Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo S60
Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 is the cleaner numbers play for most Malaysian buyers: RM147,600 plays RM315,888, yet it gives 534 km of EV range and a much bigger 594-litre boot. The Volvo S60 answers with pace and flexibility, doing 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds against 6.2 seconds, adding all-wheel drive and pairing a 90 km electric range with a petrol plug-in hybrid system. But the RM168,288 gap is huge, so the Volvo has to earn its place through performance, AWD and the extra warranty year.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you want the lower purchase price, longer electric range and larger boot in a five-seat compact executive sedan.
Pick the Volvo S60 if you want quicker 0-100 km/h performance, all-wheel drive and a petrol plug-in hybrid setup.
Key differences
- Price: Tesla Model 3 RM147,600; Volvo S60 RM315,888
- 0-100 km/h: Tesla Model 3 6.2 seconds; Volvo S60 4.5 seconds
- EV range: Tesla Model 3 534 km; Volvo S60 90 km
- Battery capacity: Tesla Model 3 62.5 kWh; Volvo S60 18.8 kWh
- Boot space: Tesla Model 3 594 litres; Volvo S60 391 litres
- Road tax: Tesla Model 3 RM280 a year; Volvo S60 RM365 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 147,600✓ | RM 315,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Engine | Electric | 1,969 cc |
| Power | — | 314 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s | 4.5 s✓ |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 2.0 L/100km |
| Battery | 62.5 kWh✓ | 18.8 kWh |
| EV range | 534 km✓ | 90 km |
| CO₂ | — | 46 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2,872 mm |
| Boot space | 594 L✓ | 391 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7✓ | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 280✓ | RM 365 |
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.
Model 3
- RM168,288 cheaper to buy
- 534 km EV range
- 594-litre boot
- Slower 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Rear-wheel drive only
- Four-year warranty trails the Volvo
S60
- Quicker 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive
- Five-year warranty
- Costs RM315,888
- 90 km EV range is far shorter than the Tesla’s
- 391-litre boot is much smaller
Model 3 vs S60 FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Volvo S60 better?
The Tesla Model 3 is the better buy on numbers, with a much lower price, 534 km EV range and 594-litre boot. The Volvo S60 is better if you prioritise 4.5-second acceleration, all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid flexibility.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 costs RM147,600, while the Volvo S60 costs RM315,888. That makes the Volvo RM168,288 more expensive before considering the Tesla’s lower RM280 annual road tax versus RM365.
Which has the bigger boot and longer electric range?
The Tesla Model 3 has both: 594 litres of boot space and 534 km of EV range. The Volvo S60 has 391 litres of boot space and 90 km of electric range from its plug-in hybrid battery.