Key Points
- Model Y Long Range finally releases in Australia for $13,000 more than RWD
- LR has 533km range, dual-motor AWD, front fog lights
- Model Y RWD and Model 3 range prices cut back to early 2023 levels
Tesla has finally introduced the Model Y Long Range variant for Australia, while cutting prices for both the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan electric cars (again).
Priced from $81,900 before on-road costs, the mid Model Y Long Range gains 533km of claimed WLTP driving range from a larger 75kWh estimated usable nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.
Being $13,000 more expensive than the base Model Y rear-wheel drive (RWD), it gets a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, accelerates from 0-100km/h in claimed five seconds (1.9-seconds faster), alongside 78km more claimed driving range, and only adds front LED fog lights to the equipment list.
First deliveries for the new electric SUV variant is expected to occur between May to June, according to Tesla’s online configurator.
As standard, Model Y Long Range falls under the current luxury car tax (LCT), so it is eligible for the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for employee novated leases in those states.
But, if you add any option, such as premium paint, white interior or the 20-inch wheels, it will be ineligible for said benefit.
| Model/Variant | Current April 2023 Price | Old February 2023 Price | Difference |
| Model Y RWD | $68,900 | $69,300 | -$400 (0.6%) |
| Model Y Long Range | $81,900 | N/A – new variant | N/A |
| Model Y Performance | $94,900 | $94,900 | N/A – no change |
It’s also worth noting that Tesla recommends charging the Long Range NMC battery up to 90 per cent to maintain good health, while the RWD’s lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack should be fully charged regularly.
This means the true day-to-day driving range of the Model Y Long Range is 480km claimed.
Tesla also cut the Model Y RWD price by $400, so the electric SUV line-up now costs from $68,900 before on-road costs.
Model 3 prices reduced back
Meanwhile, the smaller popular Tesla Model 3 electric sedan is now $3400 cheaper across the line-up. It now ranges from $60,900 to $86,900 before on-road costs.
Both reductions return Model 3 and Model Y prices back to early March 2022 and June 2022 launch levels respectively.
The best-selling EVs were most recently hit by a slight bump in February.
| Model/Variant | Current April 2023 Price | Old February 2023 Price | Difference |
| Model 3 RWD | $60,900 | $64,300 | -$3400 (5.3%) |
| Model 3 Long Range | $73,900 | $77,300 | -$3400 (4.4%) |
| Model 3 Performance | $86,900 | $90,300 | -$3400 (3.8%) |
About the author
Henry Man
Henry Man is a motoring journalist passionate about the intersection of technology and transportation, with a focus on electric vehicles.
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