Tesla has launched an updated Model 3 in China with a starting price of 235,500 yuan (about $33,200), according to NetEase Auto. The refresh keeps the same exterior silhouette and price band as before, but adds a 2.2 kW AC external power supply, a larger 16-inch central display and revised battery options across four trims.
The car's dimensions are unchanged at 4,720 mm long, 1,848 mm wide and 1,442 mm tall, with a 2,875 mm wheelbase. Six paint colours are offered, including Pearl White, Stealth Grey and烈焰红 (Flame Red), though some special finishes still cost extra. The design is a light annual update rather than a full redesign, which NetEase Auto notes may disappoint buyers hoping for a fresh look, but should keep repair costs low thanks to a large existing parts pool.
New features and powertrain options
The headline addition is a 2.2 kW AC external power supply, enough to run a rice cooker, electric hotpot and kettle simultaneously. Tesla positions this as a fix for a long-standing gap for camping users, though the adapter must be purchased separately. Inside, all versions now get a 16-inch floating centre screen, and a light grey interior with black fabric headliner is available as an option.
Driver assistance remains Tesla Vision, a camera-only system with no lidar. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, active hazard avoidance and Sentry Mode, with higher-level functions available as paid over-the-air upgrades. NetEase Auto notes the system is stable on highways but may be less capable than domestic rivals with lidar in heavy rain, snow or strong backlight, and drivers must stay attentive in urban traffic.
Four versions are offered, priced from 235,500 to 339,500 yuan (about $33,200 to $47,800). The rear-drive base model has a 194 kW (260 hp) motor and a 62.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with a claimed CLTC range of 634 km. A long-range rear-drive version uses a 225 kW (302 hp) motor and a 78.4 kWh ternary lithium battery, claiming 830 km on CLTC. Two all-wheel-drive versions deliver 331 kW (444 hp) and 338 kW (453 hp), with CLTC claims of 753 km and 647 km respectively. All figures are Chinese CLTC estimates, which tend to be roughly 15-20% more optimistic than WLTP; a WLTP-equivalent for the base model would be around 530-540 km (est.).
Competitive position
In the 230,000-340,000 yuan (about $32,400-$47,900) midsize BEV (battery-electric) segment, the Model 3's strengths remain its mature powertrain, extensive supercharger network and now the added external power feature. But NetEase Auto points out that domestic rivals pack more equipment into entry-level trims, including larger screens, full comfort seats and lidar, making the Model 3's minimalist cabin look sparse by comparison.
The outlet's assessment is that the Tesla brand and powertrain fundamentals will retain a loyal customer base, but the car is unlikely to dominate the segment the way it once did. The refresh is a configuration update rather than a revolution, and buyers should weigh the optional extras and winter range loss before committing.
