7 hours ago
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Tesla has paved the way for the launch of cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants in Australia with a subtle name change – but there are still no plans for Standard entry-level grades.
Electric Cars
A small change has been made to the popular Tesla Model Y and Model 3 electric cars in Australia to bring them into line with models sold in the US and Europe.
Regular versions of the Tesla electric cars – the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, and Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive – add 'Premium' to their names to denote their full equipment lists.
Flagship Model 3 and Model Y variants retain Performance All-Wheel Drive branding, and prices for all trim grades are unchanged.
It is a change first made in the US to make space for the entry-level Model Y and Model 3 Standard, which are stripped-back versions of the cars with fewer luxuries and a lower price.
Tesla has said that "while Standard models have been released in other regions," the vehicles will "not be available for Tesla Australia and New Zealand".
Only the Model 3 Standard is understood to be produced at the Shanghai, China factory that supplies all Tesla vehicles sold in Australia bar the German-made Model Y Performance.
Tesla does not sell either Standard variant in China.
Both Standard models delete the 8.0-inch rear passenger touchscreen, power steering column adjustment, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Even the seat adjustment switches from the sides of the bases are removed in favour of touchscreen controls.
They swap full synthetic leather-look upholstery for a mix of leather-look and cloth trim, and in the US, delete FM radio.
The Model Y Standard goes further, covering the glass roof with a fabric cover, and deleting power-folding rear seats, acoustic glass, front and rear LED light bars, and on US models, reverting 19-inch wheels to optional, in favour of 18s.
2026 Tesla Model 3 price in Australia
2026 Tesla Model 3 price in Australia
All prices above exclude on-road costs.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
