Australia’s best-selling electric car now offers more range in its two cheapest variants, for the same prices as before.
UPDATE, 07/03/2022 – Tesla has bumped the price of its entry-level RWD model by $1000. Pricing now starts at $60,900 before on-road costs.
There have been no spec changes to compensate for this price rise beyond the previous battery chemistry changes.
The Long Range model also had a price drop of $200 in December 2021. Pricing now starts from $73,200.
This all coincides with wait times across all Chinese-made Model 3 vehicles bound for Australia blowing out to between five and seven months.
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 range opens with an unnamed base model, formerly known as the Standard Range Plus, with a range of 491km under the stricter WLTP test cycle from its LFP battery.
That’s up 43km from before, though its 0-100km/h time has also increased from 5.6 to 6.1 seconds.
Its $59,900 list price means it still qualifies for various state government incentives.
The Long Range has 614km of range, up from 580km offered previously, and the rapid Performance offers a claimed 567km.
Tesla tracker VedaPrime reports the bump in range is a result of larger battery packs for the Chinese-built Model 3, with the base model’s battery increasing from 50kWh to 62.3kWh in size and the Long Range upgraded from 75kWh to 82kWh.
Pricing
- 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD: $60,900
- 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: $73,200
- 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD: $84,900
All prices exclude on-road costs, including delivery and order fees, stamp duty, and registration and CTP fees.
Powertrains
In base single-motor rear-wheel drive guise, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 has a 62.3kWh battery pack. It boasts 491km of electric range and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive Long Range has an 82kWh battery pack, 602km of range and a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, while the range-topping Performance has 547km of range and a 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds.
All range figures are based on the stricter WLTP test cycle.
Dimensions
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 measures 4694mm long, 1933mm wide and 1443mm tall on a 2875mm wheelbase.
There’s 649L of cargo space across the front and rear boots.
Servicing and Warranty
Given it has very few moving parts, there isn’t much maintenance required on the Model 3. Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters changed every two years, and checking the tyre tread, balance, and rotation every 20,000km.
Thanks to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs require work less frequently than in internal-combustion vehicles. However the Model 3 will need to have brake fluid checked every two years, and the pads and discs lubricated every 12 months in colder climes.
The Model 3 is covered by a four-year, 80,000km vehicle warranty.
The battery warranty is for eight years or 160,000km in the base model and eight years or 192,000km for the all-wheel drive variants, with Tesla promising a minimum 70 per cent retention of battery capacity over the warranty period.
Safety
The Model 3 has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP.
It scored 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 74 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist.
Standard active safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the Model 3 includes:
- 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 12-way power adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Tinted glass roof
- Power-folding mirrors
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and start
- Automatic headlights and high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power tailgate
- Wireless phone charging
- Dual-zone climate control
Moving to the Long Range adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Heated rear seats
- LED fog lights
- Interior floor mats
The Performance is fitted with:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Performance brakes
- Metal pedals
- Carbon fibre spoiler
- Lowered suspension
- Track mode
Tesla’s so-called ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ is a $10,100 option across the range.
Colours
Pearl White Multi-Coat is standard, with the following finishes a $1500 option:
- Solid Black
- Midnight Silver Metallic
- Deep Blue Metallic
Red Multi-Coat is a $2900 option.
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