Tesla’s Model 3: Front Bumper Camera and Turn Signal Stalks Make a Comeback
Tesla has made some significant changes to its Model 3 lineup in the U.S., with the addition of a front bumper camera and the return of turn signal stalks. These updates mark a major reversal of one of the automaker’s most controversial design changes.
The new imagery and configuration details on Tesla’s online configurator now show that all U.S. Model 3 variants, including the Performance, Premium, and the newly announced entry-level “Standard” trim, come equipped with a front-facing camera on the lower bumper. This brings the total number of exterior cameras on the vehicle to eight, providing enhanced visibility for features such as automatic parking and Full Self-Driving capabilities.
In addition to the front bumper camera, Tesla has quietly reintroduced turn signal stalks to the Model 3 in the U.S. Visualizations on Tesla’s website now show the steering wheel with just two capacitive buttons on the left side, down from four on previous models, and a physical stalk for turn signaling. This move follows a global trend of Tesla gradually reintroducing indicator stalks, with the company recently bringing them back to the Model 3 in China and launching a retrofit program in Europe.
The return of indicator stalks comes two years after Tesla’s “Highland” refresh in September 2023, which eliminated both the turn signal and gear selector stalks in favor of touch-based controls. It remains to be seen if Tesla plans to restore the gear selector stalk in future updates.
With these hardware changes, the Model 3 continues to evolve, blending Tesla’s minimalist interior design with user feedback that seems to be pushing the automaker to bring back some familiar ergonomics. The reintroduction of the front bumper camera and turn signal stalks represents a step towards meeting customer preferences while maintaining Tesla’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.