2024 Tesla Model 3 price and specs: Latest Australian details

The Tesla Model 3 picked up more features and a longer range with an update late in 2023 – and prices have hit all-time lows in 2024, thanks to repeated cuts in Australia.

Thanks to the latest price cuts of up to $4000, the Model 3 RWD is now priced from $54,900 before on-roads, while the Long Range is now priced at $64,900 before on-roads. Both prices are down $7000 since March.

The flagship Model 3 Performance will set you back $80,900 before on-roads, its cheapest price ever in Australia. While it didn’t receive a price cut this month like the others, it’s still $2500 cheaper than the pre-update model.

Currently, wait times for the Model 3 are as follows:

Externally, the Model 3 RWD and Long Range feature a slicker front design with a simpler lower section than before, while down back there are restyled tail lights introduced as part of a major update in 2023.

Under the skin, it gained a revised suspension setup with new springs, dampers, and subframe mounting points designed to deliver a more comfortable ride as part of its overhaul.

Changes were also been made to the Michelin tyres, which are designed to offer more compliance through softer sidewalls – along with better noise suppression.

Performance grades feature a bespoke front bumper and splitter, rear diffuser and lip spoiler, as well as Pirelli-shod 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Highland update brought a new screen up front… with the same dimensions (15 inches) and processor as before.

The steering wheel has no column stalks for indicators or cruise control. Instead, there are capacitive touch buttons on the wheel. An ambient lighting strip runs along the base of the windscreen, and it’s now possible to turn off the passenger air vents.

Rear passengers get an 8.0-inch display to control media and climate, along with air vents and USB-C ports.

Pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

Drivetrains

Tesla doesn’t openly quote power and torque figures most brands, although it does offer 100km/h sprint times.

The Performance output is from the Tesla Australia website, while the Long Range AWD and RWD are quoted using industry guides Redbook and EVDatabase.

*We’re aware the Long Range AWD output is higher than the official Performance output, and are chasing an official Tesla figure for its output.

Efficiency

The base Model 3 RWD has the lowest range of all variants, and charges more slowly than its more expensive siblings.

Dimensions

The Model 3 RWD weighs 1765kg, while the Long Range variant weighs 1828kg.

Servicing and Warranty

Tesla backs the Model 3 with a four-year or 80,000km warranty – with a separate eight-year or 160,000km warranty for the battery and drive unit (eight years or 192,000km for the Long Range and Performance).

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.

The Model 3 will need to have brake fluid checked every two years, and the pads and discs lubricated every 12 months in colder climates.

Safety

The Model 3 has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP based on testing of the old model carried out in 2019.

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 safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors

Standard Equipment

There are currently three members of the Model 3 family.

The Model 3 RWD comes standard with the following equipment:

• 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels
• LED headlights with integrated fog lights
• Acoustic glass
• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• Black interior
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient lighting
• 8.0-inch rear touchscreen with climate, entertainment controls
• 9-speaker sound system
• Dual 65W wireless phone chargers
• Panoramic glass roof
• App connectivity
• Dog Mode (maintains cabin temperature)
• Camp Mode (maintains cabin temperature, keeps entertainment system on overnight)
• Sentry Mode (monitors vehicle, notifies you of potential threats)

The Long Range adds:

• 17-speaker sound system

In addition to the Long Range, the Performance gains:

• 20-inch ‘Warp’ wheels with Pirelli P Zero tyres
• Performance brake calipers and rotors
• Koni adaptive dampers and coil springs
• Front splitter
• Rear diffuser and lip spoiler
• Four drive modes – Chill, Standard, Insane and Track

Options

The following features are optional on certain variants:

• 19-inch ‘Nova’ alloy wheels: $1800 (RWD and Long Range only)
• Black and white interior: $1500
• Enhanced Autopilot: $5100
  • Navigate on Autopilot
  • Auto Lane Change
  • Autopark
  • Summon
  • Smart Summon
• Full Self-Driving Capability: $10,100
  • All Enhanced Autopilot functionality
  • Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
  • Autosteer on city streets (upcoming)

A Premium Connectivity subscription is complimentary for 30 days, and adds:

• Live traffic information
• Satellite maps
• Video and music streaming
• Caraoke
• Internet browsing

Colours

Pearl White Multi-Coat is standard.

The following finishes are optional:

• Solid Black ($1500)
• Deep Blue Metallic ($1500)
• Stealth Grey ($2300)
• Ultra Red ($2600)

MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3