Verdict
The RM45,000 gap buys a second motor, all-wheel drive and a huge step from 315 hp/450 Nm to 460 hp/723 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h run from 5.2 to 3.1 seconds. It also brings adaptive suspension, performance brakes and a 17-speaker audio system. But the cheaper rear-wheel-drive version travels 750 km versus 571 km and costs far less to tax annually, at RM365 against RM1,640. For most Malaysian buyers, the longer-range car is the rational choice; pay extra only if the Performance hardware matters to you.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if 750 km range, RM365 annual road tax and a RM45,000 saving matter more than outright pace.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if 3.1-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and performance brakes justify the extra spend.
Key differences
- Price: RM187,000 vs RM232,000
- Motors and driveline: 1 motor, rear-wheel drive vs 2 motors, all-wheel drive
- Power and torque: 315 hp/450 Nm vs 460 hp/723 Nm
- Range: 750 km vs 571 km
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: 5.2 seconds/201 km/h vs 3.1 seconds/261 km/h
- Road tax and audio: RM365/year with 9 speakers vs RM1,640/year with 17 speakers
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km claimed EV range
- RM45,000 lower purchase price
- RM1,275 lower annual road tax
- 315 hp and 450 Nm trail 460 hp and 723 Nm
- 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.1 seconds slower
- Lacks the other version's adaptive suspension and performance brakes
Performance AWD
- 460 hp, 723 Nm and all-wheel drive
- 3.1-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- Adaptive suspension, performance brakes and 17 speakers
- 571 km range is 179 km shorter
- Costs RM45,000 more
- Annual road tax is RM1,275 higher
| 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 | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| 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 | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) | 7 (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.
Used cars for sale
Premium Long Range RWD vs Performance AWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model 3 better?
The 750 km, rear-wheel-drive version is better for range and running costs. The 460 hp all-wheel-drive version is better if 3.1-second acceleration, adaptive suspension and performance brakes are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The difference is RM45,000: RM187,000 for the rear-wheel-drive version and RM232,000 for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version.
What does the pricier Tesla Model 3 add?
It adds a second motor, all-wheel drive, 460 hp, 723 Nm, adaptive suspension, performance brakes, 20-inch wheels, front sport seats and a 17-speaker audio system. Its claimed range falls from 750 km to 571 km.
