Tesla Australia has finally released pricing and specification details for the Tesla Model 3, more than three years after taking $1500 deposits from Australian customers.
The US EV-maker's highly-anticipated entry model will start at $66,000 in Australia for the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, and first examples are likely to arrive from August.
That lands the mid-size electric sedan in the vicinity of top-selling mid-size luxury sedans from Germany, like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $63,700) and BMW 3 Series (from $67,900), while the two-variant Tesla Model 3 line-up will top out at $85,000 for the flagship Performance variant.
For further perspective, the Tesla Model 3 entry price is well short of the circa-$113,000 buy-in for the larger Model S sedan and the circa-$120,000 starting figure for the Model X SUV.
The Model 3's entry positioning also puts it within striking distance of EVs such as such as the forthcoming Nissan LEAF, which is priced at $49,990.
The Tesla Model 3 will be available in Standard Range Plus and Performance model variants. Tesla recently renamed its Model S and Model X ranges to align with the Model 3 nomenclature.
The standard version offers 460km of driving range using the WLTP standard, a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.
Sitting atop the line-up, the all-wheel drive Performance Model 3 boasts a 560km range, 261km/h top speed and 0-100km/h claim of 3.4 seconds. It has already been touted by Tesla chief Elon Musk a BMW M3-beater.
Each Model 3 will be fitted with a 15-inch touch-screen, keyless entry and remote climate control via app, voice-activated controls, dual-zone climate control, heated seating and the latest safety aids including Tesla's Autopilot system.
The Tesla Model 3 was originally touted as a $US35,000 ($A50,562) affordable electric model. Musk originally implied Tesla would charge Aussies "$US price in $AUD plus import duties and sales tax".
“The Model 3 configurator is open to reservation holders and the general public. Deliveries will begin in August and will be prioritised based on reservation date, delivery location and configuration options,” Tesla’s Australian arm said in a press release today.
The Model 3's debut was met with unprecedented fanfare for Tesla, triggering huge lines of customers with deposits in hand. Tesla even shipped out three right-hand drive models as part of the ordering process.
The Model 3's pricing confirmation comes as Tesla continues work on a battery-powered compact SUV and utility, the Model Y and Pick-up. The US EV brand says it also plans to have one million robo-taxis driving themselves around next year, generating money for owners when not required for travel.
*Prices exclude on-road and delivery costs