What is this mysterious anthracite gray Tesla Model 3?

In the background of a photo showing a new Tesla Model Y 2025 in China, you can see a Model 3 in an unprecedented color.

At Audi, they call this solid gray with anthracite reflections the Nardo gray. But at Tesla, never has an equivalent close or distant been considered. A pity, because this gray without metallic or pearlescent finish is very on trend… for years. If Tesla releases it soon, the trend might already be over…

At Tesla, there have been similar shades in the past that resemble this Nardo gray, but always with metallic or pearlescent finishes:

1. Midnight Silver Metallic: a dark metallic gray, available for several years on the Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y. Although darker and metallic, it is one of Tesla’s most popular gray shades.
2. Silver Metallic (discontinued): a light silver gray, less close to Nardo, but within the gray nuances.

Tesla generally leans towards metallic or pearlescent finishes for its paints, contrasting with the more raw and solid style of Audi’s Nardo Gray, aiming to give maximum volume and curves to its inoffensive-designed cars. This aligns with their strategy of simplification and mass production.

A simple wrap?

The rear hatch of the Model 3 shown here lacks the carbon spoiler specific to the Performance version, so we can imagine it is a Propulsion or AWD model.

Some Tesla owners opt for wraps (car film coverings) to reproduce specific finishes like Nardo Gray. It is a common and quite popular alternative among Tesla enthusiasts to also protect a very exposed bodywork.

Unfortunately, it does not seem to be the case here, especially since the roof remains black. The joints between a painted roof and covered bodywork would be too fragile over time. It seems that we are looking at a genuine factory paint. Note that the air in China is so polluted that the red Model Y displayed here is already covered in a very degrading layer of dust. A light, solid color reduces this effect… except for the glossy black roof as on the Model 3 photographed.

Since confidentiality is not a top priority in China (images and technical details of the Model Y Juniper have leaked freely for months), it wouldn’t be surprising if a new variant here was already leaked. And what do you think of this shade if it were to appear in the catalog?

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