2019–2020 · Europe

Model 3
Original generation

Early European Model 3: five seats, a separate boot lid and two steering-column stalks. The main technical dividing line is the introduction of the heat pump.

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Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor 2019: the original body with chrome trim.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor 2019: the original body with chrome trim.
Photo and licence

Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 690 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.

European Group of Cars. The family of official management: 2017-2023. Common EU Guideline Table 2017–2023; not a separate specification for each year. The year of registration and model year may vary. Data checked 2 October 2026.

Key changes

  • Early European Model 3: five seats, a separate trunk lid and two steering levers. The key technical reference point is the release before switching to the heat pump.
  • Turner lever on the left, lever to select the direction of movement on the right; basic settings on the front screen.
  • Separate trunk cover: large luggage should be tried on during inspection.

Identify it by photo

Chrome handles / edging are a landmark of early execution; repainting and retrofitting can hide it.

Turner lever on the left, lever to select the direction of movement on the right; basic settings on the front screen.

Salon with horizontal central screen; there is no separate dashboard in front of the driver.

Initial Tesla Model 3 interior: wood panel, glossy center console and steering levers; snapshot of 2019.
Initial Tesla Model 3 interior: wood panel, glossy center console and steering levers; snapshot of 2019.
Photo and licence

Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: decrease to 1280 × 948 px and compression in WebP; no framing and meaningful retouching. Derivative image - under the same license.

The photo shows an individual car. Photo date, first registration and model year may differ; check equipment on the car itself.

Specifications and equipment

Cabin and everyday use

Boot access
Separate trunk coverEarly cars have a hand cover; the electric drive could be retrofitted.Tesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Back bootTesla Shop UK — Model 3 Powered Trunk Retrofit
Main display
Horizontal centre screenTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Salon
Driver display
There is no separate instrument screenTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Salon
Controls and gear selection
Two steering levers: turn signals on the left, gear selection on the right.Tesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Salon
Heating
No heat pump.For borderline cars, check for a pump in additional vehicle information; the year of registration does not determine the equipment.Tesla Model 3 DIY – Parts and EquipmentTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Climate System
Fast charging in Europe
CCS - European versionCompatible with the European V3 Supercharger. For imported cars from other regions, check the connector separately.Tesla: European Supercharger and CCS network

Changes and equipment checks

Model 3: key transitions

The selection includes three versions: the early European Model 3, the 2021 update and the Highland. At the boundaries of periods, first recognize the body and interior, then check the equipment.

  1. 2019–2020

    First performance in the selection

    Two steering levers and a horizontal screen; there is no separate dashboard and a standard rear screen. Early interior and exterior decoration can be considered in the card 2019-2020. Check the presence of a heat pump for additional information about the car.

  2. 2021–2023

    Renovation of the cabin, old levers

    A dated snapshot of the 2021 update shows a matte center console. Two steering levers retained. Different batteries and equipment can be hidden behind externally similar cars: the year of registration does not replace the check of equipment.

  3. April 2022

    Transition of European cars to Tesla Vision

    Tesla puts the transition of Model 3 and Model Y, built for Europe, to a system without radar by April 2022. This refers to production for the market, not to first registration. Check the presence of ultrasonic parking sensors separately.

  4. 2023+

    Highland: New salon and management

    The manual family is called 2024+, although the updated Model 3 appeared in Europe in 2023. The direction of movement is selected on the screen; the rear screen depends on the execution. The current manual describes both the turnkey buttons and the option with a lever.

Compare before and after the update →

What to check when buying

  • Compare the year of production, the supply market and equipment with the documents. The date of first registration alone does not determine the equipment.
  • Compare range and acceleration with the same standard of measurement: the exact version of the drive, battery and wheels matters.
  • Check the presence of a heat pump in “Management → Software → More information about the car”. For border cars, the year of registration does not determine the equipment.
  • Open and close the trunk. The electric drive could be installed later: the appearance of the body does not confirm the factory equipment.

Primary sources

Specifications come from Tesla documents. The grouping by year and buying advice are editorial; changes within a period are noted separately.

Tesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – SizesTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – SalonTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Back bootTesla Model 3 DIY – Parts and EquipmentTesla Model 3 2017–2023, Europe – Climate SystemTesla Shop UK — 2021–2023 Model 3 18-inch winter packageTesla Shop UK — Model 3 Powered Trunk RetrofitTesla Model 3 2024+, Europe – SalonTesla: European Supercharger and CCS network

Photo rights and terms are listed below each image.