Verdict
At RM171,000, the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD already brings the same 594-litre boot, 18-inch Photon alloys, heated and ventilated front seats, 15.4-inch touchscreen and broad driver-assistance kit as its sibling. The RM16,000 step to the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD buys a 78.4-kWh battery instead of 62.5 kWh, lifting claimed range from 520 km to 750 km. It also cuts the 0-100 km/h run from 6.1 to 5.2 seconds and raises DC charging from 170 kW to 250 kW. For frequent interstate use, that is meaningful; for urban driving, the cheaper RWD is the sharper buy.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD if RM16,000 saved matters more than the Long Range RWD’s extra 230 km of claimed range.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD if you regularly cover long Malaysian highway journeys and want 750 km claimed range plus 250 kW DC charging.
Key differences
- Price: RM171,000 vs RM187,000
- Motor output: 279 hp and 420 Nm vs 315 hp and 450 Nm
- Battery capacity: 62.5 kWh vs 78.4 kWh
- Claimed EV range: 520 km vs 750 km
- DC charging rate: 170 kW vs 250 kW
- Rear child safety lock: none vs electronic rear-door locks
Premium RWD
- RM16,000 lower purchase price
- RM85 lower annual road tax: RM280 versus RM365
- Same 594-litre boot and 18-inch Photon alloys
- 230 km less claimed range: 520 km versus 750 km
- Slower 170 kW DC charging
- 0-100 km/h takes 6.1 seconds, against 5.2 seconds
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km claimed EV range
- 250 kW DC charging capability
- 315 hp, 450 Nm and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Costs RM16,000 more
- Annual road tax is RM365, versus RM280
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM171,000✓ | RM187,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM280✓ | RM365 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 279 hp | 315 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | 450 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 62.5 kWh | 78.4 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 520 km | 750 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 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 | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.1 seconds | 5.2 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 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 | 255/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R18 | 255/45R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Photon Alloy | 18" Photon Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Photon Alloy | 18" Photon Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 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 | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 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 RWD vs Premium Long Range RWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD better?
The Premium Long Range RWD is better for distance and pace, with 750 km claimed range, 250 kW DC charging and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The Premium RWD is better value if 520 km range covers your routine.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD costs RM16,000 more than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD.
How much more range does the Long Range RWD have?
The Premium Long Range RWD has 230 km more claimed range: 750 km from its 78.4-kWh battery, compared with 520 km and 62.5 kWh for the Premium RWD.
