Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD vs Performance AWD
Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD is the faster, harder-hitting car: dual motors, all-wheel drive, 460 hp, 3.1 seconds to 100 km/h and 261 km/h flat out. But the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD answers with 750 km of EV range against 571 km, a near-identical 78.4 kWh battery and the same 594-litre boot. For most Malaysian buyers, the Long Range RWD is the calmer buy; the Performance AWD makes sense only if that 3.1-second sprint matters every day.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD if you want the longer 750 km range, lower RM365 road tax and the same sedan practicality for less money.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD if you want dual-motor all-wheel drive, 460 hp and a 3.1-second 0-100 km/h time more than maximum range.
Key differences
- Price: RM185,000 vs RM229,000
- Motor/driven wheels: electric RWD vs dual-motor AWD
- 0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds vs 3.1 seconds
- Top speed: 201 km/h vs 261 km/h
- EV range: 750 km vs 571 km
- Road tax per year: RM365 vs RM1,640
Premium Long Range RWD
- 750 km EV range beats the Performance AWD by 179 km
- Lower RM365 annual road tax
- Same 594-litre boot and 7 airbags
- Slower 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Rear-wheel drive only
- Lower 201 km/h top speed
Performance AWD
- Very quick 3.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Higher 261 km/h top speed
- Shorter 571 km EV range
- Much higher RM1,640 annual road tax
- Costs RM44,000 more
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 185,000✓ | RM 229,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Motor | Electric | Dual motor |
| Power | — | 460 hp |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 5.2 s | 3.1 s✓ |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | 261 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 78.4 kWh | 79.0 kWh✓ |
| EV range | 750 km✓ | 571 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Boot space | 594 L | 594 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 4 |
| Road tax / year | RM 365✓ | RM 1,640 |
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.
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 Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD is better for most buyers because it has 750 km of range, lower road tax and the same boot space. The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD is better if outright acceleration is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD costs RM44,000 more, at RM229,000 versus RM185,000 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD.
Which Tesla Model 3 has the longer range?
The Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD has the longer range at 750 km. The Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD is rated at 571 km, so it gives up 179 km for its extra performance.