When Tesla entered Malaysia almost two months ago with just one offering which is the Model Y, many have been wondering about the status of Model 3 for our market. The answer finally arrived today as the company began to accept orders immediately after the unveiling of the refreshed Model 3 which is also known as “Project Highland”.
Malaysia is currently the only market in Southeast Asia where you can order Model 3 Highland as the Tesla Singapore and Thailand websites still feature the older iteration which was originally launched in late 2020. Even throughout the Asia Pacific, our market is one of only five that already offered Model 3 Highland to customers according to Tesla Asia.
For those who are contemplating whether to get your hands on the newly announced Model 3 Highland or the Model Y, here are some of the factors that could skew your decision towards the more affordable Model 3 Highland.
Tesla Model 3 Highland can cover more distance than Model Y
Tesla Model 3 has always been to provide a longer range than the Model Y since it is lighter and more aerodynamic. After all, Model 3 is Tesla’s compact sedan while the Model Y is being positioned as its SUV version which offers more space and a larger boot.
This continues with the new Model 3 Highland which has an even better range than its predecessor. For example, the base Model 3 Highland Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) has a WLTP-rated range of 513km. On the other hand, the Model 3 Highland Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD) can go up to 629km.
As a comparison, the WLTP range for the base Model Y RWD is listed as 455km on Tesla Malaysia’s website. The Model Y LR AWD and Performance AWD variants have better range but they are still behind Model 3 Highland LR AWD at 533km and 514km, respectively.
On a related note, Model 3 does have a lower top speed of 201km/h. This is slightly lower than the Model Y RWD and LR AWD which can do 217km/h while the Performance model can go even higher with a top speed of 250km/h.
Tesla Model 3 Highland has a dedicated touchscreen for rear passengers
Aside from the exterior changes, the Model 3 Highland brings together quite a number of interior updates. One of the most notable changes is the inclusion of a second touchscreen that is meant for rear passengers, and this is something that is not available on Model Y.
Located on the tail-end of the car’s centre console, passengers can change the climate control settings from the 8-inch screen. It can also be used for entertainment purposes since passengers can watch content on select platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Twitch, and YouTube through the screen.
Tesla Model 3 Highland has ventilated front seats
Another major upgrade that Project Highland has brought to Model 3 is the inclusion of ventilated front seats. Some may see this as an added luxury but given Malaysia’s climate, ventilated seats can be a godsend during hot days or if you are somehow caught in rain while walking to your car.
Tesla Malaysia has noted on its website that these ventilated seats can be remotely activated from one’s smartphone. Not surprisingly, they can also be set to dynamically follow the car’s climate settings.
Tesla Model 3 has more speakers and subwoofers
Project Highland has also upgraded the Model 3’s audio system by adding more speakers to the vehicle. On the base RWD variant, it carries 9 speakers which is one more than its predecessor.
For the LR AWD variant, the upgrade is slightly more extensive as it has been fitted with 17 speakers that include two subwoofers. Its predecessor was carrying only 14 speakers inclusive of just one subwoofer.
As for Model Y, Tesla has provided it with 13 speakers across all variants which also includes a subwoofer. So, you can generally expect a more immersive audio experience on the new Model 3 Highland.
Tesla Model 3 Highland has no physical stalk controls
So far, we have been talking about things that Model 3 Highland has but are not on Model Y. For this one, it is the other way around.
Tesla is taking its minimalistic approach a step further for the new Model 3 by removing the stalk controls for the signal indicator, and drive selector. If you want to indicate left or right, turn on cruise control or operate the wipers, you’ll have to use the buttons on the steering wheel.
This can be tricky especially if you’re driving through a roundabout and you want to indicate your intention to exit. To select Reverse, Neutral or Drive, you’ll have to use the touch screen instead.
Tesla Model 3 Highland will be delivered much earlier than Model Y
In a rather interesting twist, Model 3 Highland customers in Malaysia will begin to receive their new EV much earlier than Model Y. According to Tesla Malaysia’s website, the first delivery of Model 3 Highland is expected to take place towards the end of this year.
As for Model Y, the delivery date is still listed as early 2024 on Tesla Malaysia’s website.
Tesla Model 3 Highland pricing in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the Model 3 Highland can be obtained in two variants which have a base pricing as per below:
- Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): RM189,000
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: RM218,000
Once you include delivery & administration, number plate, and order fee, the price is actually higher:
- Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): RM190,700
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: RM219,700
Do note that this pricing does not include on-the-road registration fees, so plan your budget well. We previously noted that customers outside of Klang Valley may have to pay extra delivery fees and we believe that this will be applicable to the Model 3 customers too.
You can book the new Model 3 Highland immediately by paying the RM1,000 order fee through Tesla Malaysia’s website. Please take note that this order fee is non-refundable, so you have to be very sure that you will not change your mind down the road or lose the RM1,000 fee if you decide not to go through with your Model 3 order.
