By April 2024, around 6865 Tesla Model 3s had zipped off the lots in Australia, attesting to its soaring popularity. This sleek sedan is a hot commodity, with prices ranging from $54,900 to $80,900, depending on your preferred variant. Originally available in two versions—a rear-wheel-drive 'Standard Range Plus' and an all-wheel-drive 'Performance' model—2024 introduces a third variant: the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan RWD, alongside the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Sedan 4WD and the Tesla Model 3 Performance Sedan 4WD.

Pros:

• Lightning-fast acceleration and instant torque
• Minimal maintenance
• Significant fuel savings
• Sleek and futuristic design
• Spacious interior
  

Cons:

• Reliance on touchscreen for all controls can be cumbersome
• Rear seats lack adequate space for taller adults
• Long-term battery degradation
  

What’s new:

• New variant: Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan RWD
• Refreshed interior with a redesigned dashboard and updated centre console
• Improved touchscreen with faster responses and sleeker bezels
• New seats for improved comfort
• Added features like ambient cabin lighting and front-seat ventilation
  

Australia's automotive landscape has undergone a seismic shift, with the Tesla Model 3 emerging as a vanguard of electric mobility. Having arrived over a decade ago, Tesla has firmly established itself, recently surpassing 100,000 units sold in Australia. The Model 3 represents Tesla's commitment to sustainable transportation, blending sophistication with thrilling performance tailored for the Australian market. With the Model 3 currently dominating the Australian electric vehicle market, will Tesla maintain its lead against innovative EVs like the Kia EV9 and BYD Atto 3? Let's find out!

Exteriors

The Tesla Model 3's exterior boasts a minimalist, aerodynamic design with a sleek silhouette, panoramic glass roof, flush elements, and a grille-less front for a futuristic look.

Styling elements

The Tesla Model 3 cuts a striking figure, and its exterior is a manifesto of minimalist and futuristic design language. A sleek, four-door silhouette dips dramatically towards the rear, prioritising aerodynamics and creating a sense of motion even when standing still. This smooth profile is accentuated by a panoramic glass roof that stretches from windshield to trunk, maximising passenger space and contributing to the car's light and airy aesthetic. Tesla's commitment to clean lines is evident in the flush door handles and the cleverly hidden charging port, both seamlessly integrated into the bodywork. Standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch wheels add a sporty character, further emphasised by the absence of a traditional grille. This grille-less design underscores the Model 3's identity as a technologically advanced electric vehicle and has clean looks and optimal airflow. The Tesla Model 3's exterior is a bold statement, a head-turner that speaks volumes about the future of automotive design.

Colour options

Choosing the colour for your Tesla Model 3 is exciting! There's Pearl White Multi-Coat, which comes included at no extra cost and looks classy. Or you can go for Solid Black, Deep Blue Metallic, or Stealth Grey for $1,500 to $2,300. They all give a cool, sleek vibe. But if you want to stand out, Ultra Red for $2,600 is bold and eye-catching. Whichever colour you pick, your Model 3 will look amazing and help the environment!

Wheel design

Customising your Tesla Model 3 extends beyond colour choices; it's also about selecting the perfect set of wheels to match your style. The standard 18’’ Photon Wheels come included, offering a sleek, modern look that effortlessly complements the car's design. However, if you want to elevate your Model 3's appearance even further, the 19’’ Nova Wheels, available for an additional $1,800, add a touch of sophistication and sportiness, enhancing aesthetics and performance. The bigger size also affects the ride quality – not necessarily bad, but a bit firmer compared to the standard setup.

Interiors

The Tesla Model 3's minimalist interior emphasises spaciousness up front with ample storage but offers limited legroom and comfort in the back seats.

Interior layout and space

The Tesla Model 3 boasts a surprisingly spacious interior with a minimalist design. A low, flat floor enhances the airy feel and creates ample legroom. Up front, supportive and comfortable seats provide a pleasant driving experience. However, the back seats are a different story – they're positioned low and offer limited space, making them unsuitable for long journeys by adults. With 360-degree acoustic glass, the cabin offers a peaceful retreat from the outside world. The all-glass roof lets in ample light without the worry of UV rays. In the Tesla Model 3, the front seats boast spacious dimensions with over 40 inches of headroom, nearly 43 inches of legroom, and over 56 inches of shoulder room, ensuring a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers. However, the back seats, with just under 38 inches of headroom and under 35 inches of legroom, will feel snug, especially for taller occupants. The shoulder room at around 54 inches and the hip room at 52 inches offer slightly less wiggle room, and we found it uncomfortable for long journeys.

Comfort and ergonomics

The Tesla Model 3 offers a comfortable ride up front with supportive seats, but the back gets cramped for adults on long trips. The spacious interior feels airy thanks to a flat floor and plenty of legroom for those in the front. While the minimalist design eliminates traditional buttons for a sleek look, it might take some getting used to controlling everything through the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons. In 2019, Tesla disrupted the automotive industry by declaring that all future interiors should be animal product-free and opting for cloth or vegan leather alternatives.

The Tesla Model 3 strongly emphasises comfort and ergonomics, ensuring everyone riding in it has a delightful driving experience. Adjustable seats, head supports, and seat belts make finding the perfect driving position easy. The intuitive seat adjustment options allow you to customise your seating arrangement for maximum comfort. The integrated head supports and lumbar support, as well as the option for seat heaters, make long journeys even more comfortable.

Boot

The Tesla Model 3 offers impressive cargo versatility and ample storage space throughout the vehicle. The front trunk provides 88 litres of storage capacity; behind the second row, there's a generous 594 litres of cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat, the Model 3 offers a maximum total cargo volume of 682 litres, effortlessly accommodating up to 15 carry-on suitcases. Despite the absence of traditional buttons, the Model 3's plentiful storage options make it practical for transporting luggage and larger items.

Technology and infotainment

The Tesla Model 3 is loaded with tech, from a central touchscreen controlling everything to driver-assistance features and a phone app for remote control.

Infotainment system

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a refreshed interior, a redesigned dashboard, an updated centre console, and a slightly larger touchscreen with faster responses and sleeker bezels. New seats offer improved comfort, while additional features such as ambient cabin lighting, front-seat ventilation, and upgraded sound systems enhance the driving experience. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, and gear selection is now done via the touchscreen, with indicator controls conveniently integrated as touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.

The Tesla Model 3 boasts a central touchscreen of 15 inches, the smallest screen size in the Tesla lineup; it is the command centre for nearly everything.  While convenient, it requires some adaptation compared to traditional buttons and knobs. The touchscreen offers a feature-rich experience but might have a slight learning curve for those accustomed to physical controls. On the plus side, you can control music streaming, car settings, and navigation with just a few taps. The Tesla app adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to pre-heat the cabin or monitor your car remotely with features like Camp Mode (climate control for pets), Sentry Mode (security system), and Dog Mode (ventilated cabin for pets). We often use the Dog Mode to quickly stop at our local K-mart on a blazing hot afternoon. It has kept my dog cool and comfortable, making it a lifesaver in the scorching Australian heat.

Connectivity options

The Tesla Model 3 keeps you connected effortlessly with its handy mobile app. Whether using an iPhone or Android, you can lock/unlock doors, adjust climate settings, and even check where you parked—all right from your phone. It's like having your car at your fingertips wherever you are. Plus, with Wi-Fi for speedy updates and Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music, staying connected on the go is simple. And if you have HomeLink, you can open your garage door with a tap on the touchscreen. HomeLink is a feature that allows Tesla Model 3 owners to control garage doors, gates, lights, and other Radio Frequency (RF) devices directly from their vehicle's touchscreen.

Navigation system

Navigating with the Tesla Model 3 is intuitive and feature-packed. The touchscreen constantly displays a detailed map, offering smooth interaction: drag to move, pinch to zoom, and rotate with ease. It automatically adjusts zoom levels during navigation and provides turn-by-turn directions with real-time traffic updates via Online Routing. Helpful icons reveal charging stations, traffic conditions, and satellite imagery (with premium connectivity).

Auto-pilot & Self-driving

Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving redefine driving with features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. These advanced driver assistance systems enhance safety and convenience by automating certain driving tasks. Full Self-Driving adds Navigate on Autopilot for highway guidance, Auto Lane Change, and advanced parking and summoning capabilities. While requiring active driver supervision, these features testify to the evolving technology through over-the-air updates.

Once acclimated, the basic Autopilot remains remarkably consistent and invaluable during highway journeys, significantly alleviating heavy and light traffic stress. Its functionality has improved over time, reducing our highway stress by allowing us to prioritise awareness of surrounding conditions over manual driving tasks. However, we suggest limiting its use to highways and avoiding city streets and back roads for more active driving engagement.

Voice commands

Tesla Model 3 offers intuitive voice commands that enhance convenience while driving. Whether adjusting climate settings, controlling vehicle features, or navigating to a destination, voice commands simplify interaction without needing to touch the screen. Simply press the microphone button on the steering wheel, hear the prompt, and speak your command. Want to cool down the cabin? Just say, "Make it cooler." Need to navigate? Say, "Drive to [location]." It's that easy! Plus, Tesla continues refining and expanding its voice command capabilities, ensuring a seamless, hands-free experience tailored to your needs.

Bioweapon Defense Mode

Bioweapon Defense Mode in Tesla vehicles is an advanced air filtration system utilising HEPA and activated carbon filters to protect occupants from pollutants, allergens, and airborne pathogens, ensuring clean and safe cabin air. Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode sets a new standard in automotive air filtration, showcasing Tesla's commitment to passenger well-being amidst global air quality concerns. This cutting-edge feature uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometres and activated carbon filters to eliminate odours and gases. Inspired by systems used in hospitals and clean rooms, Bioweapon Defense Mode creates a positive-pressure environment inside the cabin, effectively sealing pollutants and allergens. This innovation enhances comfort and underscores Tesla's leadership in integrating health-focused technologies into its vehicles.

Theatre, arcade, and toybox

Tesla Model 3 offers fun and engaging entertainment options. Theater mode lets you watch Netflix and YouTube when parked with WiFi or premium connectivity. Arcade mode allows gaming using Bluetooth or USB controllers. Toybox offers playful features like customising car colours and creating music with TRAX. These entertainment options make downtime in your Tesla enjoyable and interactive, enhancing your driving experience with modern technology.

Interior electronics

Inside the Tesla Model 3, you'll find various electronic features designed for convenience and functionality. The vehicle includes four USB ports: three USB-C ports capable of fast charging, located in various spots like the rear centre console and below the rear touchscreen, and one USB-A port inside the glovebox, ideal for storing Sentry Mode and Dashcam footage. Wireless phone chargers integrated into the front console support Qi-enabled phones with up to 15W of power. Additionally, a low voltage power socket in the center console provides up to 12A for accessories. These features ensure that your Model 3 can handle all your electronic needs while on the go.

Advanced driving features

The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with advanced features that simplify your driving experience. Upon opening the door, the touchscreen instantly activates, providing full control at your fingertips. To drive, you must simply press the brake pedal and swipe up for Drive, down for Reverse, or tap P for Park and N for Neutral—all effortlessly intuitive. With Auto-Shift out of Park enabled, the car automatically selects Drive or Reverse when you engage the brake, a setting you can adjust in Controls > Dynamics. You must ensure your phone key or card is detected for seamless authentication or use a PIN for added security. When parking, power-off occurs automatically with your phone key, or you can manually tap Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen. You can also adjust your steering wheel, mirrors, and more using the touchscreen menus to personalise your driving position.

Acceleration modes

The Tesla Model 3 offers customisable acceleration modes through its intuitive Controls menu under Dynamics. Choose between Chill mode for a smooth, leisurely drive, Standard mode for balanced everyday performance, or Insane mode for maximum acceleration in performance vehicles. Each mode adjusts the car's responsiveness to suit different driving preferences and situations. While Insane mode delivers thrilling acceleration, it may affect battery efficiency due to increased power usage. Tesla's sophisticated battery management system ensures optimal temperature control to maintain performance and efficiency, dynamically adjusting heating and cooling as required. Whether prioritising comfort, efficiency or exhilarating performance, the Model 3's acceleration modes provide versatility and control at your fingertips.

Performance and engine

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has received notable updates, enhancing its aesthetics and performance. It now features a sleeker design with a refreshed front end, upgraded interior materials, and a quieter cabin thanks to enhanced sound-deadening measures.

Engine specifications

The Tesla Model 3 offers several variants tailored to different needs. The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) sedan boasts a fast charge time of 35 minutes, a range of 513 km, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Opting for the Long Range sedan with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) reduces the charge time to 31 minutes, extends the range to 629 km, and improves acceleration to 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. For enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, the Performance sedan with AWD matches the Long Range model's 31-minute charge time, achieves a range of 528 km, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. In real-life scenarios, these figures translate into efficient charging times, ample driving ranges suitable for long trips, and impressive acceleration for dynamic driving experiences.

Powertrain

The Tesla Model 3 has three variants: Standard Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and the high-performance Performance model. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is available in two distinct electric powertrains tailored to suit diverse driving needs. The standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model is equipped with a single powerful rear-mounted electric motor, which balances efficiency and performance. For those seeking enhanced capability and traction, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant features dual motors—one on each axle—providing instant torque and superior grip. Whether prioritising efficiency or power, the Model 3 offers a versatile selection to match your driving preferences.

Charging and efficiency

Tesla's Model 3 lineup benefits from the extensive Supercharger network, ensuring quick and convenient charging options across Australia. We recommend avoiding exposing the Model 3 to temperatures exceeding 60°C or below -30°C for extended periods to maintain peak performance. An energy-saving feature automatically adjusts display energy consumption on newer models, enhancing overall efficiency. For older vehicles, users can manually control this setting through the touchscreen menu. In case of flooding or extreme weather exposure, treat the vehicle as if it has been in an accident and seek immediate inspection by Tesla Service. To maximise driving range, adopt fuel-saving practices such as moderating speed, utilising regenerative braking, and minimising climate control use. The Model 3's Energy app provides real-time energy consumption data and personalised tips to optimise efficiency, ensuring a smooth and eco-conscious driving experience. The Standard Range RWD model may leave some drivers concerned about its 513 km range, especially on longer trips. In contrast, the Performance variant’s 528 km range offers adequate coverage but falls short compared to its more efficient counterparts. However, if the range is your main concern, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range with a 629 km range is the one you should go for.

Fuel economy and environmental impact

According to Australian standards, the Model 3 delivers impressive fuel efficiency ratings, equivalent to 20.6 kWh/100 km for the Long Range AWD and slightly higher for the Performance model. However, many people have quoted that the actual highway tests have shown varying results, with some averaging around 3.3 km/kWh, which may vary based on driving conditions and terrain.

Safety features

Tesla boasts the Model S as a safety champion, touting its robust design with a low centre of gravity for better handling and a fortified battery pack for superior crash protection. According to Tesla, this, combined with active safety features and constant software updates based on real-world driving data, positions the Model S as a tech-driven safety leader.

However, in Australia, where car safety regulations are stringent, Tesla recently faced a bump in the road. Deliveries of the Model 3 were halted due to a compliance issue - the crucial rear centre tether for a child car seat was inaccessible. This raised safety concerns, and the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) withheld their usual five-star safety rating for the car. This is significant for Australian consumers, who rely heavily on ANCAP ratings when making car buying decisions. So, while Tesla claims the Model 3 is a safety frontrunner, this recent incident in Australia highlights the importance of independent safety assessments and compliance with regulations.

Some of these safety features include:

• Security system
• Knee airbags
• Pretensioners
• Stability control
• PIN to drive
• Sentry Mode
• Active Lane Control
• Braking systems
• Cabin Camera
• ‎Collision Avoidance Assist
• Lane Assist
• ‎Speed Assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot collision warning
• Lane departure avoidance

Ownership experience

Opinions on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range vary widely among enthusiasts and critics alike. Supporters rave about its lightning-fast acceleration, smooth handling, and the convenience of home charging, which significantly reduces fuel costs. They appreciate its futuristic design, excellent stereo system, and minimal maintenance requirements. However, detractors point out drawbacks such as the reliance on a touchscreen interface for all controls, which some find cumbersome and potentially unsafe while driving. The seats are criticized for lacking adequate bolstering, which affects comfort during spirited driving. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge the Model 3's environmental benefits and cutting-edge technology, making it a compelling choice for those interested in electric vehicles and innovative automotive technology.

Major strengths

• Lightning-fast acceleration with instant torque
• Smooth handling and precise steering
• Minimal maintenance required compared to traditional cars
• Significant savings on fuel costs due to home charging
• Futuristic design and advanced technology features
• Excellent stereo system and interior comfort amenities
• Environmental benefits of zero-emissions driving
  

Major drawbacks

• Reliance on a touchscreen interface for all controls, which some find cumbersome
• Seats lack adequate bolstering for spirited driving
• Initial purchase costs is high compared to traditional vehicles
• Concerns about long-term battery degradation and replacement costs
• Limited charging infrastructure in some regions may impact travel convenience

Maintenance costs and Warranty information

Tesla Model 3s are known for their low maintenance costs compared to gasoline cars. You won't need oil changes or spark plug replacements, and Tesla recommends specific maintenance on an "as-needed" basis. While the exact cost depends on what's needed, it's generally much lower than the industry average for luxury sedans. For example, expect to pay around $150 for a cabin air filter replacement, including the filter itself (around $54) and labour (around $84).  Tesla offers a basic warranty of 4 years, so consider an extended warranty for additional peace of mind as your mileage increases and repairs go beyond routine maintenance.

Verdict

The Tesla Model 3 is a pioneering force in Australia's electric vehicle market, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable mobility. With over 6,865 units sold by April 2024, its popularity is undeniable, driven by lightning-fast acceleration, precise handling, and substantial savings on fuel costs thanks to home charging capabilities. The Model 3 impresses with its sleek design, advanced infotainment system, and spacious interior, albeit with some compromises like the touchscreen-centric controls and snug rear seating. While its initial purchase price and concerns over long-term battery maintenance remain considerations, the Model 3 remains a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers and tech enthusiasts, leading the charge towards a cleaner automotive future in Australia.

Reference

Owner’s Manual