Tesla Adds Model 3 Standard and Model Y LR RWD: Price War Coming?

Tesla has broadened its Malaysian lineup with two fresh variants: the Model 3 Standard and the Model Y LR RWD. Both models offer more affordable entry points for buyers looking to step into Tesla’s long-range electric vehicle range.

The Model 3 Standard now takes the title of Malaysia’s most affordable new Tesla, starting at RM147,600. It joins the existing RWD, LR RWD, and LR AWD models, which have all been rebranded as the Model 3 Premium range, while the Performance variant remains the flagship.

Despite being the entry-level model, the Standard RWD is remarkably close to the Premium RWD in performance. Its WLTP range is rated at 534 km, slightly more than the Premium’s 520 km, and it reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, just 0.1 seconds behind.

On the outside, the Standard features new 18-inch Prismata wheels instead of the Photon design seen on the RWD. Color options beyond Stealth Grey are limited to Pearl White and Diamond Black, each carrying an extra RM5,000 charge.

Inside, Tesla has made several simplifications. The speaker count drops to seven, FM and DAB radio are removed, and the ambient lighting that ran across the dash and doors is gone. Seats and door trims are fabric instead of leather and microsuede. The steering wheel is manually adjustable, and seats lose the ventilated seats with power tilt function.

The rear touch screen has been removed, rear AC vents are manually controlled, and the suspension reverts to the pre-facelift fully passive system, replacing the frequency-dependent shocks.

Meanwhile, the Model Y LR RWD, priced at RM216,450, slots between the base RWD and the LR AWD. Its single rear-wheel-drive motor pushes it to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, slightly faster than the base RWD’s 5.9 seconds.

The LR RWD keeps nine speakers, unlike the LR AWD’s 15-speaker system with subwoofer, and comes only with 19-inch Crossflow wheels, with no option to upgrade to the 20-inch Helix 2.0 design. The model achieves a WLTP range of 661 km, comfortably ahead of the RWD’s 466 km and LR AWD’s 600 km, making it a compelling mix of performance and efficiency.

With these additions, Tesla Malaysia now offers a wider choice for local buyers. The Model 3 Standard makes Tesla ownership even more accessible now, while the Model Y LR RWD balances range and performance without carrying the premium of the AWD model.

Notably, while several other brands have already signaled intent on price increases for their 2026 models, Tesla appears unfazed. The company not only maintains its existing pricing but is also introducing new variants at lower entry points, clearly positioning itself to challenge not just other EV brands in the market, but legacy ICE models as well.