Tesla Model 3 buyer’s guide

The Tesla Model 3 was crowned the Best Urban Electric Vehicle Under $100K for its compliant ride, confident handling and V8-like performance, as well as its roomy interior and smartphone-like technology.

The Tesla Model 3 has been a major success for the brand, not only as its highest-selling model for several years in a row but also as Australia’s most popular electric vehicle. 

While sales are down compared to previous years, with 942 sold so far year-to-date versus 4316 at the same point in 2024, it was still the second best-selling EV behind the Tesla Model Y in February with 668 sales to the Model Y’s 924, and still well ahead of the next best which was the MG 4 with 451 shifted.

Like what you see? Here's everything you need to know to buy the Tesla Model 3 that is right for you!

There are three variants of the Tesla Model 3 – the base Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive.

The range starts at $54,900 for the Rear-Wheel Drive which combines a circa-60kWh battery with a 208kW electric motor. At the top of the line-up, the Performance All-Wheel Drive which is powered by dual electric motors developing 343kW has a price tag of $80,900. Both prices exclude on-road costs.

All variants were eligible for this category's price cap.

The entry-level Tesla Model 3 comes with features such as a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen – with Bluetooth, satellite navigation, voice control, Tesla app support, Spotify and Apple Music – 18-inch Photon alloy wheels with aero covers, a nine-speaker sound system, a tinted glass sunroof, dual wireless phone chargers, blind-spot cameras and a 8.0-inch rear passenger touchscreen, to name a few.

The Tesla Model 3 is supported by Tesla's four-year, 80,000-kilometre warranty.

There are six colour choices available for the popular electric sedan, which are the same no matter which grade you opt for.

The only standard colour is Pearl White Multi-Coat, with Deep Blue Metallic and Solid Black an added $1500, Stealth Grey $2300 and Quicksilver and Ultra Red both $2600.

The Drive judges recommend the Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive, which starts at $64,900 plus on-roads. This model uses a circa-80kWh battery with dual motors developing an approximate 366kW offering a claimed 629km of driving range.

With plenty of change in your pocket, we recommend adding a few options, including Quicksilver paint ($2600), 19-inch wheels ($1800) and the Black and White interior ($1500).

There are currently 16 Store locations across Australia, plus nine pop-up locations.

Tesla’s vehicles are sold online via its Design Studio or Inventory pages. Tesla has told Drive that vehicles ordered via Inventory arrive quicker because they are already in transit from the factory or in Australia. Ordering through the Design Studio though depending on the colour chosen there could be a wait time of up to three months.

Tesla is offering discounts on the Model 3 on both new and certified pre-owned models on its Inventory page now.

You can find plenty of new and used Tesla vehicles available now from dealers around Australia on Drive Marketplace.

A born-and-bred newshound, Kathryn has worked her way up through the ranks reporting for, and later editing, two renowned UK regional newspapers and websites, before moving on to join the digital newsdesk of one of the world’s most popular newspapers – The Sun. More recently, she’s done a short stint in PR in the not-for-profit sector, and led the news team at Wheels Media.

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