An addition to its Malaysian roster, Tesla’s long-awaited and newly-upgraded saloon, codenamed ‘Project Highland’, the 2023 Tesla Model 3.

With over 50% of the parts replaced, it offers many improvements over the original model, including a boost in range, an all-new premium interior, and a quieter ride. 

Exterior colours. Pearl White Multi-Coat (standard), Solid Black (MYR 5,000), Deep Blue Metallic (MYR 5,000), Stealth Grey (MYR 7,500) and Ultra Red (MYR 11,000).

Fully-imported (CBU), two variants are on offer. Tesla Model 3 RWD (MYR 189,000), and Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (MYR 218,000). 

Prices include a Basic Vehicle Warranty (four years/80,000 KM), plus a Battery and Drive Unit Warranty (eight years/160,000 KM).

Base prices (w-w/o add-ons) aside, total costs comprise of the delivery and admin fee (MYR 500), number plate fee (MYR 200) and non-refundable order fee (MYR 1,000).

For a purchase, surge over to Tesla Malaysia’s official website (Tesla Malaysia configurator), and select a preferred model (Tesla Model 3 - w-w/o add-ons).

Note. Newly-registered CBU Tesla EVs currently benefit from a full import, excise duties and 100% road tax exemptions. The prices still include SST, which is only exempted for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs at the moment.

Tesla owners may also claim individual income tax relief (MYR 2,500) for the assessment year of 2023, on expenses related to installation, rental, purchase, hire-purchase equipment, and EV charging facility subscriptions.

Weighing in at 1,765 KG (Model 3 RWD) and 1,828 KG (Model 3 Long Range AWD), the Model 3 stands at 4,720 MM long, 2,089 MM wide, 1,441 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,875 MM.

Sharply smooth and electrifyingly sporty, it exudes a prowling-like silhouette with its borderline low-sitting and planted exterior.

Upgraded, the front-end sees a concave full-face bumper (grille-less), seamlessly merged with the hood, creating a sense of flow towards its roofline (glass roof).

Aggressively-modern, clean contours and fluidity command the entire outlook, completing a strong character.

Solid and neatly sculpted, the rear-end continues the roofline flow, merging seamlessly with the tailgate.

Accentuating the look is its fairly-wide rear quarter panels, and a minimalistic body-sculpted boot-lid spoiler.

Completing the layout, fitted is a body-coloured bumper with integrated black cladding, matching the front-end’s lower intake.

Installed is a set of slim and eye-drop-like headlamps. They are full LED units with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), automatic On/Off and high-beam functions, and welcome lights. 

Neatly-framed, the wraparound tail lamps have a very sleek outlook. They are full LED units with welcome lights and sequential turn indicators.

Electronically adjusted and folded, the side mirrors come with approach lights, auto-dimming and heating function.

Fitted are ventilated disc brakes, measuring 320 MM (front) and 335 MM (rear). Aiding the setup is a regenerative braking system, and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system.

Standard fitment is a set of 18-Inch Photon rims, wrapped in 255/45 R18 Michelin e-Primacy tyres. 

Optional (MYR 7,500) is a set of 19-Inch Nova rims, wrapped in 265/40 R19 Hankook iON EVO tyres.

Improved, the Model 3 has a futuristic, simple and symmetrically built dashboard, projecting an airy ambience with luxury craftsmanship all around.

Accentuated by LED ambient lights, it is outfitted in black (optional - black/white - MYR 5,000) with aluminium trimming, and commanded by a 15-Inch infotainment unit.

Paired to the layout is a new centre console that gets the gear lever deleted, and the remaining surfaces, free of physical dials.

Overall clean and seamlessly designed, every accessibility can be touch-controlled, and is user-friendly for the driver.

Installed is a 15.4-Inch high-definition touchscreen central unit (instrument cluster/infotainment combo). 

Interior of the five-seater is upholstered in faux leather. Standard finish is all-black (optional - black/white - MYR 5,000).

The front seats feature power adjustments (12-way, lumbar support) with heat and ventilation functions. 

The rear seats get a 40:20:40 split-fold manual configuration with heat and ventilation functions.

Courtesy of its central-underfloor-mounted EV battery and borderline wide body, these elements provide the saloon with ample interior space. 

Ultimately, it offers generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants get plenty of mobility. 

Mounted is a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, wrapped in leather (black/white) and detailed with silver trimming. 

It features multi-switches (media, vehicle settings), integrated signal switches (deleted - signal stalk), electric column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), heating function, and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Numerous storage compartments. E.g., centre console armrest storage and partitioned spaces, side door and back seat pockets, and a decent-sized glove box.

Four cup holders, two located in the front centre console and two in the rear seating’s centre armrest. Four bottle holders, located at each side door pocket.

Installed are three USB-C ports (one-front, two-rear), one 12-V socket and one dual-wireless charger (centre console).

Power-operated (hands-free - key fob, Tesla app, touchscreen display) with height adjustment, its main boot has a load capacity of 649-Litres (1,210-Litres - rear seats folded), while its front trunk (frunk) provides up to 88-Litres.

The Model 3 features the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

Standard, they are Tesla Basic Autopilot (Level 2 autonomous driving system), Sentry Mode (360-degree camera, dashcam), Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Collision Warning. Other accompanying systems are Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill-Descent Control (HDC).

Optional is Tesla Enhanced Autopilot (MYR 16,000), which includes Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon and Smart Summon (summon parked Tesla via Tesla app). 

Another optional add-on is Full Self-Driving Capability (MYR 32,000), which includes all functionality of Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. Constantly updated via over-the-air software updates.

Passive safety includes seven airbags (driver-passenger, front side, front-rear curtain, driver's knee), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, parking sensors (front, rear), parking cameras (front, side, rear), door ajar warning, impact sensors, crash sensors, security alarm with immobiliser.

All variants come with Acceleration Mode (Standard, Chill, Sport). The interior also gets three selectable modes (Dog, Camp, Sentry), altering the in-car ambience and providing extra safety.

Fitted is a 15.4-Inch high-definition touchscreen central unit (infotainment/instrument cluster combo). Also included is a rear touchscreen display (8.0-Inch).

The system supports camera views (live traffic feed), live navigation, media, vehicle controls, voice command and in-car Wi-Fi.

The sets of ADAS will make long and short journeys less tiresome, and a lot safer. 

Variant Model 3 RWD features a nine-speaker with an amplifier setup, while variant Model 3 Long Range AWD upgrades to 17 speakers with two amps and two subwoofers.

Embedded in the Model 3 are variant-specific electric motor setups. 

Variant Model 3 RWD features a single-motor setup (rear-mounted), while variant Model 3 Long Range AWD gets a dual-motor setup (front-, rear-mounted).

All variants feature a single-speed fixed gear automatic transmission. 

Gear changes are made via the infotainment setup (touch-based). Back-up physical buttons are provided (front roof).

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels (RWD - Rear-Wheel Drive) for variant Model 3 RWD, and to all four wheels (AWD - All-Wheel Drive) for variant Model 3 Long Range AWD.

Variant Model 3 RWD accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 201 KM/H. 

Variant Model 3 Long Range AWD does 0 to 100 KM/H in 4.4 seconds and top speed is 201 KM/H. 

Underpinned in all variants is a 400 V electrical architecture. 

Variant Model 3 RWD features a Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, yielding a maximum driving range of 513 KM (WLTP), fully charged (DC charging – 170KW). 

Variant Model 3 Long Range AWD sees a Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery, producing a maximum driving range of 629 KM (WLTP), fully charged (DC charging – 250-KW). 

The Model 3 features smart entry system with automated-doors (key fob, key card, phone key/Tesla app), power-tailgate (hands-free - key fob, Tesla app, touchscreen display), panoramic acoustic glass roof (tint protection - ultraviolet, infrared), dual-zone auto-climate control (HEPA filtration system with Bioweapon Defence Mode, rear-vents with dedicated controls), rear infotainment display (entertainment, rear climate control), Cabin Preconditioning (cabin heating/cooling), multi-function steering wheel (gear lever, electric column adjustments), auto-dimming rear-view mirror (interior, exterior), power adjustable seats (front-12-way, climate/ventilation functions), wireless charger (dual connection), interior lighting (map, reading, ambient, cargo), armrests (front, rear), 360-degree camera, parking sensors (front, rear), Tesla Mobile App, rain sensing headlights and wipers, auto headlamps, voice control and speed sensing door locks. 

There are air-conditioning vents present in the rear cabin with a dedicated set of controls (8.0-Inch rear touchscreen setup).

Innovatively, by positioning the battery low in the centre of the underfloor, it allows for a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

The front features an independent suspension setup (double wishbone, coil springs (helical springs), telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar with stabiliser link/bar). 

The rear features an independent setup (multi-link, coil springs (helical springs), telescopic shock absorbers). 

Overall, it is adequately spacious with firm handling and is very suitable as a daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory.

Upgraded, it has good sound insulation, accounting for all the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects. 

The cabin is acoustically designed, to enhance the in-car ambience and block out exterior noises.

It features encapsulation around the e-motors and battery to reduce vibration, and an acoustic glass roof and windows (tint protection - ultraviolet, infrared).

All in all, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, even when cruising through bumpy asphalts or at all speeds. 

Tesla claims a 30% improvement in wind and ambient noise, 25% improvement in impact noise and a 20% improvement in road noise.