Tesla has added a new base Model 3 to its Australian line-up, and it reshapes the bottom of the electric sedan market. The rear-drive entry car lists at $45,900 before on-road costs, $9,000 under the previous entry Model 3, which makes it the cheapest electric sedan on sale in the country.
What you get, and what you lose
The new base car keeps the 572 km WLTP range, the 16 inch front touchscreen and the glass roof, but trims the kit to hit the price. Against the old entry car it drops the second-row touchscreen and the ventilated front seats, and moves to a simpler seat trim. It undercuts the Kia EV4 and sits below the BYD Seal, with first deliveries due from mid-October.
Cartell Assessment
This is Tesla buying back the attention it lost on price. You give up a few comforts, but the range and the badge are intact, and $45,900 before on-road costs for 572 km is a hard number to argue with.
AU Outlook
Expect the sub $50,000 electric sedan fight to get louder as BYD and Kia answer back.
