The Tesla Model 3 comes in three variants and choosing between them can prove difficult, particularly if you are in the fortunate position of being able to stretch the budget for the more expensive variants.
Those wanting to ensure they are free of range anxiety often opt for the middle-of-the-road dual-motor Long Range variant over the shorter-range (but by no means short-range) basic Model 3.
Others opt for the more affordable basic Model 3, reasoning that the 350-400 kilometres it can get on a single charge is more than enough for day to day use, as is the single rear-motor.
Others who want to take it up a notch might opt for the more expensive Model 3 Performance, which can sprint from a standing start to 100km/hr in 3.3 seconds (which incidentally is as quick as a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, for about a third of the price).
With Tesla dropping the price of the Tesla Model 3 RWD (née Standard Range Plus) to less than $60,000 in 2021, coupled with the introduction of $3,000 purchase rebates in some states, drivers wanting to buy a Tesla electric car are wondering if it’s worth spending the extra dosh to get the premium performance and features.
Currently, the basic variant is $59,900 before on-roads, while the Long Range starts at $73,200 and the Performance starts at $84,900. Drive away, the basic variant rolls out the door (or rather, off the boat) for between $62,000 and $66,000 depending on which state you live in, whereas the Long Range costs from $75,000 to $80,000. The Performance variant drive away pricing sits between $90,000 to $95,000.
Ultimately, drivers will have to make the decision for themselves based on personal budget, circumstances and needs. To help, we’ve broken down the features of each variant below:
Model 3 basic variant
Current specs:
- Battery size: 62.3kWh
- WLTP range: 491km
- Real-world range*: 438km
- Top Speed: 225km/hr
- Acceleration 0-100: 6.1 seconds
The basic variant has seen some significant upgrades in past months. In November, it was confirmed that Tesla upgraded the 50kWh battery to 62.3kWh, increasing the driving from 448km to 491km (WLTP). Importantly, at the same time, the price did not increase and for some states it is also eligible for an EV purchase rebate of $3,000.
Tesla had already moved the RWD to a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery in late 2020, which can be charged to full regularly without excessive battery degradation (in fact, it needs to be as we understand it). This means the effective range was already more than the NCA battery, which should only be charged to 80-90% most of the time.
Even though the recent upgrades were accompanied by a downgrade to acceleration, 0-100km/hr in 6.1 seconds is still going to impress the pants off P-platers at the traffic lights. Keep in mind that upgrading from the standard 18-inch wheels to 19-inch wheel will result in a loss of range.
The Model 3 RWD sits a little higher off the road than the premium variants, which for those with steep driveways may also be a deciding factor. Reports from drivers vary from 380km and upwards for the Model 3 RWD.
Model 3 Long Range
Current specs:
- Battery size: 75kWh
- WLTP range: 602km
- Real-world range*: 576km
- Top Speed: 233km/hr
- Acceleration 0-100: 4.4 seconds
It’s a little slower than the Performance, with acceleration from 0-100km/hr in 4.4 seconds, but those dual motors still deliver plenty of oomph, as well as superior handling and performance. Realistically you’ll probably get around 480-540km off a single charge of the larger battery, which is still nothing to sneeze at.
To compensate for the larger battery, the Long Range can also charge faster than the RWD. Whereas the RWD can charge at a maximum top speed of 170kW, the premium variants can do 250kW. While you’ll only reach those charge rates if starting with a near-empty battery, overall there will be time saved at the charge point.
For the audio buffs and music lovers out there, the Long range has a far better sound system than the RWD, which comes as part of the premium interior as standard along with an interior lights package.
Model 3 Performance
Current specs:
- Battery size: 82kWh
- WLTP range: 547km
- Real-world range*: 507km
- Top Speed: 261km/hr
- Acceleration 0-100: 3.3 seconds
Did we mention this is as quick as a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, for about a third of the price? In addition to the upgrades mentioned in the Long range above, the Performance comes with a whole slew of extras including performance brakes, a carbon fibre spoiler, lowered suspension, aluminium alloy pedals and “track mode”.
If you are a hoon at heart, and feel the need for speed (and can afford it!) then this is probably the car for you – but keep in mind, those 20-inch uberturbine wheels cost you some efficiency and therefore range.
All variants
It’s worth mentioning that all Tesla vehicles have access to most charging infrastructure, as thanks to the addition of CCS2 ports they can use both the Tesla Supercharger network and other fast-charging networks. All variants also come with Autopilot as standard, which adds very effective lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Additionally, all variants now include a heat pump, which for those in cold climates helps to reduce loss of driving range from heating (the former Model 3 had a more energy-intensive resistive heating system), as well as wireless smartphone charging, extra USB ports and a lithium-ion 12 volt battery.
Some new Tesla owners have reported that they’ve had the heated rear seats and steering wheel activated for free, and it is understood that newly imported cars will now come with the super-fast AMD Ryzan chip, improving touchscreen reponsiveness.
* “Real-world” range is based on the US-based EPA ratings, which can be found here. Actual driving range, as with an ICE car, depends on driving style, terrain and load.
Here’s a recent comparison between the range and efficiency of all three variants by a UK reviewer:
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.