Tesla has officially begun manufacturing the new 2026 Model 3 Premium at its Fremont factory in California. The new version also presents some major changes that serve as a combination of minimalism in Tesla design and the reintroduction of some of the popular features among fans. The first orders of the updated Model 3 Premium are expected to start the following month, indicating that Tesla is still working towards perfecting its products in this new model year.
Design Updates: Subtle Yet Meaningful Changes
The most noticeable updates are the additions to the 2026 Model 3 Premium, including all-black front and rear Tesla logos, a camera on the front bumper, and the restoration of turn signal stalks – a gesture that will not go unnoticed by many long-term Tesla users.
The blacked-out logos are also more sporty and sleek than the older design, which featured accents of chrome. This is now a more modern design feature, as seen on the updated Model Y and Model S.
Meanwhile, there is a new front camera with a washer system that allows the driver to see better and allows Tesla to record more accurate data to be utilized by the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. This addition of the camera is a reflection of other comparable changes on the Model Y Standard and the Model 3 Performance in recent years.
NEWS: 2026 Model 3 Premium production has started at Tesla’s Fremont factory.
The Model 3 Premium includes all-black logos, a turn signal stalk and the front bumper camera with washer. pic.twitter.com/0a2w3Swaq5
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) October 11, 2025
Return of the Turn Signal Stalks
The most talked about update is the return of traditional turn signal stalks. The decision of Tesla to replace stalks with touch-sensitive buttons in the steering wheel of previous models has been mixed positively. The touch-based system was unintuitive to many drivers, particularly during fast lane-changing situations.
Restoring the stalks on the Model 3 Premium seems to be Tesla accepting the input of customers and concentrating on comfort and utility in the drive. This change is more so because the company is still balancing innovation with the user experience.
Enhanced Technology and Safety Features
The addition of a front bumper camera is more than a cosmetic enhancement, as it would be very crucial in improving the advanced driver-assistance capabilities of Tesla. This new camera is placed lower on the car since it offers increased visibility of the road markings, curbs, and the cars around, which will be of use with Autopark and Smart Summon functions.
A camera washer system has also been added to Tesla; the only difference is that it makes visibility better in case of rain or snow, or dusty weather, which additionally improves the way the FSD functions. Together with the neural network-based vision system of Tesla, the new camera configuration reinforces environmental awareness in the vehicle.
Production and Delivery Timeline
Tesla begins its rollout of the new Model 3 Premium in the U.S. by production at the Fremont factory, supplementing the continued production in Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory, which serves the worldwide market. The deliveries will start in the following month, and this time will be oriented towards customers in North America.
