Tesla ups Model 3 and Model Y range and acceleration specs for new orders as it adds interior upgrades

Tesla has given the Model 3 and Model Y a mid-cycle refresh of sorts in North America, unveiling it on the eve of its Q3 delivery numbers report. The changes apply in the US, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, and they arrive as hardware and specification updates on new orders.

2027 Model 3 upgrades

The most visible changes have arrived on the Model 3, as every trim now gets a 16-inch central touchscreen, up from the 15-inch panel used until now, while pricing stays the same. That includes even the base RWD version, closing one of the most obvious gaps between the Model 3 and the Model Y.

Acceleration improves further across the Premium range, too. The Model 3 Premium AWD now reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, compared with 4.2 seconds before. That acceleration time in under four seconds is rather intriguing, as launching the Premium AWD this quick takes some of the appeal away from the Performance trim, particularly with the pricing staying put.

Since buyers who wanted the numbers more than the badge may now stop at the cheaper car, Tesla gave the Model 3 Performance the most upgrade attention. Its EPA range rose from 309 to 316 miles, while peak power climbed from roughly 510 hp to 528 hp. Tesla has not explained how it got there, but a motor or inverter tune-up seems a reasonable guess, as the company has not mentioned any mechanical change. The Performance trim also got the most visible upgrade, with a new black headliner to contrast the light-colored seats, which should help it look more distinct inside. 

Faster Model Y acceleration

While the Model 3 got the bulk of the upgrade attention, the Model Y also received some enhanced performance numbers. The Model Y Premium AWD trim can now accelerate faster, with a 0-60 mph time dropping from 4.6 to 4.3 seconds. What happens next is less clear since Tesla has not said whether the larger screen will reach Model 3 cars outside North America or whether the Model Y will get its own interior update like the Model 3 Performance. Nevertheless, anyone with a pending order should also check the build sheet, since delivery timing could decide which Model 3 or Model Y hardware they end up with.

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