Tesla brings 620km Model 3 Long Range to Oz

TESLA Motors has added a Long Range dual-motor variant to its entry-level Model 3 line-up priced at $85,000 plus on-road costs that is capable of a claimed 620km between recharging.

The US EV brand has also repositioned the Model 3 Performance variant – previously starting at the $85K mark – with a higher standard specification and price to match, now from $91,200 plus on-roads.

In addition to these changes, the no-cost colour option has changed from Solid Black to a Pearl White Multi-Coat (previously $2100 extra) and a white interior option is now available on the Performance for $1400.

As its name suggests, the Model 3 Long Range’s 620km compares favourably against the equivalent Model S that costs almost $40,000 more and is claimed to cover 660km on a charge.

The Model 3 Performance has a claimed 560km range and the Standard Range Plus – still priced at $66,000 plus on-roads – offers a claimed 460km.

Tesla bases its range estimates on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) that is around 10 per cent more optimistic than the newer Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

Like the Model 3 Performance, the Long Range has a dual-motor set-up providing all-wheel drive but is not as fast, executing the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6 seconds on the way to a 233km/h top speed compared with 3.4s and 261km/h in the range-topper.

The Standard Range Plus hits 100km/h in 5.6s and tops out at 225km/h.

The Long Range gets much of the longer equipment list previously reserved for the Performance, including a 14-speaker premium audio system, heated rear seats and LED foglights.

A year of Tesla’s Premium Connectivity package is also included, comprising satellite maps with live traffic information, online music and media streaming and increased frequency of over-the-air updates via the car’s mobile data connection.

Other than the foglights, the Long Range is visually similar to the Standard Range Plus, including its 18-inch aerodynamic wheels.

The price increase applied to the Performance variant brings modifications that were previously bundled as a $6200 option pack comprising 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, carbon-fibre boot spoiler, lowered suspension, aluminium pedals and access to a track driving mode.

A Tesla spokesperson told GoAuto the company was standardising its global vehicle line-up and standardising the trim packages across all models “to make purchasing our vehicles even simpler”.

Changes to the Australian Model 3 range is part of Tesla’s move to sell the same three variants worldwide. Likewise, availability of the white interior option on certain variants is being rolled out to all right-hand-drive markets.

“Like other car companies, we periodically adjust available options,” the spokesperson said.

Other standard inclusions on the Model 3 include a panoramic glass roof, 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, customisable driver profiles, Bluetooth phone with audio streaming, centre console storage with four USB ports and two smartphone docks, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors with power folding and heating.

Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ upgrade costs $8500 (previously $7100) and colour choices range from $1050 for Solid Black, $1400 for Midnight Silver and Deep Blue metallic finishes, and $2800 for Red Multi-Coat.

Earlier this month, Euro NCAP awarded the Model 3 a full five-star safety rating.

Meanwhile, the Model S and Model X ranges have been simplified to Long Range and Performance variants, with Ludicrous mode standard on the latter and all versions gaining more efficient motors that increase range and performance, the standard fitment of intelligent adaptive suspension and compatibility with faster 200kW Superchargers.

2019 Tesla Model 3 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs