Tesla Model 3 price cut again – UPDATE

UPDATE, December 14: Five months after the last price drop, and the cost of the Tesla Model 3 has gone down once more.

While the entry-level Model 3 and the range-topping Performance variant remain at $59,900 and $84,900 before on-road costs respectively, the mid-spec Model 3 Long Range has dropped to $73,200 before on-road costs.

The $200 price reduction comes only weeks after Tesla added extra driving range across the Model 3 line-up – with the opening variant increasing 43 kilometres to 491km, the Long Range increasing by 34km to 614km, and the Performance going up by 37km to 567km.

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The story to here

July 12: Tesla has once again dropped the price of its most popular model Down Under – the Model 3's entry-level variant coming in at $59,900 before on-road costs.

The carmaker has cut the asking price significantly since the model arrived in Australia back in 2019, when its recommended retail price (RRP) was $66,000.

In addition to the Standard Range Plus, the mid-level and range-topping Long Range and Performance variants have also had their costs slashed, now priced at $73,400 and $84,900 respectively.

With the model now on offer at an all time low, both the Standard Range Plus and Long Range fall beneath the current Luxury Car Tax threshold of $79,659, and the Standard Range Plus is also made more affordable with various electric vehicle subsidies and incentives offered by several Australian states.

It was also revealed earlier this year the Model 3 will now be sourced from China rather than the US.

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October, 2020: Australia’s favourite Tesla will become even more compelling for the 2021 model year with the Californian EV maker boosting the Model 3’s battery range, cramming in more technology, and slashing up to $11,000 from the asking price.

With its first update, the small sedan gains a number of efficiency boosting updates to make better use of each volt in its lithium ion battery pack, including lower-drag tyres, a power management software update, and the same more efficient heating and cooling system as the new Model Y.

With the modifications, the entry level Standard Plus can travel up to 490km on a single charge, the mid-range Long Range can go up to 657km, while the range-topping Performance has a new maximum range of 628km – that's 68km further.

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It’s important to note that Tesla still rates its ranges using the NEDC method of testing, while almost all other EV makers have switched to the WLTP system, which often results in a shorter but more realistic projected range.

Despite the extended range for all variants, Tesla has dropped the price across the board. A discount of $7000 takes the base version down to $66,900 before on-road costs, at $81,900 the Long Range is cheaper to the tune of $7900, while the Performance drops below the $100k mark at $90,900 – that’s a significant $11,100 off the previous price.

2021 versions of the Model 3 are identifiable by redesigned 18 and 19-inch wheels as well as the 20-inch versions bolted to the Performance, while the switch from chrome-effect exterior brightwork to satin black is a subtle but effective transformation.

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Its boot can now be opened with a button on the lid itself or through the Tesla smartphone application, and there are functional developments inside too.

Sun visors are pinned closed when not in use by magnetic retainers, while the glitchy garage door-style central storage pocket cover now slides.

Wireless charging is upgraded to accommodate two devices, there are two additional USB-C sockets for more high-speed charging options, and a new USB-A socket located in the glove compartment allows the connection of a hard drive for storing dash-cam and Sentry Mode video.

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There’s a light revamp of the cabin design as well, with matte black replacing the previous gloss finishes, the same treatment for the side sills, seat controls are a new Graphite finish, while the steering wheel scroll control has been metalised for a higher-quality feel.

The efficiency improvements have not impacted other performance figures including acceleration, with the flagship Performance still capable of hitting the milestone 100km/h from standstill in 3.3 seconds, says Tesla.

It also retains its maximum speed of 261km/h if you can find a road long enough.