Tesla has introduced several updates to the Model 3 in China, adding new equipment and functionality while keeping the car’s existing position in the market. The latest changes include a larger central display, a new interior colour option and vehicle-to-load functionality. The upgrades are part of Tesla’s ongoing efforts to refresh the Model 3 for customers in China.
According to reports published around the update, the changes apply to Model 3 variants currently offered in China, while pricing has remained unchanged.
Larger 16-Inch Central Display
One of the most noticeable changes is the new central touchscreen. Tesla has increased the display size from 15.4 inches to 16 inches on the China-market Model 3. The larger screen gives the cabin a slightly different technology-focused appearance and provides additional display space for the vehicle’s infotainment and controls.
Tesla’s Model 3 already relies heavily on its central touchscreen for vehicle controls, navigation and entertainment functions. The company’s China owner manual also shows that the current Model 3 uses a software-based interface with functions covering the touchscreen, connectivity, cameras and other vehicle systems.
New Light Gray Interior
Tesla is also adding a new light gray interior option to the Chinese Model 3. The additional colour gives customers another choice beyond the existing cabin finishes.
Interior appearance has become an increasingly important part of the electric vehicle experience, particularly as manufacturers introduce more variations in cabin materials and colours. Tesla’s new light gray option provides a different visual theme without requiring a major redesign of the Model 3 interior.
Vehicle-to-Load Functionality
Another important addition is vehicle-to-load, or V2L, functionality. The updated Model 3 can provide external AC power of up to 2.2 kW. According to reports, the capability has been added across Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y variants in China.
V2L can allow an electric vehicle to supply power to compatible external equipment. This can be useful in situations such as outdoor activities, camping or during a power requirement away from a conventional electrical outlet.
The feature also highlights how electric vehicles can be used for purposes beyond transportation. Instead of simply charging the vehicle’s battery, V2L allows stored energy to be used for selected external applications.
Updates for China-Market Buyers
The latest Model 3 changes are particularly relevant because China’s electric vehicle market has a large number of competing models. Manufacturers regularly introduce updated screens, cabin features, charging functions and connected technologies.
Tesla’s decision to introduce the 16-inch display and V2L capability gives the Model 3 additional equipment without requiring an entirely new generation of the vehicle.
The updates are also being introduced while Tesla continues to use its Shanghai production operation to serve China and other markets. Reports indicate that the latest hardware and appearance changes are associated with vehicles built at Gigafactory Shanghai, with deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026 for several markets served by the facility.
Software Remains Important
Hardware is only one part of the Model 3 experience. Tesla continues to use over-the-air software updates to add and modify vehicle functions.
Tesla’s China Model 3 owner manual currently lists software version 2026.26.200.11 and provides information covering the vehicle’s touchscreen, connectivity, cameras, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other systems. ware-focused approach means some aspects of the Model 3 can continue to evolve after the vehicle reaches customers.
Pricing Remains Unchanged
Despite the additional equipment, reports indicate that Tesla has kept Model 3 prices unchanged in China with the latest update. This means customers receive the new display, interior option and additional functionality without a reported increase in the listed vehicle prices
The exact equipment and availability can still depend on the specific Model 3 variant and production configuration.
Conclusion
The latest Chinese Model 3 update brings several practical and visual changes to Tesla’s electric sedan. The larger 16-inch central display is the most visible upgrade, while the new light gray interior gives buyers another cabin option. The addition of up to 2.2 kW of V2L power output is another notable change that expands the vehicle’s potential use beyond everyday driving.
With these upgrades, Tesla continues to make incremental changes to the Model 3 rather than introducing a completely new generation. The updated equipment also shows how features such as larger displays, new cabin choices and bidirectional power functions are becoming increasingly relevant in the electric vehicle market.
FAQs
1. What upgrades has Tesla made to the Model 3 in China?
The updated China-market Model 3 gets a 16-inch central touchscreen, a new light gray interior option and V2L functionality providing up to 2.2 kW of external AC power.
2. How large is the new Model 3 touchscreen?
The central display has increased from 15.4 inches to 16 inches on the updated China-market Model 3.
3. What is V2L in the Tesla Model 3?
V2L, or vehicle-to-load, allows the vehicle to provide electrical power to compatible external equipment. The updated China-market Model 3 supports up to 2.2 kW of external AC power.
4. Has Tesla increased the Model 3 price in China?
Reports on the latest update indicate that Tesla has kept the Model 3’s prices unchanged despite the additional features.
5. Where are these updated Model 3 vehicles produced?
The latest hardware updates are associated with Model 3 vehicles built at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai, which supplies China and several other markets.