The latest Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ has finally made its debut in Malaysia after it was officially unveiled on 1st September. This upgraded fully electric sedan gets several notable upgrades including improved efficiency and additional premium tech features. Malaysia is among the first few countries in the world to get the new Tesla Model 3 by the end of this year.
Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ Malaysia price and availability
The Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ is only offered in two variants – a single motor RWD model and a twin-motor long-range AWD version. Here’s the official pricing for the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia:
- Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): RM189,000
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: RM218,000
Take note that the above pricing is only the base price and you’ll have to add RM1,700 for delivery & administration, number plate and other relevant order fees excluding other on-the-road registration fees.
Similar to the Tesla Model Y which was launched in Malaysia in July, the base white colour paint and the “basic auto pilot” is free, and you’ll have to pay more if you want a different colour, wheel sizes and “auto pilot” upgrades.
Here’s how much you’ll need to top up for other colours including the hero Ultra Red option.
- Solid Black – RM5,000
- Deep Blue Metallic – RM5,000
- Stealth Grey – RM7,500
- Ultra Red – RM11,000
The default interior is black and you can opt for a black and white interior for RM5,000. Meanwhile, the larger 19″ Nova wheels cost RM7,500.
If you want to upgrade the auto pilot features, here’s how much they cost:
- Enhanced Autopilot: RM16,000
- Full Self-Driving (FSD): RM32,000
Do note that not all features will be available in Malaysia as they are subject to regulatory approval.
As indicated by Tesla’s website, the first batch of deliveries in Malaysia is set to start in late 2023. That’s earlier than the Tesla Model Y which will only begin local deliveries in early 2024.
Tesla Malaysia is also offering a free wall connector for Tesla Model 3 buyers if the order is made by 31st October 2023. However, it is also subject to the same terms and conditions, as well as eligibility as the Tesla Model Y free charger offer.
Where to view the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia?
In conjunction with the local debut, Tesla Malaysia has also launched its new Tesla Experience Centre at Pavilion Damansara Heights. The Model 3 will be on display at the centre court of the mall until 5th November 2023. Alternatively, you can also check out the Tesla Model 3 at Tesla Centre Putrajaya.
According to Tesla Malaysia, registration for public test drives for the Model 3 will be made available soon.
Tesla Model 3 ‘Highland’ Malaysia Specs and Features
The biggest exterior change is the front and rear ends of the Tesla Model 3. It looks much sleeker and now offers an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.219cd. The rear now gets C-shaped taillights which look like the current Honda Civic but they are now a single-piece assembly that’s integrated on the boot lid. Gone is the “T” logo at the rear as the EV brand has switched to a newer “TESLA” badging.
The base RM189,000 Model 3 is an RWD EV that can do 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 201km/h. On a single charge, it can travel up to 513km which is 14km more than the pre-facelifted model.
Meanwhile, the RM218,000 Model 3 Long Range with its twin-motor setup can do the century sprint in just 4.4 seconds and it can go all the way up to 201km/h. On a single charge, it boasts 629km of range. This makes the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Malaysia’s cheapest EV that offer over 600km of range on a single charge.
In terms of charging both models support 11kW AC charging and DC charging up to 250kW at a Tesla Supercharger. However, the base model only supports up to 170kW on DC. At the time of writing, there are three active Tesla Supercharger locations in Malaysia located at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Big Box Johor and Sunway Pyramid. These chargers are priced at RM1.25/kWh and are currently available only for Tesla vehicles.
Addressing concerns of the previous Model 3, Tesla claims to have improved the suspension and it also offers reduced noise and greater comfort thanks to its new “comfort-oriented” tyres. The acoustic glass is no longer limited to the windscreen and front side windows, as the double-pane glass now extends onto the rear windows and the large rear glass.
On the inside, the Model 3 gets several notable upgrades which now include ventilated front seats and ambient lighting. You still get a single 15.4″ touchscreen on the central dashboard which now has slightly thinner bezels. The new Model 3 also gets a secondary 8″ display for rear passengers that can be used for climate controls, video streaming and even to adjust the front passenger seat.
Tesla is said to have improved its build quality with more upmarket materials for its interior trim. The seats have been redesigned for better comfort and it still maintains a glass roof for a more airy feel. Unfortunately, the glass roof doesn’t come with a shade, so you might want to get one if you’re worried about the heat, especially in our tropical weather.
The most controversial change on the Model 3 is the lack of physical stalks for gear selectors and signal indicators. To indicate left or right, you’ll have to use the capacitive buttons on the steering while gear selection done by swipe gestures on the main touch screen. As a backup, there are also dedicated P-R-N-D buttons mounted on the ceiling where the hazard lights are located.
Related reading
- Tesla Model 3 Highland is now the cheapest EV in Malaysia with over 600km range
- Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y: Things you can get on the cheaper Model 3 Highland but not in the Model Y
- Tesla Model 3 Highland: Revised design, up to 629km range, priced from RM189k in Malaysia
- Want to test drive the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia? You can register your interest now
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