Tesla Model 3 Launched In Malaysia, Priced From MYR 189,000

Tesla’s long-awaited and newly-upgraded saloon, codenamed ‘Project Highland’, the Tesla Model 3, officially launched in Malaysia.

Two fully-imported (CBU) variants available, Standard and Long Range with prices starting from MYR 189,000 and MYR 218,000, respectively.

Each purchase includes a Basic Vehicle Warranty (four years/80,000 KM), plus a Battery and Drive Unit Warranty (eight years/160,000 KM).

Base and add-on prices aside, total costs comprise of the delivery and admin fee (MYR 500), number plate fee (MYR 200) and non-refundable order fee (MYR 1,000).

With over 50% of the parts replaced, it offers many advances over the original model, including a boost in range, a new premium interior, and a quieter ride.

To recap, performance-wise, variant Standard features a single-motor setup (rear-mounted), while variant Long Range with a dual-motor setup (front-, rear-mounted).

Fused to both is a single-speed fixed gear automatic transmission, with gear changes made via the infotainment display (touch-based).

The rear-wheel drive (RWD) Standard does 0 to 100 KM/H in 6.1 seconds and the all-wheel drive (AWD) Long Range in 4.4 seconds. 

Top speed is the same at 201 KM/H, though, the driving range (WLTP) differs. 513 KM for the former and 629 KM for the latter.

Safety-wise, standard inclusion is the Tesla Basic Autopilot (Level 2 autonomous driving system). 

Optional is the Tesla Enhanced Autopilot (MYR 16,000) and Tesla Full Self-Driving Capability (MYR 32,000).

Interior-wise, the Model 3 is futuristic and simple, projecting an airy ambience with luxury craftsmanship all around.

Accentuated by LED ambient lights, it is outfitted in all-black (optional - black/white - MYR 5,000) faux leather with aluminium trimming. 

Paired to the layout is a new centre console that gets the gear lever deleted, and the remaining surfaces, free of physical dials.

Other fitments. A leather steering wheel (signal stalk deleted), a 15.4-Inch touchscreen central unit (instrument cluster/infotainment), and an 8.0-Inch rear touchscreen.

Notable creature comforts are as such. Powered front seats with heat and ventilation functions, smart entry system with automated-doors, and powered-tailgate.

In terms of sound insulation, the cabin is quieter with all the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects accounted for. 

It features encapsulation around the e-motors and battery to reduce vibration, and dual-pane acoustic glass for all window surfaces.

Exterior-wise, the front-end sees a concave full-face bumper (grille-less), a single central vent, and a set of slimmer LED auto headlamps.

Fitted at the top is a panoramic acoustic glass roof, whereas the rear gets a set of sharper tail lamps, and a body-coloured bumper with black cladding.

Completing the outlook is a set of 18-Inch Photon rims, and optional 19-Inch Nova rims (MYR 7,500).

Exterior colours. Pearl White Multi-Coat (standard), Solid Black (MYR 5,000), Deep Blue Metallic (MYR 5,000), Stealth Grey (MYR 7,500) and Ultra Red (MYR 11,000).

All things considered, the Tesla Model 3 is now available for viewing at the new Tesla Experience Centre, Pavilion Damansara Heights.

Deliveries for the latest fully electric sedan are set to begin in Malaysia by the end of this year.