finder score: 83.50%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 87% | "It's an exciting time for the EV industry in Australia, with the Tesla product paving the way to more affordable and sporty EV ownership." | Read more |
| WhichCar | 80% | "The almost eerie acceleration, massive traction, exploitable dynamics and whole "new generation of motoring" vibe delivered by the Model 3 make it something quite unique in this segment." | Read more |
| CarsGuide | 80% | "I believe the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the best Model 3 you can buy. Apart from its brittle, unpolished ride, it offers a lot of capability and capacity for occupants and luggage, and enough usable battery range to allow you to escape the city if you want to." | Read more |
| Motoring | 87% | "Tesla's long-awaited Model 3 takes aim at the mid-size prestige segment, and hits the mark." | Read more |
There are three Tesla 3 models in Australia: Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance.
The Standard Range Plus is the lowest-priced Tesla Model 3 in Australia. Some of the key features include:
The driveaway price for NSW is $72,896. Tesla says you can expect to rack up $5,600 over 5 years in fuel savings, making the effective price $67,296.
The $95,495 Long Range Model 3 has 2 motors, making it an AWD, though you can drive in FWD and RWD as desired. The range is bumped up to 620km, according to NEDC testing. You also get:
For this model, you'll have to pay $106,415. It doesn't have the legs of the Long Range, but it does have various performance extras. Highlights include:
Click on a price to compare car loans for the Tesla Model 3.
| Standard Range Plus | Long Range | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 460km NEDC range, partial premium interior, RWD: $72,896 driveaway | 620km NEDC range, complete premium interior, AWD: $95,495 driveaway | 560km NEDC range, complete premium interior, AWD: $106,415driveaway |
The only free paint option is Pearl White Multi-Coat.
Other paint colours cost $1,500–$2,900.
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice |
|
| "Tesla has just scored a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, with the Australian testing body claiming, 'Of equal note was the 94% score for Safety Assist – the highest Safety Assist score achieved against current protocols'." |
| WhichCar |
|
| "The likelihood of this is a debate for another time; as of this moment, the Model 3 provides what a 3 Series or C-Class can't (for now), which must give old mate Elon a very warm inner glow." |
| CarsGuide |
|
| "Nothing at this price point has anywhere near the claimed battery range as the Model 3 Standard Range Plus." |
| Motoring |
|
| "In entry form, the electric sedan will ask genuine questions of established brands and could ultimately become the foundation for Tesla's long-promised success." |
The Model 3 comes with either a single rear motor or a dual motor configuration, with one at the front and the rear.
The AC, liquid-cooled rear motor on the Standard Range Plus and Performance AWD models are rated for 800 amps and produce up to 202kW at 5,000rpm with a claimed 420Nm. On the Long Range AWD, the rear motor current measures 600 amps, producing 180kW (at 6,000rpm) and 404Nm.
The front motor draws a maximum current of 600 amps. It'll make 137kW @ 6,380rpm and 240Nm of torque.
The Tesla Model 3 has a single-speed, fixed-gear transmission.
The battery for the Model 3 was developed in partnership with Panasonic. It is a liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion battery, with a typical voltage of 355.2V. Figures online suggest the battery capacity is 50kWh for the Standard Range Plus model and 75kWh on the AWD Model 3.
Though it isn't the fastest Tesla on sale (the Model S boasts that accolade, with a bonkers 0–100 of 2.6 seconds), the Model 3 isn't exactly slow either, even in standard form. In fact, reviewers said the acceleration was immediate and kicked you back into your seat. Fortunately, Tesla provides a "Chill" mode, for those who don't need or want blistering pace from the off. Motoring experts found the Tesla worked on all roads, from crawling, traffic-peppered urban streets to fast country roads and highways.
| Standard Range Plus | Long Range and Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Rear motor: AC permanent magnet synchronous motor, liquid-cooled with variable frequency control | Rear motor: AC permanent magnet synchronous motor, liquid-cooled with variable frequency control Front motor: AC induction motor, liquid-cooled, with variable frequency drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Motor amps | 800 amps | 600 amps on Long Range rear, 800 amps on performance rear, 600 amps front motor |
| Maximum revs | ||
| Rear motor power | 202kW @ 5,000rpm | 202kW @ 5,000rpm (Performance) 180kW @ 6,000rpm (Long Range) |
| Rear motor torque | 420Nm | 420Nm (Performance) 404Nm (Long Range) |
| Front motor power | - | 137kW @ 6,380rpm |
| Front motor torque | - | 240Nm |
| Nominal battery voltage | ||
| Acceleration (0–100km/h) | 5.6 seconds | 4.6 seconds (Long Range) 3.4 seconds (Performance) |
| Top speed | 225km/h | 233km/h (Long Range) 261km/h (Performance) |
| Range (NEDC) | 460km | 620km (Long Range) 560km (Performance) |
| Security | ||
| Transmission | ||
Here's how efficient the Tesla Model 3 is.
According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus consumes 188Wh per km. Fuel lifecycle emissions, measured in g/km of C02 are calculated at 169.
The website predicts you'd spend $868 on electricity to travel 14,000km per year, with two-thirds urban driving.
The Long Range uses more energy per km, at 209Wh. That correlates to slightly higher lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions of 188gm per kilometre.
For 14,000km of annual driving, with two-thirds on city roads, you'd spend approximately $965 on electricity.
The go-faster Model 3 depletes its battery by around 207Wh per km. Factoring in the emissions from the power plant, you get a lifecycle CO2 emission of 186g for every km.
Annual electricity costs would tally to $956 based on the above usage parameters.
It seems most of the reviewers reported lower than claimed range numbers, but the exact same happens when testing internal combustion engine vehicles. This can be attributed to several things including the weather conditions, traffic volume, road topography, vehicle maintenance state and driving styles. With that said, no other EV currently can match the consistently long-lasting Tesla line-up.
Tesla's mid-size passenger vehicle attracted mostly positive comments when reviewers turned their attention to the handling. On public roads, motoring writers said you won't notice any major handling foibles. The fast steering rack also apparently helps give the Model 3 the impression of being nimble, with just two spins required from lock to lock. Reportedly, it is grippy, responsive and holds the apex of corners like a magnet.
A few motoring experts did criticize Tesla's handling in some areas. It has to be said, these journos were really pushing the Model 3 to its limits, with at least one doing so on a racing circuit. They were expecting European sedan-like reactions and dynamics but decided it was a little soft around the edges. Tesla engineers positioned the battery pack low down in the bodyshell, so the centre of gravity is good, but some motoring experts sensed there was a little too much flex in the unibody. A couple of testers lamented the lack of adaptive dampers, like many rivals opt to use.
Most buyers probably won't push the Tesla to such extremes or be bothered by the same handling traits as motoring journalists.
The Model 3 specification is more or less on par with its rivals. However, you do get a few neat things that an electric car's unique layout allows for. First, there's the "frunk" or front trunk. It'd probably be called a "froot" here, as it's a front boot. You access the void under the front bonnet. Second, with no conventional transmission or prop shafts to house, there's no hump in the rear.
International journos found the build quality to be good, with decent materials used. It's supposedly very near to the standards of established rivals.
The air vents work uniquely, all controlled via the central touchscreen. Here you can choose the direction of air travel. One super neat addition, especially considering how all controls are on the tablet-like display, is a screen cleaning mode that allows you to wipe the monitor without accidentally pressing all the buttons. One of the most commonly cited concerns was the omission of a spare wheel or flat tyre repair kit. Instead, there's an underfloor well that serves as a storage place for the charging cables.
Essentially, it's a minimal design, maybe the most pared-down passenger cabin on the market.
Underlining Tesla's radical departure from established car manufacturing norms, the Model 3 has a series of easter eggs. These include things like a video game arcade (a controller may be required), sketchpad (lets you doodle when you're parked and bored), Romance Mode blows hot air out of the vents while displaying a video of a roaring fireplace and Emissions Testing Mode turns each seat into a whoopee cushion. Yes, you read that correctly.
The lowest-spec Model 3 is still highly equipped and holds up against the sector average. From the factory, you get:
According to ANCAP, the Model 3 has the following safety features:
With the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD, you're buying a vehicle capable of a claimed 620km range. It's a slightly heavier vehicle, no doubt due to the larger battery pack.
In addition to the Standard Range Plus's features, you'll also receive:
The hotter Model 3 variant is the Performance, which few other electric car makers currently offer an equivalent of. For the extra money, you'll receive some performance-orientated extras, such as:
All of the Tesla Model 3s come with Autopilot. The system is reportedly made up of rear, side and forward-facing cameras for 360-degree coverage. Forward-facing radar has a reach of 160 metres. There are also 12 ultrasonic sensors dotted around the car. In standard form, Autopilot allows the car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its own lane.
Tesla offers an $8,500 full self-driving pack for the Model 3. This enables:
Later this year, Tesla plans on going live with:
| Standard Range Plus | Long Range | Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star ANCAP rating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Airbags
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Three key types, using phone, two supplied key cards or an optional key fob | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remote climate control/dog mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic flashing emergency brake lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cabin overheat protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Brake disc wiping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adjustable regenerative braking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic brake-pressure distribution (EBD) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill-start assist (HSA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Performance brakes | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Two rear ISOFIX child seat mounts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED fog lamps | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent seat belt reminder | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Autonomous Emergency Braking:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic high beam | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency Braking Assist (EBA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency Stop Signal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse collision avoidance (camera) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed assistance (auto/intelligent speed limiter, speed sign recognition and warning) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sentry security cameras recording | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard Range Plus | Long Range | Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-inch central command touchscreen, with infotainment, climate and other controls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Premium seat material and trim | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Upgraded audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Centre console with storage, four USB ports and docking for two smartphones | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated front and rear seats | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Premium audio with 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer and 2 amps | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
Premium connectivity (one year included)
| ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior floor mats | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared attenuation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Music and media over Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Custom driver profiles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard Range Plus | Long Range | Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Wheels | 18-inch Aero wheels | 18-inch Aero wheels | 20-inch Performance wheels |
| Range | 460km | 620km | 560km |
| Battery (Estimated) | 50kWh | 75kWh | 75kWh |
| LED fog lamps | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Weight | 1,612kg | 1,847kg | 1,847kg |
| Mirrors | Power folding, auto-dimming and heated | Power folding, auto-dimming and heated | Power folding, auto-dimming and heated |
| Acceleration (0–100km/h) | 5.6 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Motors | One, rear | Dual, front and rear | Dual, front and rear |
| Seats | Five seats | Five seats | Five seats |
| Cargo | 542 litres | 542 litres | 542 litres |
| Tyres | Not listed | Not listed | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S |
| Lowered suspension | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Performance brakes | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Carbon fibre spoiler | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Aluminium alloy pedals | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Higher top speed (261km/h) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Track mode | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
It's fair to say Tesla is the best-known EV carmaker and even those who aren't really interested in cars have heard of it. It's refreshing to see a relatively new company trying to shake things up and include some genuinely pioneering ideas in the automotive industry. The Model 3 received heaps of praise from motoring experts, who could find very little wrong with the press cars they drove. Verified owners seem to confirm the findings that it is one of the most practical electric cars on the market. Everything about the car appears to be either in line with high-end European car rivals or perhaps even better. It may not be the cheapest EV, but it is one of the most polished offerings on the market. If you're looking to buy a medium-size electric sedan, then you owe it to yourself to at least request a test drive of the Model 3.
Interested in comparing loans for the Tesla Model 3? Our car loan calculator helps you quickly see example costs, as well as saving you hundreds of dollars over the loan term.
Pictures: Tesla
Compare expert reviews of the Tesla Model S
