Verdict
For most Malaysian buyers, the RM149,000 Tesla Model 3 is the smarter buy. Its 279 hp rear motor, 62.5 kWh battery and 170 kW DC charging match the RM171,000 car, while its claimed range is actually 14 km higher at 534 km. The RM22,000 gap buys heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a rear screen, ambient lighting, a nine-speaker audio system and electric steering adjustment. Nice kit, but not a different driving proposition; the 0-100 km/h gain is just 0.1 seconds.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you want the same 279 hp rear-drive mechanical package for RM22,000 less and value its 534 km claimed range.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a rear screen and extra cabin equipment matter more than the RM22,000 premium.
Key differences
- Price: RM149,000 vs RM171,000.
- EV range: 534 km vs 520 km.
- 0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds vs 6.1 seconds.
- Front and rear seats: power-adjustable fronts and 40:20:40-folding rears vs heated and ventilated fronts plus heated 40:20:40-folding rears.
- Audio and cabin lighting: seven speakers with map lights vs nine speakers with map lights and ambient lighting.
- Wheels and tyres: 18-inch Prismata alloys with Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV tyres vs 18-inch Photon alloys with Michelin e-Primacy tyres.
Standard RWD
- RM22,000 cheaper.
- 534 km claimed range, versus 520 km.
- Same 279 hp, 420 Nm rear-drive motor and 170 kW DC charging.
- No front-seat ventilation or heating.
- Rear seats are not heated and there is no rear screen.
- No ambient lighting or electric steering adjustment.
Premium RWD
- Heated and ventilated front seats plus heated rear seats.
- Rear screen, ambient lighting and electric steering adjustment.
- Nine-speaker audio system and a marginally quicker 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Costs RM22,000 more.
- Claimed range is 14 km lower at 520 km.
- Its 279 hp motor, 62.5 kWh battery and 170 kW DC charging are unchanged.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,000✓ | RM171,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM280 | RM280 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 279 hp | 279 hp |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 62.5 kWh | 62.5 kWh |
| EV Range | 534 km✓ | 520 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | 170 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 | 6.2 seconds | 6.1 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 | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Prismata Alloy | 18" Photon Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Prismata 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 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 | 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 | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 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
Standard RWD vs Premium RWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model 3 better?
The RM149,000 Tesla Model 3 is the better value choice because it shares the same motor, battery and charging rate while claiming 534 km of range. Choose the pricier version only for its comfort and cabin-equipment upgrades.
What is the price difference?
The difference is RM22,000. The extra money buys heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a rear screen, ambient lighting, nine speakers and electric steering adjustment.
Does the pricier Tesla Model 3 go much faster?
No. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, only 0.1 seconds ahead of the other car's 6.2 seconds. Both use a 279 hp, 420 Nm rear motor and rear-wheel drive.
