Verdict
The RM45,000 step up to the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD is serious money, and it brings 460 hp, 723 Nm, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and 3.1-second 0-100 km/h pace. But the Premium Long Range RWD travels 750 km versus 571 km and carries far lower RM365 annual road tax. For Malaysian drivers covering distance between charges, the 315 hp rear-drive car is the smarter buy; the Performance is for those who will genuinely use its massive acceleration, 20-inch wheels and uprated chassis.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD if 750 km range, RM365 annual road tax and a RM187,000 price matter more than 3.1-second acceleration.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD if you want 460 hp, 723 Nm, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and Performance brakes.
Key differences
- Price: RM187,000 for the Premium Long Range RWD versus RM232,000 for the Performance AWD.
- Motors and driveline: one motor and rear-wheel drive versus two motors and all-wheel drive.
- Output: 315 hp and 450 Nm versus 460 hp and 723 Nm.
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and 201 km/h top speed versus 3.1 seconds and 261 km/h.
- Range and battery: 750 km from 78.4 kWh versus 571 km from 79 kWh.
- Wheels and audio: 18-inch Photon alloys with nine speakers versus 20-inch Warp alloys with 17 speakers.
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km EV range.
- RM45,000 cheaper to buy.
- RM365 annual road tax and 18-inch wheels.
- 315 hp and 450 Nm trail the Performance AWD's 460 hp and 723 Nm.
- 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.1 seconds slower.
- No adaptive suspension or Performance brakes.
Performance AWD
- 460 hp, 723 Nm and 3.1-second 0-100 km/h pace.
- All-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and Performance brakes.
- 17-speaker audio and 20-inch Warp alloys.
- 571 km range is 179 km shorter.
- RM232,000 costs RM45,000 more.
- RM1,640 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 | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | 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.
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Premium Long Range RWD vs Performance AWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD or Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD better?
The Premium Long Range RWD is better for range and running costs, delivering 750 km and RM365 annual road tax. Choose the Performance AWD only if its 460 hp, all-wheel drive and 3.1-second sprint are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD costs RM45,000 more: RM232,000 against RM187,000 for the Premium Long Range RWD.
Which Model 3 has the longer EV range?
The Premium Long Range RWD has the longer quoted range at 750 km, compared with 571 km for the Performance AWD, despite their similar 78.4 kWh and 79 kWh battery capacities.