Tesla unveiled a new, “refreshed” Model 3 in early October 2020 that equipped several new adjustments to its mass-market sedan’s cosmetic look and performance. However, true, in-depth looks of the vehicle have been hard to come by, as deliveries for the new version of the car have not yet been completed.
Now, the first looks at some of the Model 3’s new features are being displayed in a new video from Hong Kong-based YouTube channel 駕輛 UpCar. The hosts had the opportunity to take an up-close look at the new Model 3 before others have had the chance.
駕輛 UpCar’s hosts state that the new version of the mass-market Model 3 “is really a new car” based on what they’ve seen from Tesla’s additions.
Tesla Model 3 ‘refresh’ goes live with 353-mile range, Uberturbine wheels, powered trunk, and more
Exterior/Cosmetic Updates
While the car’s exterior shape has remained relatively identical, the only minor revision was the headlights, which were spotted on a pre-refreshed version of the Model 3 that was built in China.
One of the most commonly recognized updates on the refreshed Model 3 was the addition of Chrome Delete. Tesla made this cosmetic modification standard with the Model Y, and many owners have been known to manually make this change with third-party kits on their Model 3s. However, Tesla made the Chrome Delete feature standard with the Model 3 refresh. The door handles, side mirror trim, window trim, and camera covers are all chrome deleted.
Double-Paned Glass
The double-paned glass was spotted on several builds of the Model Y in October. However, the feature is also standard with the refresh, although it was spotted on pre-refreshed versions of the Model 3. The additional layer of glass is required to help with interior cabin noise, which has been a common complaint with some electric cars due to their lack of an engine to dampen road noise. The glass also increases insulation and could complement the addition of the heat pump to the Model 3 to keep the cabin a comfortable temperature for passengers.
Powered Trunk
Another similarity between the Refreshed Model 3 and the Model Y is the addition of a dedicated powered trunk. A powered liftgate button was placed in the Model 3, allowing for easy opening and closing of the trunk at this button’s press.
Cabin Revisions and Additions
Teslarati covered the new center console in October, which is also outlined in 駕輛 UpCar’s video. The new design slides and retracts into itself and also has new material. Tesla parted from the piano black as fingerprints and dust were easily noticed. Additionally, a new suede wireless charging platform was placed just above the new center console design. Tesla began installing wireless chargers in the Model X in early 2020, allowing for quick and pain-free charging of compatible smartphones. USB-C ports are also available in the rear, allowing for fast-charging capabilities for passengers in the back of the car.
Performance and Range Upgrades
In terms of performance upgrades, the Long Range Dual Motor AWD improved from 4.4 to 4.2 seconds from 0-60 MPH, and the Performance gained one-tenth of a second from 3.2 to 3.1 seconds. In range, the Standard Range+ variant went from 250 to 263 miles of range per charge, while the Long Range Dual Motor AWD boosted to 353 from 322. The Performance variant also upgraded to 315 miles from its previous 299.
As Tesla begins the shipment of refreshed Model 3s from Fremont, it is only a matter of time before the first few lucky purchasers receive their cars. Increased performance and range ratings are sure to win over new buyers, but the improvements in Tesla’s vehicles will equate to higher quality builds in the future. The advancements could spread across other vehicles in the future, including Tesla’s planned $25,000 sedan that will be available in several years.
You can check out 駕輛 UpCar’s full video on the Model 3 refresh below.
H/t: Drive Tesla Canada
News
Tesla Model Y L has two distinct features for luxurious comfort
This is not to say the other interior additions are not factors in the Model Y becoming a more luxurious and premium vehicle, but the two mentioned in this article are particularly pertinent in that conversation.

Tesla’s new Model Y L has two distinct features that are geared toward giving occupants a taste of luxury with guaranteed comfort.
These two features should definitely be part of the company’s future lineup, and they could prove to be massive upgrades to the Model Y’s interior, which is certainly premium but is missing some things that truly tailor to a “luxury” feel of an automobile.
This is not to say the other interior additions are not factors in the Model Y becoming a more luxurious and premium vehicle, but the two mentioned in this article are particularly pertinent in that conversation.
Tesla Model Y L might not come to the U.S., and it’s a missed opportunity
Power-Adjustable Thigh Supports
In the front seats of the Model Y L, there are power-adjustable thigh supports that will enable some additional comfort on the legs:
The Tesla Model Y L features power-adjustable thigh supports for the front seats pic.twitter.com/1tBQG0KznK
— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) August 19, 2025
Most might think that these thigh supports are simply a feature that makes the ride more comfortable, which is true. However, they have benefits for the ride and after you exit the car.
Providing proper lift on the legs and thighs can be beneficial for people with back problems or posture issues. The lower back takes an increased amount of stress during long car rides, especially as the legs are fixed in the chosen seating position.
Tesla Model Y L officially launched: price, features, and more
Adding some support to the thighs can help reduce pressure on the lower back and hips, and distribute weight more evenly, taking stress off pressure points.
It can also contribute to better spinal alignment. They also have safety benefits, as some riders could have an improved seatbelt position thanks to the thighs being in this position.
Second-Row Mechanical Armrest
Tesla also added mechanical, one-touch armrests to the Model Y L’s second row, a nice and premium touch for the riders in the middle of the vehicle:
The Model Y’s second-row armrests are pretty satisfying to watch.
They’re touch operated, so they should be very convenient to use.pic.twitter.com/iGlGiJXGNR
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 19, 2025
Add the additional space the Model Y L provides to riders, and it already gets more comfortable. However, the addition of the mechanical armrests gives a good option of comfort for those who are seated in the second row.
They can also be retracted with the touch of a button, allowing for those in the third row to exit the vehicle easily.
One con to the mechanical portion of these armrests is that it is another moving part, and, of course, that puts it at risk of having issues.
However, it is certainly more premium than a manual armrest, and the flashy carbuyers will appreciate this small but mighty addition.
News
Tesla’s NHTSA probe is already on its way to being resolved
The problem the NHTSA had with Tesla’s reporting is already on its way to being resolved, as the agency and the company have been in communication.

Tesla is being probed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for not reporting accidents in a timely manner, the agency said on Thursday.
It is already well on its way to being resolved, the agency said.
The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified numerous instances in which Tesla reported crashes that “occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports.”
The Standing General Order in place by the agency requires crash reports to be submitted within five days of Tesla receiving the notice of an accident.
The investigation states Tesla submitted crashes in one of two ways:
“Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis.”
The problem the NHTSA had with Tesla’s reporting is already on its way to being resolved, as the agency and the company have been in communication.
Tesla has already been in contact with the agency’s ODI and stated that the timing of the reports was an issue with its data collection. The issue has been resolved, Tesla told them.
The NHTSA said the initiation of the probe against Tesla is a “standard process for reviewing compliance with legal requirements, to evaluate the cause of potential delays in reporting, the scope of any such delays, and the mitigations that Tesla has developed to address them.”
It is the latest NHTSA probe into Tesla, as it has also been investigating the company for accidents during Full Self-Driving operation in reduced visibility conditions.
The agency also sought information on the rollout of Robotaxi a few months ago, and how Tesla planned to handle low-visibility conditions in its driverless ride-hailing service.
The NHTSA was interested in knowing how Tesla planned to assess the ability of FSD’s engineering controls, whether any other similar FSD crashes had occurred in low visibility, and if modifications to FSD software would impact its performance in these conditions.
News
Tesla rolls out minor but significant improvement to Robotaxi service
As per Tesla, Robotaxis will now arrive at their pickup locations with their doors locked.

Tesla has rolled out a minor but significant improvement to its Robotaxi service. The update was shared by the Tesla community on social media platforms such as X.
New Robotaxi App update
As observed by the electric vehicle community on social media, Tesla has started rolling out the Robotaxi App’s Version 25.8.5 (6074) to users. The update seems to be quite minor, though Tesla mentioned something quite notable the update’s “What to Test” section.
As per Tesla, Robotaxis will now arrive at their pickup locations with their doors locked. Customers would not need to unlock the Robotaxis manually, however, as the vehicles would automatically unlock as they approach the car. “You ride now arrives locked and will automatically unlock as you walk up. Just ensure your app has Bluetooth access enabled,” Tesla wrote.
While this update is minor, it does improve the safety of the vehicles themselves. It also provides another layer of convenience for users of the driverless ride-hailing service. The fact that Tesla is already refining the Robotaxi App’s features this early bodes well for the program. It suggests, if any, that the service will already be fairly refined when it starts being opened to more users.
Robotaxi praised for its safety
Tesla is following a deliberate and cautious rollout strategy for its Robotaxi rollout, though early reviews of the system have been quite positive. Some reviewers have also dubbed Tesla’s Robotaxi service as a safer alternative to more conventional ride-hailing services such as Uber.
This was highlighted by auto reviewer Scotty Reiss in a post on A Girl’s Guide to Cars.
“I like the personal safety factor. No driver to threaten or harass you. You control the locking and unlocking of the car. You can change the pickup location at any time. The car will wait for you. You can call the support desk if you need help. You can change your destination if the drop-off area seems sketchy. All of it together makes me feel safer getting a car home from the airport at midnight or into the city after dark, and I definitely feel safer having my daughters take a self-driving rideshare when they go out to meet friends for dinner,” Reiss wrote in her post.
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Elon Musk confirms Tesla AI6 chip is Project Dojo’s successor
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla Model Y L reportedly entered mass production in Giga Shanghai
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Tesla CEO Elon Musk details massive FSD update set for September release
-
Cybertruck2 weeks ago
Tesla’s new upgrade makes the Cybertruck extra-terrestrial
-
News1 week ago
Elon Musk reaffirms Tesla Semi mass production in 2026
-
News2 weeks ago
Elon Musk explains why Tesla stepped back from Project Dojo
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla Model 3 filings in China show interesting hardware addition
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla Model Y L’s impressive specs surface in China’s recent MIIT filing