Key Points
- Tesla has launched the 2026 Model 3 Long Range RWD in Australia with a class-leading 750 km WLTP range
- The Performance variant also gains a battery upgrade, boosting range to 571 km while retaining supercar-level acceleration
- Pricing begins at $61,900 plus on-road costs, with orders open now and deliveries from November 2025
- The new Model 3 lineup undercuts rivals like the BMW i4 and Polestar 2 on price while offering longer range
Tesla has raised the bar for electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia with the launch of its updated 2026 Model 3 lineup. The headline feature is a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant capable of delivering up to 750 km of WLTP range, making it the longest-range EV currently on sale in the country.
Orders for the refreshed Model 3 are now open, with deliveries set to begin in November 2025.
MORE▶️ Tesla Model 3 & Y Home Charging Guide (2025)
The New Longest-Range EV on the Market
The new Model 3 Long Range RWD introduces NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) battery chemistry, significantly boosting range compared to the previous lithium iron phosphate pack.
- WLTP range: 750 km on 18-inch wheels
- WLTP range: 691 km on 19-inch wheels
This makes it more efficient than the Polestar 3 Long Range (706 km WLTP) despite that vehicle carrying a much larger 107 kWh battery.
Tesla says this translates to around 700 km of real-world driving, enough for long-distance road trips with minimal charging stops. For example, a Sydney–Melbourne journey (880 km) can now be achieved with just one brief recharge of about 10 minutes.
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Performance Model Gets a Boost
Tesla has also upgraded the Model 3 Performance with an improved battery. The update increases range from 528 km to 571 km WLTP, while retaining the car's thrilling dynamics.
Key Performance Specs:
- Power: 343 kW
- 0–100 km/h: 3.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 261 km/h
Despite the range gains, Tesla has kept the same acceleration figures, ensuring that performance enthusiasts enjoy both speed and extended usability.
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Pricing, Options, and Design Updates
Pricing for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts at $61,900 plus on-road costs for the Long Range RWD, while the Performance model is priced from $80,900 plus on-road costs.
All models receive subtle but meaningful design changes, including new black Tesla badging for a cleaner, more uniform look.
Customisation remains straightforward:
- Colours: Pearl White Multi-Coat (standard), with optional Diamond Black, Deep Blue Metallic, Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red.
- Interiors: Standard All Black or optional White for a brighter cabin.
- Wheels: 18-inch Photon (maximum range) or 19-inch Nova (sportier design).
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