Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD vs Premium RWD
Verdict
The Standard RWD is the sharper buy on the numbers. At RM147,600 versus RM169,000, the RM21,400 gap buys only a 0.1-second quicker 0-100 km/h time on paper, while range actually drops from 534 km to 520 km. Both use a 62.5 kWh battery, rear-wheel drive and a single-ratio transmission, and both give you 594 litres of boot space, seven airbags, AEB, a four-year warranty and RM280 road tax. For Malaysian use, the cheaper car looks harder to argue against.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD if you want the lower price, the longer 534 km range and the same core Model 3 hardware.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD if that tiny 6.1-second 0-100 km/h figure matters to you and you have confirmed the trim equipment justifies the extra spend.
Key differences
- Price: Standard RWD RM147,600; Premium RWD RM169,000
- 0-100 km/h: Standard RWD 6.2 seconds; Premium RWD 6.1 seconds
- EV range: Standard RWD 534 km; Premium RWD 520 km
- Top speed: Standard RWD 201 km/h; Premium RWD not stated
- Battery capacity: Standard RWD 62.5 kWh; Premium RWD 62.5 kWh
- Boot space: Standard RWD 594 litres; Premium RWD 594 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 147,600✓ | RM 169,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Motor | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s | 6.1 s✓ |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 62.5 kWh | 62.5 kWh |
| EV range | 534 km✓ | 520 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 280 | RM 280 |
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.
Standard RWD
- Lower purchase price
- Longer 534 km EV range
- Same 62.5 kWh battery and rear-wheel-drive layout
- 0.1 second slower to 100 km/h
- No extra advantage in airbags, boot space or road tax
- Same four-year warranty as the pricier variant
Premium RWD
- Quicker 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Same 594-litre boot as the Standard RWD
- Same RM280 annual road tax
- Costs RM21,400 more
- Shorter 520 km EV range
- Same 62.5 kWh battery, drivetrain layout and warranty
Standard RWD vs Premium RWD FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD or Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD better?
The Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD is the better buy on these numbers. It is cheaper, has 14 km more range and shares the same battery size, boot space, airbags, AEB, warranty and road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD costs RM21,400 more than the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD.
Does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD have more range?
No. The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is rated at 520 km, while the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD is rated at 534 km. Both use a 62.5 kWh battery.