The highly-anticipated 2023 Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ facelift made its launch in Malaysia just slightly over two months ago. Available in two variants, namely the entry-level RWD and the Long Range AWD, the facelifted Model 3 is priced starting at RM189,000. Does this make it the best value-for-money electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia? Check out this gallery article to find out.
No matter which variant you go for, though, the Tesla Model 3 starts with a set of standard exterior equipment across the board, including the Pearl White Multi-Coat exterior colour, and a set of 18-inch Photon wheels as seen in this gallery article.
Everything else will require you a top-up, including RM5,000 for either the Solid Black or Deep Blue Metallic colour options, RM7,500 for the Stealth Grey colour option, or RM11,000 for the Ultra Red colour option you’re seeing here. Customers may also add on RM7,500 for the larger and sportier-looking 19-inch Nova wheels.
With this facelift, Tesla has given the Model 3 a set of sleeker-looking headlights and taillights. Despite still being recognisable as a Tesla Model 3, the manufacturer says that it has changed about 50% of the Model 3 with this facelift.
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Powering the Tesla Model 3 RWD is a rear-mounted single-motor setup that enables the EV sedan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and travel as far as 513 km on a single charge. The entry-level RWD variant can handle up to 170 kW of DC charging, which can provide the Model 3 with 282 km of range with just 15 minutes of charge.
The higher-end Long Range AWD on the other hand is fitted with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup which allows the Model 3 to do the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, along with 629 km of range. Charging-wise, The AWD variant can be charged at a maximum rate of 250 kW with DC charging.
Inside, Tesla has redesigned the Model 3’s dashboard to make it look more modern than before. The carmaker has also added new ambient lighting that runs across the dashboard at the base of the windscreen.
Also included are kits such as the 15.4-inch central touchscreen screen, which acts as both the instrument display and the infotainment head unit, Qi wireless mobile phone charging, and ventilated seats. At the back is a new 8-inch rear touchscreen which allows rear passengers to adjust the rear climate control settings, and even stream videos on platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch, among other features.
On top of the usual interior features, Tesla has implemented some controversial design elements with the Model 3 facelift. This includes the removal of the traditional indicator and wiper stalks, which have now been redesigned as buttons located on the steering wheel instead.
The usual gear selector is also gone, replaced with a touch-based gear selector operated using the central touchscreen. Just in case the central touchscreen malfunctions, the driver can also operate the gears using the touch buttons located within the dome lights up front.
As standard, the Tesla Model 3 facelift comes with an all-black upholstery. However, customers may add RM5,000 for the optional black and white interior.
On the safety front, the Tesla Model 3 facelift is equipped with standard safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Collision Warning (BSCW), and Lane Departure Avoidance (LDA).
Like the exterior and interior, customers can top up for more optional advanced safety features. This includes the Enhanced AutoPilot feature which costs RM16,000, as well as the Full Self-Driving Capability feature which costs RM32,000.
Competition for the Model 3 is set to become even more intense, as more EVs, including the upcoming BYD Seal, enter the market to try to steal a piece of the pie. But for now, do you think the Tesla Model 3 facelift is the most value-for-money EV in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!
For the full breakdown of the Tesla Model 3’s specifications in Malaysia, check out our detailed launch coverage here.
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