Tesla has refreshed the Model 3 in China. Bigger screen, new interior, and V2L

In short:

Tesla has released a minor update for the Model 3 in China

The changes do not affect the battery or drive system, but rather the interior features

All versions now come with a larger central screen, along with a new interior finish

The car can now power external devices

Prices? They remain unchanged

The Model 3 RWD still costs 235,500 yuan, or about 136,800 zł

Tesla Model 3 with a minor facelift

Tesla has not prepared another major facelift like the one for the Highland. It is rather a minor refresh of the model that has just arrived in the Chinese market, improving several aspects of the interior and daily use of the car.

The most noticeable change is located in the center of the dashboard. The previous 15.4-inch screen has been replaced with a 16-inch display. Tesla also claims higher resolution and refresh rate, though it has not provided exact specifications.

In a car where almost all functions are controlled through the screen, even a small change in screen size has more significance than in many traditional models.

Tesla Model 3 can now power external devices

This change applies not only to the Model 3 but also to the Model Y. All currently available versions of both models in China now have the capability to power external devices with alternating current.

The maximum power output is 2.2 kW at 220 V and 10 A. An additional Tesla adapter, sold separately, is required to use this feature. The Model Y L is an exception.

Thus, the car battery can be used as a large power source during trips, camping, or power outages. A power output of 2.2 kW is sufficient to power lighting, laptops, small kitchen appliances, or power tools, among other things.

Tesla joins manufacturers that have offered V2L functionality in electric vehicles for some time now.

New interior, but no revolution

An additional novelty is the optional light gray Premium finish. Tesla pairs it with a black fabric headliner, giving the interior a look different from previous light-colored configurations.

The changes apply to all four Model 3 variants currently available in China: the base rear-wheel-drive model, Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance.

However, their powertrains and listed prices remain unchanged. The Model 3 RWD still costs 235,500 yuan, or about 136,800 zł, the Long Range RWD costs 259,500 yuan, or about 150,800 zł, the Long Range AWD costs 285,500 yuan, or about 165,900 zł, and the Performance model costs 339,500 yuan, or about 197,300 zł.

Tesla has not used this update to raise prices. This is particularly significant in the Chinese market, where price competition among electric vehicle manufacturers remains fierce.

Prices unchanged, discounts still available

Although the official price list remains unchanged, Tesla continues to offer additional purchase incentives in China.

Customers who order a Model 3 by October 31 and receive the vehicle under the promotion terms can get a 5,000 yuan discount at checkout.

The base Model 3 and the two Long Range versions are also eligible for an insurance subsidy of 8,000 yuan. With all available discounts combined, the cheapest Model 3 could cost 222,500 yuan.

Tesla also offers interest-free financing for up to five years, additional benefits for choosing painted finishes, and charging-related packages. However, specific promotions depend on the version and ordering conditions.

Model 3 recovers, but year still weak

A minor refresh comes at an interesting time. Model 3 sales in China improved in August, but the full-year result remains significantly weaker than before.

In August, Tesla delivered 20,787 Model 3 units in China. This is 17.18% more than the previous year and also the best monthly result for this model in 2026.

From January to the end of August, 89,320 units were sold, which is 25.26% less than in the same period last year.

Tesla as a whole delivered 50,047 vehicles in China during August. The result was 12.43% worse than the previous year, marking the third consecutive month of decline. Improvements to the Model 3 were not enough to offset weaker sales of the Model Y.

Therefore, it is difficult to consider the larger screen and new interior as a solution to all sales issues. It is more of a regular effort to maintain the car’s appeal in a market where new or upgraded electric vehicles appear very frequently.

Will the refreshed Model 3 make it to Europe?

This question is particularly interesting from a Polish perspective, as European Model 3s are produced at the Gigafactory Shanghai. Updates introduced to cars in China may therefore later appear in units sent to Europe as well.

Tesla has not yet confirmed the European rollout of these changes, so it is too early to assume that cars with a 16-inch screen and V2L functionality will appear in the Polish configuration tool soon.

If, however, the update is extended to exported models, it would represent a major change since the last major upgrade, namely the introduction of the Highland model. In particular, the V2L function adds something that simply wasn’t available in this car before.

Piotr Sobczyk