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The Tesla Mannequin 3 sedan remains to be among the best new electrical automobiles you should purchase, nevertheless it’s starkly overshadowed by the recognition of its Mannequin Y mid-size SUV sibling.
To the tip of October in 2025, gross sales of the Mannequin 3 had been 61.33 per cent all the way down to 5597 deliveries – whereas a whopping 14,475 had been delivered throughout the identical interval in 2024.
By comparability, the Mannequin Y was greater than thrice as widespread with 17,972 registrations to October 31, and even that’s barely breaking even on final 12 months’s quantity (up 1.31 per cent).
Why? Tesla’s vary continues to be confronted with an ever-increasing vary of opponents, largely from new Chinese language manufacturers, however even the legacy automakers are beginning to actually compete by way of each value positioning and powertrain efficiency – be it energy output, vary, charging, or a mix of all three.
It additionally doesn’t assist that the Mannequin 3’s sedan physique model is way much less widespread with the Australian public. SUVs and dual-cab utes stay the flavours of the month… and certainly the last decade.
Nonetheless, the 2026 Tesla Mannequin 3 is price a revisit because the market setting retains shifting. Right here, we’re testing the most cost effective Mannequin 3 RWD variant, which might nonetheless be the choose of the bunch.
Do good issues nonetheless are available 3s? Let’s discover out.
How a lot does the Tesla Mannequin 3 value?
The Mannequin 3 RWD stays essentially the most inexpensive variant within the mid-size electrical sedan lineup, priced from a pointy $54,900 plus on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD | $54,900 |
| 2026 Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary RWD | $61,900 |
| 2026 Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency AWD | $80,900 |
Key rivals embrace the BYD Seal (from $46,990), whereas the incoming Mazda 6e guarantees the same beginning value of beneath $55,000 when it arrives in Australian in 2026.
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
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What’s the Tesla Mannequin 3 like on the within?
The Mannequin 3 was one of many first automobiles to deliver the minimalist, screen-centric inside to the world.
It might have been polarising at first, nevertheless it’s now set the usual for lots of recent automobiles, notably electrical ones, with loads of different manufacturers seeking to emulate the Tesla’s normal cockpit format to appease tech purchaser tastes.
Forward of the driving force is a video game-like steering wheel, with even the indications embedded into the spoke buttons. The up to date Mannequin Y moved away from this with a standard stalk, and I feel most will desire that format.
There’s no standard instrument cluster or head-up show as you all realize it, with the 15.4-inch central touchscreen being the management centre for all in-car capabilities that don’t have a steering wheel toggle.
The touchscreen is fantastically vibrant with crisp graphics and vibrant colors. Tesla’s interface could be very totally different to most different manufacturers, and as such is usually a little difficult or overwhelming at first – even for millennial me.
A everlasting digital toolbar on the base of the display permits you to maintain key capabilities and up to date apps inside attain, in addition to fast entry to the screen-embedded local weather controls.
Whereas it doesn’t take too lengthy to become familiar with the setup, it’s tough when it comes time to regulate issues just like the place of the steering wheel or mirrors, as a result of it’s a must to dive by means of a cluttered menu of settings to take action, which we discover a bit of counter-intuitive.
On the subject of fiddly touchscreen controls, I’m not a fan of the drive selector being a ‘swipe up for Drive’ and ‘swipe down for Reverse’. Fast three-point turns and parking manoeuvres take that little bit longer as a result of there’s not a bodily selector.
The broader interface is fairly good although, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus that don’t require too many faucets to search out what you need. Whereas there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native clever voice help and net-connected options like embedded navigation and Spotify all work rather well.
Storage is fairly good, with cellphone charging trays beneath the display, deep cubbies within the centre console, plus huge cupholders with grips. Massive door bins bolster the storage choices additional.
It’s additionally clear Tesla has come a good distance by way of match and end. You don’t discover misaligned trim bits nowadays, and the cabin definitely feels nearly premium.
Maybe essentially the most notable distinction between the Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y – other than the apparent externally – is the rear seat, which isn’t as sturdy within the Tesla sedan as it’s in its SUV sibling.
The decrease seat place and roofline, mixed with what seems like a better flooring, means lankier passengers like myself have to sit down a bit of knees-up, and the sloping roofline eats into rear headroom considerably, although the massive panoramic roof makes it really feel a bit of lighter and airier again there.
One of many Mannequin 3’s developments for the mid-life facelift was the addition of an 8.0-inch touchscreen on the rear of the centre console, which controls second-row local weather and seat heating, and there are additionally extra distinctive options like a video participant and video video games to maintain rear passengers entertained.
It additionally helps Bluetooth for 2 headsets, and under it are two USB-C cost ports. The driving force remains to be the boss although, because the rear-facing display may be monitored and locked by means of the primary show up entrance. For fogeys, the optionally available white leatherette upholstery will not be appropriate to messy youngsters, however you’ll discover ISOFIX baby seat anchors on the outboard rear seats and top-tether factors for all three seating positions.
Tesla quotes as much as 682 litres of cargo quantity within the Mannequin 3, cut up throughout the rear boot space and, after all, the ‘frunk’. Moreover, there are two deeper nooks on both aspect of the primary flooring.
Below the boot flooring you’ll discover a surprisingly deep cubby, which is a perfect house to stow smaller luggage or charging cables. As is the case for many EVs, notably at this value level, a tyre restore package is all you could have within the occasion of a puncture.
| Dimensions | Tesla Mannequin 3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4720mm |
| Width | 1933mm |
| Top | 1441mm |
| Wheelbase | 2875mm |
| Cupboard space | 682L |
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Since there’s no combustion engine, there’s a storage space beneath the bonnet.
| Specs | Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single motor, rear-mounted |
| Battery | 60kWh LFP |
| Energy | 208kW |
| Torque | – |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1761kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.1 seconds |
| Power consumption (claimed) | – |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 12.98kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 520km |
| Max DC cost fee | 170kW |
Our somewhat wonderful power effectivity determine was recorded after just below 300km of combined driving over the course of every week, together with peak-hour metropolis commuting, freeway stints, and suburban scuttling.
For reference, related driving situations within the associated Mannequin Y RWD yielded an indicated effectivity determine of 15.3kWh/100km in my latest check.
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the Tesla Mannequin 3 drive?
I spent two weeks again to again within the Mannequin Y and the Mannequin 3, and given my restricted expertise with each Teslas previous to that, it revealed to me why these EVs have turn into so widespread in Australia.
Having already been impressed by the Mannequin Y in my latest overview, the Mannequin 3 is arguably even higher behind the wheel, with its sedan physique and lowered journey top decreasing the centre of gravity and making for a extra dynamic expertise.
If the Mannequin Y was already responsive and darty, the Mannequin 3 amplifies that by one other diploma or two. Even higher, it has a extra supple suspension tune which is a lot better suited to Melbourne’s poorly-surfaced inner-city roads.
Immediately I felt the added compliance and refinement – a slipperier physique makes for much less wind noise, I assume – and after every week with the Mannequin Y the ergonomics weren’t that jarring, save for the steering spoke-mounted indicators.
I can see why Tesla reverted to the old-school stalk within the ‘Juniper’ replace for the Mannequin Y, because the spoke-mounted indicator buttons are simply in a humorous place and also you’ll usually press them accidentally considering they’re one thing else.
On pockmarked metropolis streets, construction-laden freeways and suburban streets with velocity humps, the Mannequin 3 is good. The place the Mannequin Y is agency, and infrequently terse, the Mannequin 3 is fantastically balanced and cozy.
Past the usability quirks, the steering is fast, the chassis is well-tuned to minimise physique lean, and the rear-wheel drive format rewards eager driving and makes this a brisk and dynamic – if silent – approach to get round.
Even in base trim, there’s greater than sufficient grunt. Tesla claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds, and the immediacy of the electrical motor’s torque response will make it really feel faster at metropolis speeds.
Refinement can also be a robust level, with good insulation from highway and wind noise, although even with the smaller 18-inch wheels there’s a gift hum from the tyres on rougher blacktop.
Tesla’s driver help methods are additionally up there with the benchmarks. Our check automobile wasn’t outfitted with the newly out there Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, which principally is hands-on autonomy, and the fundamental adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help and blind-spot help methods together with their cameras are all tremendous intuitive.
That mentioned, the parking cameras are fascinating, given they present video feeds and double up because the Mannequin 3’s parking sensors to color an image of the automobile’s environment.
I desire a standard 360-degree view personally, and whereas it’s surprisingly correct in detecting lane markings and obstacles, it’s not totally foolproof. Parking situations additionally require overuse of that fiddly touch-based gear selector.
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
The Mannequin 3 RWD is the entry grade within the lineup.
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2026 Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD gear highlights:
- 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels
- LED headlights with built-in fog lights
- Acoustic glass
- 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Black inside
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Ambient lighting
- 8.0-inch rear touchscreen with local weather, leisure controls
- 9-speaker sound system
- Twin 65W wi-fi cellphone chargers
- Panoramic glass roof
- App connectivity
- Canine Mode
- Maintains cabin temperature
- Camp Mode
- maintains cabin temperature, retains leisure system on in a single day
- Sentry Mode
- Screens automobile, notifies you of potential threats
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
Choices
A number of choices and packages can be found.
Accessible choices for the Mannequin 3 RWD embrace:
- Full Self-Driving (Supervised): $10,100
- 19-inch ‘Nova’ alloy wheels: $1800
- Black and White inside: $1500
- Diamond Black paint: $1500
- Deep Blue Metallic paint: $1500
- Stealth Gray paint: $1900
- Quicksilver paint: $2600
- Extremely Purple paint: $2600
Is the Tesla Mannequin 3 protected?
The up to date Mannequin 3 carries over the five-star ANCAP security ranking achieved by the unique in 2019.
Customary security gear contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Reversing digicam
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Tesla Mannequin 3 value to run?
Tesla backs the Mannequin 3 with a four-year, 80,000km guarantee – with a separate eight-year or 160,000km guarantee for the battery and drive unit. The Lengthy Vary and Efficiency batteries get eight years or 192,000km of protection.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Tesla Mannequin Y |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 4 years, 80,000km |
| Battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km – RWD 8 years, 192,000km – Lengthy Vary |
| Roadside help | 4 years |
| Service intervals | – |
| Capped-price servicing | – |
| Whole capped-price service value | – |
Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters modified each two years, in addition to rotating the tyres and checking wheel steadiness each 20,000km.
The Mannequin 3 may even must have its brake fluid checked each two years, and its pads and discs checked each 12 months in colder climates.
To see how the Tesla Mannequin 3 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Tesla Mannequin 3
Like I mentioned in my overview of the Mannequin Y, I’ve by no means been a ‘Tesla man’ however it’s a must to give these vehicles props for being objectively wonderful electrical automobiles – and it’s straightforward to see why each fashions have been so enduringly widespread.
I’d argue the bottom Mannequin 3 is the one to choose, because it’s attainable, drives fantastically, has sufficient vary for most individuals, and is nicely specified even earlier than you begin ticking among the exxy choices.
In the event you’re seeking to make the soar to electrical, the Mannequin 3 is a superb alternative. Just like the Mannequin Y although, it’s a bit missing in soul and pleasure, that are necessary issues that eager drivers yearn for and which most EVs nonetheless don’t fairly possess.
The RWD serves as a strong base or launchpad into Tesla possession and, personally, I’d have one over the Mannequin Y for its splendidly balanced dynamic manners and on-road consolation.
Actually, it’s the higher automotive – it’s simply not as widespread as a result of everybody desires SUVs.
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MORE: Discover the Tesla Mannequin 3 showroom
