepower, Tesla has not changed the published acceleration figure.
What is the range of the Tesla Model 3 Performance?
The updated Tesla Model 3 Performance has an estimated range of 316 miles. That is an increase of seven miles compared with the previous 309 mile estimate.
How fast is the Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD?
Tesla now claims that the Model 3 Premium AWD can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The previous claimed time was 4.2 seconds, making the updated version 0.4 seconds quicker according to Tesla's figures.
What is the range of the Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD?
The Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD has an estimated range of 346 miles. The article's supplied specifications indicate that this range remains unchanged despite the improvement in acceleration.
Did Tesla increase the price of the updated Model 3?
No. The latest Model 3 upgrades come without an additional charge according to the supplied information. The U.S. Model 3 starts at $38,630, while the Model 3 Performance is listed at $56,630. Actual purchase prices can vary with configuration and other charges.
Does the Tesla Model 3 have V2L in North America?
The North American Tesla Model 3 does not currently get the vehicle to load, or V2L, function described in the supplied information. Tesla has added V2L functionality to Model 3 vehicles in markets including China, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
What does V2L mean on an electric car?
V2L means vehicle to load. It allows an electric vehicle to use energy from its battery to power external electrical devices. In simple terms, the car can work as a mobile power source when the feature is available.
Does the Tesla Model 3 Performance still have a 2.9 second 0 to 60 mph time?
Yes. The Model 3 Performance still has a claimed 2.9 second 0 to 60 mph time. The latest update increases its listed power to 528 horsepower, but Tesla has not published a quicker acceleration figure for the Performance model.
What other changes does the Model 3 Performance get?
Along with the increase to 528 horsepower and the range improvement to 316 miles, the Model 3 Performance gets a black headliner. The car continues to have a claimed 2.9 second 0 to 60 mph time.
