Teslas are extremely popular in Norway, where electric vehicles are exempt from a slew of fees and taxes that apply to other cars. But, apparently, these vehicles don’t always have what it takes to tackle the country’s unforgiving rural terrain. That’s why one Norwegian driver commissioned the German outfit Delta4x4 to turn his Tesla Model 3 into a sweet off-road warrior.
Why not simply start with, ahem, the Model 3’s SUV sibling, the new Model Y? Well, that’s a good question. Looks like the Norwegian with a Model 3 just really wanted a more rugged sedan (and, probably, given the Model Y isn’t out yet, they didn’t want to wait for Norwegian off-road capability). According to Delta4x4, “This iconic electric car is not well suited for the Nordic terrain. The Tesla’s batteries situated deep down in the vehicle can make driving in this at times unpredictable environment almost catastrophic.”
So, the company raised the Model 3 with a 35-mm (1.4-inch) suspension lift kit, giving the floor some breathing room for off-road adventures. The aftermarket 18-inch wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires help, too. The result reminds us of Subaru’s oddball Legacy SUS (sport-utility sedan), essentially a sedan version of the popular Outback wagon.
On social media, the company says the lift kit for the Tesla Model 3 is now ready to order. (Ditto the wheel and tire package.) So if you have a desire to venture off the beaten path in a luxurious electric car, now’s your chance. Fortunately, the Model 3 offers plenty of range to keep you going.
Delta4x4’s upgrades aren’t even that expensive. The 35-mm lift kit costs 480 euros (about $540 at current exchange rates), and the wheel set with the Cooper 245/45R18 tires starts from 1,500 euros ($1,685). The same tire with FlangeLock-protected Klassik B wheels costs 2,500 euros ($2,810), plus assembly.
This is the same company that brought us a really cool Ford Ranger with ‘80s graphics and an extreme lift kit, so we’re glad to see it hasn’t interrupted its rad streak. Delta4x4 offers a host of off-road accessories, from lift kits and wheels to impact-guard protective bars and fender flares, for a variety of new vehicles, but the electric Tesla sure stands out.
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