Tesla has announced that a new entry-level grade has joined its Model 3 medium sedan lineup, which is priced from just $45,900 plus on-road costs and the first local deliveries are due to commence later this month. The new Model 3 grade is simply called the Rear-Wheel Drive and will sit below the current Premium and Performance models.

On the outside, the new Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is identified by new 18-inch ‘Prismata’ wheels, while it keeps the Premium’s other features like the panoramic glass roof, Matrix LED headlights, auto-folding mirrors and hands-free bootlid. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is available in three colours only: Pearl White, Diamond Black (+$1500) and Stealth Grey (+$1500).

On the inside, the rear console screen no longer features, the nine-speaker audio has been downgraded to seven speakers, the dual wireless phone chargers is now single and the fully synthetic leather trim has been swapped for a part-textile trim instead.

Grey Tesla Model S driving on a curving highway with a rocky hillside and clear blue sky in the background, motion blurred to show speed.
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However, heated electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s memory, a heated steering wheel, heat pump, 16-inch touchscreen with online services, three USB-C chargers and footwell ambient lighting still feature as standard.

Safety features also include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a live blind-spot camera feed and a 360-degree parking camera.

Tesla is yet to confirm battery and motor figures for the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, but it’s rated at 572km for WLTP driving range and hits 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds. For reference, the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is rated at 520km and 6.1 seconds.

Tesla interior: steering wheel and large central touchscreen showing a white car on the display, dark dashboard and panoramic windshield view.
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“Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is the most affordable way for Australians and New Zealanders to own a Tesla, and the most accessible way to experience Full Self-Driving (Supervised),” said Thom Drew, Tesla’s country director for Australia and New Zealand.

“Customers get the Model 3 they know, the silhouette, panoramic glass roof, ride comfort, over-the-air updates and Supercharger network access, at a price point that makes Tesla ownership a straightforward decision.”

2027 Tesla Model 3 pricing (excluding on-road costs):

  • Rear-Wheel Drive: $45,900
  • Premium Rear-Wheel Drive: $54,900
  • Premium Long-Range All-Wheel Drive: $61,900
  • Performance All-Wheel Drive: $80,900

The new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is due in showrooms from later this month.