Verdict
With the Lexus ES price still TBA, the RM149,000 Tesla Model 3 is the only one that can be budgeted today. Its 62.5 kWh battery, 534 km range, 11 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging give Malaysian EV buyers firm numbers, while its 279 hp, 420 Nm motor reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The ES is the longer sedan at 5,140 mm against 4,720 mm, and its petrol hybrid/REV layout removes sole dependence on charging. Equipment and running-cost comparisons must wait for fuller ES details.
Pick the Lexus ES if you want the 5,140 mm-long executive sedan body and a petrol hybrid/REV powertrain rather than a battery-electric car.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you want a RM149,000 EV with 534 km range, 170 kW DC charging and a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus ES TBA; Tesla Model 3 RM149,000.
- Propulsion: Lexus ES Petrol Hybrid/REV; Tesla Model 3 electric with one motor.
- Length: Lexus ES 5,140 mm; Tesla Model 3 4,720 mm.
- Width: Lexus ES 1,920 mm; Tesla Model 3 2,089 mm.
- Height: Lexus ES 1,555 mm; Tesla Model 3 1,441 mm.
ES
- 5,140 mm length, 420 mm longer than the Model 3.
- Petrol hybrid/REV powertrain does not rely solely on charging.
- 2,950 mm wheelbase.
- Malaysian pricing remains TBA against the Model 3's RM149,000 price.
- No battery, charging, range, output or warranty figures are confirmed alongside the Model 3's detailed EV specifications.
Model 3
- 62.5 kWh battery with 534 km range.
- 279 hp and 420 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
- 11 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging, plus an eight-year/160,000 km battery and drive unit warranty.
- At 2,089 mm wide, it is 169 mm wider than the 1,920 mm Lexus ES.
- Battery-electric operation requires charging access, unlike the ES's petrol hybrid/REV setup.
- Its 4,720 mm length is 420 mm shorter than the ES.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | TBA | RM149,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | — | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM280 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 279 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 62.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 534 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 170 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | — | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Single-ratio Transmission |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Tesla |
| Driveline | — | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 201 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,140 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,555 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,950 mm | — |
| Doors | — | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | — | 594 litres |
| Front Tyre | — | 255/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 255/45R18 |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | — | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | — | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | — | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | — | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | — | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | — | 40:20:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | — | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | — | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered Boot |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | — | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | — | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 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 ES & Model 3 for sale
ES vs Model 3 FAQ
Is the Lexus ES or Tesla Model 3 better?
On confirmed Malaysian specifications, the Tesla Model 3 is the clearer buy: RM149,000, 534 km range, 170 kW DC charging and 6.2-second 0-100 km/h performance. Choose the Lexus ES for its longer 5,140 mm body and petrol hybrid/REV layout.
What is the price difference?
It cannot yet be calculated because the Lexus ES price is TBA. The Tesla Model 3 costs RM149,000 in Malaysia.
How far can the Tesla Model 3 travel on a charge?
The Tesla Model 3 has a stated 534 km EV range from its 62.5 kWh battery. No corresponding electric range is stated for the petrol hybrid/REV Lexus ES.