Start with the number that matters most to a lot of buyers: range. On Tesla's own Australian spec sheet, the new entry Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is rated at 572 km WLTP. The Premium Rear-Wheel Drive above it, which costs more, is rated at 520 km. Cheaper and further is an unusual combination, and it makes this the most interesting Model 3 Tesla has sold here in years.
Tesla Australia announced the car on 1 October under the line "Everything you love, for less". The Electric Vehicle Council, in its September sales report, put the price at less than $46,000 before on-road costs.
Where the money goes
| Tesla AU spec sheet | Model 3 RWD | Premium RWD | Premium Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 572 km | 520 km | 750 km (18") |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.2 s | 6.1 s | 5.2 s |
| Peak Supercharging | 175 kW | 175 kW | 250 kW |
| Rear touchscreen | No | 8-inch | 8-inch |
| Audio | 7 speakers | 9 speakers + subwoofer | |
| Battery warranty | 8 yrs / 160,000 km | 8 yrs / 160,000 km | 8 yrs / 192,000 km |
The base car's cabin is plainer. Tesla lists heated textile front seats and a heated wheel, but not the ventilated front seats, rear screen or bigger sound system of the Premium cars. Acceleration is a tenth of a second slower than the Premium RWD, and the two share the same 175 kW Supercharging ceiling. In other words, the Premium RWD mostly buys you comfort features, not capability.
The case for each
Model 3 RWD if you mostly drive around town and charge at home. You get the most range per dollar in the line-up.
Premium RWD is the hardest to justify now. It goes less far than the cheaper car, and its main extras are cabin comforts.
Premium Long Range RWD if you regularly drive between cities. 750 km WLTP and 250 kW charging (Tesla quotes up to 311 km added in 15 minutes) make a real difference on a long trip.
One extra for MY27 buyers: Tesla Australia said on 2 October that Powershare vehicle-to-load is now available on new Model 3 and Model Y, using Tesla's outlet adaptor. Every Model 3 keeps a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty.
Demand is already there
Even before the new base car arrived, the Model 3 was selling well. The Electric Vehicle Council counted 1,178 Model 3 deliveries in September, up 60% on September 2025.
Our verdict
Buy the base RWD unless you tow or tour often, in which case skip straight to the Long Range. The middle car is the one to avoid.