New Models
New Models

2021 Tesla Model 3 lands in Australia with longer range, subtle styling changes

Tesla’s biggest selling model has had a mid-life makeover and the first shipments are due over summer.


The Tesla Model 3 electric car has had its first update since the model went on sale in the US in 2017 and in Australia in 2019.

The main external differences are black door handles, window strips and other highlights, rather than chrome.

There are two new wheel designs, and supplier Hankook has developed a lower friction tyre.

There are still three models in the Tesla Model 3 range, but Tesla claims they can now drive further on a single charge.

The battery packs in each model remain unchanged – but Tesla says a new air-conditioning system, and the low-friction tyres, have boosted maximum driving range.

The example pictured slots into the middle of the line-up – the Tesla Model 3 Long Range – and its new maximum distance claim has increased from 620km to 657km. 

It is priced from $83,200 plus on-roads or about $90,000 drive-away.

The cheapest option in Australia is the Standard Range Plus, which has gone from 460km to 490km of range. It costs $66,900 plus on-road costs, or a touch over $70,000 drive-away. 

The flagship Tesla Model 3 Performance has had the biggest gain, from 560km to 628km. It costs from $94,900 plus on-roads, or a bit over $100,000 in the traffic.

All Tesla Model 3 sedans now come with a one-touch power tailgate for easier boot access.

The interior also gains a revised centre console with two large wireless charging mats. However, there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – and no way to only display the speedometer in the corner of the infotainment screen.

A full-size sunroof over the front and rear seats remains standard on every model.

While full autonomous tech is not unlocked for Australia, there is a mode that shows you what the car can see.

Tesla Australia is yet to announce how many cars it has sold locally, however the Model 3 sedan – its most affordable model – is understood to be its biggest seller by some margin.

The first shipments of the updated Tesla Model 3 are due to arrive in Australia over the December/January holiday period.

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Joshua Dowling

Joshua Dowling has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years, spending most of that time working for The Sydney Morning Herald (as motoring editor and one of the early members of the Drive team) and News Corp Australia. He joined CarAdvice / Drive in 2018, and has been a World Car of the Year judge for more than 10 years.

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