Launched: Tesla Model 3 LR RWD – Up to 750 KM Range, From RM185,000

Tesla quietly made a new Model 3 available in Malaysian. Called the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD), it’s now available to configure online from RM185,000. 

Moreover, this new variant also comes with a downward adjustment in Model 3 prices across the board.

The base Rear-Wheel Drive now starts at RM169,000, followed by the new Long Range RWD at RM185,000, the Dual Motor Long Range AWD at RM199,000, and the Dual Motor Performance AWD at RM229,000.

The LR RWD debuts in Stealth Grey as standard, paired with 18-inch Photon wheels and a black interior. Buyers can also upgrade to other colours from RM5,000, 19-inch NOVA wheels at RM7,500, and a white interior trim at RM5,000.

As with other trims, Basic Autopilot is included, while Enhanced Autopilot is available for RM16,000 and Full Self-Driving for RM32,000.

Efficiency is the key draw here. On 18-inch wheels, the Model 3 LR RWD delivers up to 750 KM of WLTP range, or 691 KM with 19-inch wheel option. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.2 secs, while Supercharging at up to 250 kW adds 311 KM of range in just 15 minutes.

The car measures 4,720 mm long, 1,441 mm tall, and 2,089 mm wide. It weighs 1,765 kg and offers 682 litres of combined front and rear luggage space.

On board, the minimalist cabin layout is brimmed with a 15.4-inch central touchscreen and an 8-inch rear passenger display, ensuring both front and rear occupants get access to Tesla’s connected interface.

Malaysian-spec cars also benefit from Tesla’s latest hardware updates. This includes the highly welcomed reintroduction of the signal stalk, matte black Tesla badge, and front camera supporting enhanced driver assistance features.

Warranty coverage remains the same at four years or 80,000 KM for the vehicle, and eight years or 192,000 KM for the battery and drive unit.

With the base Model 3 RWD now priced at RM169,000 and offering 520 KM of WLTP range plus a 6.1 secs century sprint, the move raises a key question - has Tesla just put fresh pressure on BYD’s rivalling Seal Premium?

As a refresher, said Chinese alternative was rebooted with a RM171,800 price tag recently, offering 570 KM range and quicker 5.9 secs century sprint time.

Now, which of the two would be your choice then? As usual, hit the comments below, as well as our social media pages, with your take on things...