New Tesla Model 3 Configurator Goes Live – 2 Variants, From RM189K

Renowned EV marque Tesla has refreshed its lineup today by launching the facelifted Tesla Model 3. Hours after making its global debut, it seems that Tesla Motors Malaysia has updated its website by including the official configurator for the new Model 3.

The baseline Tesla Model 3 Standard is now open for booking in Malaysia!

For the Malaysian market, the new Model 3 will only be available in two variants, namely the baseline Standard variant and the up-specced Long Range (LR) variant. Starting with the former, the baseline Model 3 is powered by a single, rear-mounted (RWD) electric motor that propels it from nought to 100 KM/H in 6.1 seconds. Meanwhile, the claimed EV range has also been improved to 513 KM (WLTP) – which is 18 KM more than the previous model’s claimed WLTP figure of 495 KM.

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant

As for the Long Range variant, it gets a peppier dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) that garners it with a better century sprint time of 4.4 seconds. Similar to the Standard model, the new Model 3 LR also gets improved EV range, with Tesla claiming a maximum figure of 629 KM (WLTP). In comparison, the pre-facelift Model 3 LR only gets a claimed WLTP range of 614 KM.

Both the Enhanced Autopilot & FSDC packages are offered to the new Model 3

Similar to the Malaysian-spec Model Y, the new Model 3 is also offered with both the Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability (FSDC) packages. Priced at RM16,000, the former package adds functions like auto lane change, autopark, as well as the summon features. Meanwhile, the RM32,000-tagged FSDC grants the new Model 3 with all the Basic and Enhanced Autopilot functionalities, plus two upcoming features – Traffic Light & Stop Sign Control and autosteer on city streets.

The new Model 3 stood as a sleeker-looking car compared to its predecessor

Codenamed Project Highland, the facelifted Model 3 gets a mild design change, now featuring a more chiselled look on both ends. Starting with the front, the new Model 3 sports redesigned LED headlights with new DRL signature, featuring slimmer and sleeker design than before. Meanwhile, the front bumper gets a sharper crease that is now extended to the side fenders, making it look somewhat similar to the new Roadster.

Two new wheel options are now offered to the new Model 3

While the silhouette remains identical to the previous model, the new Model 3 is actually 26 MM longer than its predecessor, while the height has been shortened by 2 MM due to its reduced ground clearance. Elsewhere, the new EV sedan also gets two new wheel design options – Photon or Nova – with both coming in 18-inch sizes.

Moving to the new Model 3 rear part, the ‘T’ badge is now replaced by Tesla lettering, and it is now flanked by new C-shaped LED taillights. Other than that, Tesla also garners its refreshed entry-level model with two new colourways – Ultra Red and Stealth Gray.

On board, the new Model 3’s cabin design has been updated with a more lounge-like feel, courtesy of the mix of fabric and aluminium trims. Aside from the new ambient lighting system, the cabin also gets an updated 15.4-inch central infotainment screen with slimmer bezel, while drivers get an improved steering wheel, featuring steering-mounted levers and controls

Said infotainment display is complemented by a new 17-speaker sound system with two subwoofers for the Long Range model, while the Standard model gets 9-speaker with a single subwoofer instead.

Tesla also claims the cabin boasts an improved NVH level, courtesy of the acoustic glass and improved insulating materials installed. Elsewhere, the rear passengers now have their own display panel, measuring 8-inch with integrated functions for both climate and infotainment systems.

At only RM1,000, you can now place a booking for the new Tesla Model 3!

As for its pricing, the new Tesla Model 3 is tagged from RM189,000 for the baseline Standard variant, while the up-specced Long Range variant commands a higher price tag of RM218,000. With first deliveries expected to commence in late 2023, both variants of the new Model 3 are now open for booking at a non-refundable rate of RM1,000 via Tesla Malaysia’s official website.