Recently, according to a post on Facebook, a Tesla Model 3 parked at Nexus in the Menteng South district was reportedly kicked by a passerby. The incident involved a person who, after kicking the car, spit on it and left with their family in a white Audi Q8 e-tron. The car’s owner captured the event via Tesla’s Sentry Mode and the Nexus security footage. The motive behind the vandalism—whether dissatisfaction with the car, Tesla as a company, or the owner—is still unknown. While the owner filed a report with the police, no case was opened due to the lack of damage.
Tesla, an American electric car manufacturer, is often associated with its CEO, Elon Musk, who is known for his active presence on social media. The company’s naming strategy is interesting: Tesla’s four main models—Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y—form the word “SEXY,” though the use of “3” was a workaround for trademark reasons. Today, we will focus on the Tesla Model 3, particularly its performance in the Malaysian market.
The new Tesla Model 3 is available in three models in Malaysia, with prices ranging from RM 181,000 to RM 242,000. Tesla offers a 4-year / 80,000 km after-sales warranty. Despite the dominance of petrol cars in Malaysia, the Tesla Model 3 has garnered attention, though its sales performance is modest. Here are the available models:
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: RM 181,000
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: RM 210,000
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance: RM 242,000
These three versions can be categorized as the standard version (Rear-Wheel Drive), the long-range version, and the high-performance version. The distinctions are clear: entry-level users, those with long-distance driving needs, and enthusiasts seeking driving excitement.
One noteworthy point is the Tesla Model 3 Performance version, which offers a top speed of 261 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, a level comparable to race cars. Though the range for the Performance model is 528 km—slightly lower than the 629 km of the Long Range version—it still exceeds the standard version’s range of 513 km.
In terms of size, the Tesla Model 3 makes slight adjustments for the Performance model, offering a larger interior space with an extra 241 mm of lateral room compared to the other two models. However, in practice, the difference in space may not be highly noticeable.
In conclusion, while the Tesla Model 3 may not dominate the Malaysian market, it appeals to a niche audience looking for innovative electric vehicles with cutting-edge performance, especially with the highly competitive pricing for the region. The three models offer options that cater to a wide range of driving needs, from everyday commuting to long-distance travel and high-performance driving.
