Tesla has just launched the Model 3 refresh, sometimes referred to as the “Highland,” in Malaysia. The price for the single motor standard model is RM189,000, while the long-range version is offered at RM218,000.

The car comes with a host of updates, which includes slimmer headlamps that feature a more prominent daytime running light graphic and a more streamlined bumper design that gives it a more aggressive look from the front. The under breather has also been designed to be neater and is now one piece without any foglamp bookends.

The rear lamp has also been redesigned to be a one-piece unit and now looks more sleek and dynamic.

The interior has been given better quality materials and a redesigned dashboard that is even more minimalist than before.

The air conditioning vent is neater and better integrated into the overall look; it now sits between a dashboard top that kind of floats above the lower part.

The car now features ambient lighting with 256 color options.

While these are noteworthy changes to the vehicle, the largest update happens around the driver controls, where the steering column has lost the indicator stalk, which is replaced by two buttons on the left side of the steering.

Gear selection is now done through the touchscreen while wiper operations are entirely automatic.

The front gets a 15.4-inch touchscreen, and Tesla has added a second 8-inch screen for rear passengers. The new screen allows for video viewing from multiple sources and apps such as Youtube and Netflix.

Another major upgrade is the use of acoustic glass, which is essentially double glazed, all around the car, including the front and rear windscreen as well as the glass roof. This will undoubtedly make the cabin a much quieter place to be.

Another important comfort upgrade is ventilated seats up front and heated seats in the rear. Heated seats may be a curious update for Malaysia, but it is fast becoming an important feature in electric cars in colder climates as it helps reduce energy consumption for cabin heating using the blower, which is highly inefficient.

Maybe they can consider taking it out and reducing the price a bit more.

Upgraded sound systems now make watching a movie in a Tesla, which may happen when you are waiting for the car to charge, an even more immersive experience.

The eye-watering pricing is made possible by Tesla lowering their cost of goods even further as indicated during their Q3 earnings report.

Apart from launching the Model 3, Tesla also opened an experience center, which is like a showroom where you can look and touch the car but cannot actually buy it there; you still have to order it online.