Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD at RM171,000 is the sensible buy if 520 km covers your routine, because it keeps the same 594-litre boot, 18-inch Photon wheels and core cabin kit as its sibling. The RM16,000 step to the RM187,000 Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD brings a 78.4-kWh battery, 750 km of quoted range, 250-kW DC charging and a quicker 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time. That is meaningful hardware for frequent intercity driving; for urban use, the RWD leaves little missing beyond rear electronic child locks.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD if 520 km of range is sufficient and you would rather save RM16,000 upfront.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD if you regularly cover long distances and want 750 km of range plus 250-kW DC charging.
Key differences
- Price: RM171,000 versus RM187,000.
- Motor output: 279 hp and 420 Nm versus 315 hp and 450 Nm.
- Battery capacity: 62.5 kWh versus 78.4 kWh.
- Quoted EV range: 520 km versus 750 km.
- DC charging rate: 170 kW versus 250 kW.
- 0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds versus 5.2 seconds.
Premium RWD
- RM16,000 cheaper to buy.
- Lower annual road tax at RM280 versus RM365.
- Same 594-litre boot and 15.4-inch touchscreen with nine speakers.
- 230 km less quoted range.
- 170-kW DC charging trails the Long Range RWD's 250 kW.
- No electronic rear-door child safety lock.
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km quoted range from its 78.4-kWh battery.
- 250-kW DC charging capability.
- Quicker 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time and electronic rear-door child safety lock.
- Costs RM16,000 more.
- Annual road tax is RM365, RM85 higher than the Premium RWD.
| 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 | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| 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 | 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 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.
Used cars for sale
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 regular interstate travel, with 750 km of quoted range, 250-kW DC charging and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The Premium RWD is the sharper value choice if 520 km meets your needs.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD costs RM16,000 more than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD: RM187,000 against RM171,000.
How much more range does the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD have?
The Premium Long Range RWD has 230 km more quoted range, at 750 km versus 520 km for the Premium RWD. Its battery is also 78.4 kWh, compared with 62.5 kWh.
