Verdict
The RM187,000 Premium Long Range RWD is the rational Malaysian Model 3: its 750 km stated range is 179 km ahead, while annual road tax is RM365 rather than RM1,640. The RM232,000 Performance AWD costs RM45,000 more, but its second motor cuts 0-100 km/h from 5.2 to 3.1 seconds and brings adaptive suspension, performance brakes and 17 speakers. Pick it only if those hardware upgrades matter more than distance between charges and running tax; the Premium is the stronger daily-use buy.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD if 750 km of stated range, lower road tax and the lower purchase price matter more than outright acceleration.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD if 460 hp, 723 Nm, 3.1-second 0-100 km/h pace and adaptive suspension justify the extra outlay.
Key differences
- Motor output: Premium Long Range RWD has one motor with 315 hp and 450 Nm; Performance AWD has two motors with 460 hp and 723 Nm.
- Battery and range: Premium Long Range RWD has a 78.4 kWh battery and 750 km range; Performance AWD has a 79 kWh battery and 571 km range.
- Driveline and performance: Premium Long Range RWD is rear-wheel drive, does 0-100 km/h in 5.
- Wheels and tyres: Premium Long Range RWD uses 18-inch Photon alloys with 255/45R18 Michelin e-Primacy tyres front and rear; Performance AWD gets 20-inch Warp…
- Audio: Premium Long Range RWD has a 15.4-inch touchscreen and nine speakers; Performance AWD has a 15-inch touchscreen and 17 speakers.
- Annual road tax: Premium Long Range RWD is RM365; Performance AWD is RM1,640.
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km stated EV range
- RM365 annual road tax
- Lower purchase price
- 315 hp and 450 Nm versus 460 hp and 723 Nm
- 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time versus 3.1 seconds
- No performance brakes or adaptive suspension listed
Performance AWD
- 460 hp, 723 Nm and a 3.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Performance brakes and adaptive suspension
- 17-speaker audio and power-adjustable front sport seats
- 571 km stated range versus 750 km
- RM1,640 annual road tax versus RM365
- Higher purchase price
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM187,000✓ | RM232,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM365✓ | RM1,640 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 315 hp | 460 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 450 Nm | 723 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 78.4 kWh | 79 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 750 km✓ | 571 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Single-ratio Transmission | Single-ratio Transmission |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Tesla | Tesla |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.2 seconds | 3.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 261 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 594 litres | 594 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R18 | 235/35R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R18 | 275/30R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Pirelli P Zero Elect |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Photon Alloy | 20" Warp Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Photon Alloy | 20" Warp Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Performance Brakes, Adaptive Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Sport Seats, Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Rear Screen | Rear Vents with Rear Screen |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 Speakers | 15" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 17 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 80,000 km | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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Premium Long Range RWD vs Performance AWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD or Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD better?
The Premium Long Range RWD is better for most Malaysian buyers because it costs less, has 750 km stated range and attracts RM365 annual road tax. Choose the Performance AWD for its 3.1-second sprint, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and performance brakes.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD costs RM45,000 more than the Premium Long Range RWD: RM232,000 versus RM187,000.
Which Tesla Model 3 has the longer driving range?
The Premium Long Range RWD has the longer stated range at 750 km, compared with 571 km for the Performance AWD. That is a 179 km advantage despite the Performance's slightly larger 79 kWh battery.
