The Tesla Model 3 has solidified its place as one of Australia’s most popular electric vehicles (EVs), trailing only the Tesla Model Y in 2024 sales. Despite its widespread adoption, with 2,583 units delivered year-to-date in 2025, many Australian owners remain unaware of some of the car’s lesser-known features.
These hidden gems, often tucked away in software updates or subtle design elements, can enhance the driving experience significantly. This article uncovers two under-the-radar features of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 that Australians might not yet have discovered, drawing on the latest news and updates from the EV market in Australia.
The Tesla Model 3: A Quick Overview
The Tesla Model 3, particularly the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, remains the most affordable Tesla in Australian showrooms, with a starting price of $54,900 plus on-road costs. Recent updates, including a larger 62.5kWh battery pack introduced in February 2025, have boosted its driving range to 520km (WLTP), up from 513km.
While the Model 3 has faced a sales slump in 2025, down 70.7% year-to-date compared to 2024, it continues to be a cornerstone of Tesla’s lineup in Australia, praised for its sleek design, performance, and cutting-edge technology. However, its software and hardware hide features that even seasoned owners might overlook.
Hidden Feature 1: Customizable Trunk Height Memory
What Is It?
One of the most practical yet underappreciated features introduced in the Tesla Model 3’s 2025 Spring Update (version 2025.14.1) is the customizable trunk height memory. This feature allows drivers to set a specific height for the automatic trunk to open, tailored to different locations. For example, in a garage with a low ceiling, the trunk can be programmed to open only partially to avoid hitting the roof. This is particularly useful for Australians who park in tight urban spaces or multi-storey carparks common in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
How It Works
The feature is accessible through the Tesla touchscreen interface under Controls > Trunk > Adjustable Opening Height. Drivers can set the desired height and save it to a specific location using the car’s GPS-based memory. The Model 3 will automatically adjust the trunk height when it detects it’s in that location. This is a significant improvement for the Model 3, which, unlike the Model Y, has a powered trunk in its higher trims but previously lacked this level of customization.
Why It’s Hidden
This feature flew under the radar because it was bundled into the broader 2025 Spring Update, which focused heavily on flashier additions like adaptive headlights and dashcam improvements. Many Australian owners, focused on the Model 3’s range increase or performance, may not have explored the trunk settings. Additionally, Tesla’s minimalist approach to user manuals means such features often require discovery through forums or social media platforms like X, where Tesla enthusiasts share tips.
Why It Matters in Australia
In Australia, where parking spaces can be cramped, especially in older suburbs or coastal areas, this feature prevents damage to the trunk or surrounding structures. With the Model 3’s popularity in urban centers, this small but practical addition enhances convenience and protects the vehicle’s resale value, a concern for owners given the reported $20,000 drop in used Tesla prices in 2025.
Hidden Feature 2: B-Pillar Camera Integration for Sentry Mode
What Is It?
The second hidden feature is the integration of B-pillar (side) cameras into the Tesla Model 3’s Sentry Mode and Dashcam recordings, introduced in the same 2025 Spring Update. Previously, Sentry Mode, Tesla’s security system that records footage when the car detects potential threats, relied on four camera angles (front, rear, and two fender cameras). The update increases this to six angles by including the B-pillar cameras, offering a more comprehensive view around the vehicle.
How It Works
When Sentry Mode is activated, the B-pillar cameras now record alongside the existing cameras, capturing activity on either side of the car. This footage can be viewed via the updated Dashcam Viewer on the Tesla touchscreen or exported to a USB drive. The feature is available on 2025 Model 3s with the necessary hardware, which includes most vehicles built after February 2025. Drivers can toggle the feature under Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode.
Why It’s Hidden
Like the trunk height feature, the B-pillar camera integration was overshadowed by other updates in the Spring release, such as route planning enhancements and adaptive headlights. Tesla’s Australian website and promotional materials have not heavily emphasized this security upgrade, and many owners may not realize the added camera angles unless they actively review their Sentry Mode footage. Posts on X from Tesla owners in Australia suggest some only discovered this feature after receiving alerts about nearby activity captured by the side cameras.
Why It Matters in Australia
Australia’s urban environments, particularly in cities like Brisbane and Perth, have seen rising concerns about vehicle security, with reports of vandalism in busy parking areas. The enhanced Sentry Mode provides greater peace of mind for Model 3 owners, especially those parking in public EV charging stations, which have been described as “woeful” in terms of infrastructure by industry experts. The additional camera angles could also be valuable for insurance claims, given Australia’s strict regulations around vehicle damage disputes.
The Broader Context: Tesla’s 2025 Challenges in Australia
Sales Struggles and Competition
Despite these innovative features, Tesla has faced challenges in Australia in 2025. Sales of the Model 3 dropped significantly, with only 317 units sold in May 2025, an 83.8% decline from May 2024. This contrasts with the Model Y’s success, which drove Tesla’s total sales to 3,897 in May, a 9.25% increase year-on-year. The rise of competitors like BYD, which sold 3,225 vehicles in May, highlights the increasing pressure on Tesla to innovate and maintain its edge.
Software Updates as a Game-Changer
Tesla’s over-the-air software updates, like the 2025 Spring Update, are a key differentiator. Features like customizable trunk height and enhanced Sentry Mode demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to improving the ownership experience without requiring hardware changes. These updates are particularly appealing in Australia, where EV adoption is growing but charging infrastructure remains a concern, pushing owners to value convenience and security features.
Why These Features Matter
The customizable trunk height and B-pillar camera integration may seem minor, but they address practical needs for Australian drivers. The trunk feature caters to the realities of urban living, while the enhanced Sentry Mode aligns with growing security concerns. Together, they showcase Tesla’s ability to refine its vehicles post-purchase, a unique selling point in a market where competitors like BYD are gaining ground with lower-priced alternatives.
The Tesla Model 3 remains a technological marvel, even as it navigates a challenging year in Australia. The customizable trunk height memory and B-pillar camera integration for Sentry Mode are two hidden features that enhance its practicality and security, yet many owners are unaware of them due to their subtle introduction in the 2025 Spring Update. As Tesla continues to refine its offerings, exploring the car’s settings and staying updated on software releases can unlock a richer ownership experience for Australians.
FAQs
1. How do I activate the customizable trunk height on my Tesla Model 3?
Go to Controls > Trunk > Adjustable Opening Height on the touchscreen, set the desired height, and save it to a specific location using the car’s GPS.
2. Does the B-pillar camera feature work on all 2025 Model 3s?
It’s available on vehicles built after February 2025 with the necessary hardware. Check Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode to confirm.
3. Are these features available on older Tesla Model 3s?
The features require the 2025 Spring Update (2025.14.1) and specific hardware, so older models may not support them without upgrades.