2023 Tesla Model 3 price and specs: Latest details for Australia's top-selling EV

All three Model 3 electric sedan variants share largely the same features, but are differentiated by the drivetrain and battery pack.

The Model 3 rear-wheel drive (RWD) has a single-motor setup and is most efficient, while all-wheel drive Long Range and Performance models gain more powerful dual-motors and a larger battery to yield more driving range.

The key difference is the Model 3 RWD has a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and can recharge at up to 170kW DC (with no charge limit), whereas the Long Range and Performance use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack and peaks at up to 250kW DC speeds (with a 90 per cent charge limit recommendation).

View the full specs

The Tesla Model 3 is priced from $61,300 before on-road costs for the [variant]. Key features include a 15-inch central touchscreen with over-the-air software update capabilities, a minimalist animal-free interior, and camera-only safety assistance systems.

Additionally, for $13,000 more, the Long Range gains LED fog lights and a higher-end speaker system.

The flagship Performance costs an another $13,000 and includes additional features, such as 21-inch Überturbine wheels with red-painted performance brake callipers, lowered suspension, and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

EDITOR'S NOTE: All prices listed below exclude Tesla’s $400 ordering fee, $1400 delivery charge, and the compulsory luxury car tax (LCT) when applicable.

Model 3 RWD price: $61,300 before on-road costs

RWD features:

Model 3 Long Range price: $74,300 before on-road costs

Long Range adds:

Model 3 Performance price: $87,300 before on-road costs

Performance adds:

Tesla Model 3 options

• Standard paint – no cost: Pearl White Multi-Coat
• Premium paint – $1500: Solid Black; Midnight Silver Metallic; Deep Blue Metallic
• Red Multi-Coat paint – $2400
• 19-inch Sport wheels (RWD and Long Range only) – $1800
• Black and white interior – $1500
• Tesla Mobile Connector trickle charging cable – $550

Enhanced Autopilot – $5100:

• Navigate on Autopilot on highways (assists with lane changing and highway exits)
• Automatic lane change assist
• Automatic parking assist
• Summon (remotely move forwards and backwards)
• Smart Summon (remotely drives to owner)

‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ – $10,100:

• Enhanced Autopilot features
• Traffic light and stop sign control (slows down the vehicle while using adaptive cruise control)

Premium Connectivity – $9.99/month:

• Satellite-view maps with live-traffic lines
• Music and video app streaming
• Remote exterior and interior camera monitoring (via mobile app)
• Karaoke
• Internet browser

As of the time of this article, the Tesla Model 3 variants eligible for government incentives are summarised in the table below. Refer to the following for more information on the; federal FBT exemption and state-based incentives.

The Tesla Model 3 is backed by a four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty and roadside assistance with a different battery warranty depending on the drivetrain variant

For the base Model 3 RWD, it has a eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, whereas the Model 3 Long Range and Performance are covered for eight-years/192,000km. Tesla promises it’ll keep at least 70 per cent of its battery health over the coverage period.

It adopts a condition-based servicing scheme, meaning the vehicle will notify the owner when its sensors detect it’s time for check-up via the mobile app.

Tesla also recommends a range of specific routine maintenance tasks, including:

• Cabin air filter – every two years
• Tyre rotation, balance and wheel alignment – every 10,000km/if the tread depth difference is 1.5mm or more
• Brake fluid test – every two years
• Air conditioning desiccant bag – replace every four years
• Cleaning and lubricating brake callipers – every 12 months/20,000km (for cars in cold weather regions only)

The Tesla Model 3 RWD compares favourably on paper with the similarly-priced Polestar 2 and Cupra Born, with more claimed WLTP driving range due to better efficiency – despite the smaller battery – faster 0-100km/h performance and a larger boot, albeit with a less practical sedan opening.

NOTE: Prices exclude on-road costs and luxury car tax (where applicable).