2027 Tesla Model 3 RWD Now From $45,900 in Australia After $9000 Price Cut

Tesla has dramatically lowered the cost of entry to the Model 3 in Australia, introducing a new 2027 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive priced from $45,900 before on-road costs.

The new entry-level electric sedan costs $9000 less than the $54,900 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive that previously opened the Australian range.

Perhaps surprisingly, the cheaper Model 3 doesn't sacrifice driving range. Tesla quotes up to 572km of WLTP range, which is actually 52km more than the $54,900 Premium RWD's 520km claim.

It also receives Tesla's new 16-inch central touchscreen and Powershare vehicle-to-load capability, although Tesla has removed a number of comfort and convenience features to achieve its substantially lower price.

Orders are open now, with Australian customer deliveries expected to begin from mid-to-late October 2026.

Australian shoppers can research the Tesla Model 3 on AussieMotor or browse and compare new cars available in Australia.

2027 Tesla Model 3 prices in Australia

The arrival of the new RWD expands the local Model 3 line-up to four grades.

Tesla's new base RWD therefore lowers Model 3 entry pricing by exactly $9000, or about 16.4 per cent, compared with the Premium RWD.

For buyers considering Tesla's SUV instead, the Tesla Model Y range on AussieMotor starts considerably higher, with the regular Model Y RWD currently priced from $58,900 before on-road costs.

Is this the cheapest Tesla ever sold in Australia?

Yes.

At $45,900 before on-road costs, the new Model 3 RWD is the lowest-priced new Tesla yet offered in Australia, according to the current Australian launch coverage. But there is an important distinction:

It is Australia's cheapest electric sedan, not Australia's cheapest EV overall.

There are smaller electric hatchbacks and SUVs available for considerably less money. That distinction matters because describing the Model 3 simply as "Australia's cheapest electric car" would be inaccurate.

What Tesla has done is substantially change the electric sedan market. At $45,900, the Model 3 now undercuts the BYD Seal Premium, Mazda 6e GT and Kia EV4 Air while moving surprisingly close to popular petrol-hybrid sedans such as the Toyota Camry.

Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Premium RWD: what does your extra $9000 buy?

This is probably the most useful comparison for Australian buyers. The new base Model 3 isn't simply the old Premium RWD with a lower price. Tesla has deliberately removed equipment.

Tesla retains most of the features that affect everyday driving but removes some of the cabin luxuries.

Drive reports further changes including manual rather than powered steering-column adjustment, deletion of auto-dimming exterior mirrors and the use of conventional dampers rather than the Premium's frequency-selective setup.

For buyers who care more about range, charging and Tesla's software ecosystem than rear-seat entertainment or ventilated seats, the $9000 saving could therefore be significant.

The strange part the cheaper Model 3 goes further

This is arguably the most interesting part of the MY27 update.The new $45,900 Model 3 RWD is rated at 572km WLTP. The more expensive $54,900 Premium RWD is rated at 520km. So buyers apparently save $9000 while gaining: 52 km of additional claimed range.

Tesla has not presented a detailed Australian engineering breakdown explaining the entire improvement. However, Drive reports the cheaper RWD uses new 18-inch Prismata wheels and lower-rolling-resistance tyres, which contribute to the increased efficiency.

It's a good example of why price and range do not always move together with an EV. Premium equipment adds weight, larger or less aerodynamic wheels can increase drag, and tyres have a meaningful effect on rolling resistance.

What battery does the new Model 3 RWD use?

This is an area where AussieMotor should be more careful than some competing reports. Tesla's Australian announcement provides the 572km WLTP range and 6.2-second acceleration figure, but Tesla has not published all battery and motor specifications for the Australian base grade in its launch information.

Drive reports a 62.5kWh LFP battery and 208kW rear motor, shared with the Premium RWD.However, WhichCar notes that Tesla itself has not formally confirmed the local battery capacity or motor output.

For that reason, AussieMotor should avoid presenting the 62.5kWh and 208kW figures as manufacturer-confirmed specifications until Tesla publishes them in its Australian technical data.

Confirmed Australian figures

How much slower is the cheaper Model 3?

Almost not at all.

The new Model 3 RWD completes 0–100km/h in a claimed:

6.2 seconds

The Premium RWD takes:

6.1 seconds

So there is only 0.1 second between them.

This is very different from many entry-level variants where buyers sacrifice substantial performance to get the lower price.

For normal commuting and highway overtaking, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable without timing equipment.

What equipment does the $45,900 Model 3 still include?

Despite being substantially cheaper, the entry Model 3 remains relatively well equipped.

Standard equipment reported for Australia includes:

• 16-inch central touchscreen

• panoramic glass roof

• Matrix LED headlights

• power-folding exterior mirrors

• hands-free powered boot

• heated and electrically adjustable front seats

• heated steering wheel

• heat pump

• wireless phone charging

• three USB-C connections

• footwell ambient lighting

• Tesla app and Phone Key integration

• embedded streaming/media applications

• Pet Mode

• over-the-air software updates.

This is important because Tesla has not turned the RWD into a bare-bones fleet special.

Most of the deletions involve luxury equipment rather than core EV functionality.

New 16-inch touchscreen for MY27

The Model 3's central display has grown from approximately 15.4 inches to 16 inches for MY27. The new screen isn't limited to expensive variants. Even the $45,900 RWD receives it. Tesla continues to route most vehicle functions through the central touchscreen rather than using a conventional instrument cluster and large number of physical controls.

That minimalist layout remains one of the Model 3's defining features and one of its most polarising. You can see specifications and buyer information on the Tesla Model 3 new-car page at AussieMotor.

Powershare finally comes to the Model 3

Another significant MY27 change is Powershare. Tesla's Powershare functionality allows the vehicle's high-voltage battery to supply electricity to external equipment. In practical terms, that means the Model 3 can now function as a large portable power source.

Potential uses include powering:

• laptops

• camping equipment

• portable refrigerators

• lighting

• small appliances

• some tools.

The functionality requires Tesla's optional Outlet Adapter, currently reported at $145 in Australia. The outlet can supply up to approximately 3.45kW at 230 volts, according to Australian EV reporting.

Can existing Model 3 owners get Powershare through a software update?

No, according to the information currently available. Powershare support applies to the MY27 Model 3.

Existing older Model 3 vehicles cannot simply gain the required functionality through an over-the-air update.

That distinction is worth highlighting because Tesla is known for adding functionality through software, which could otherwise lead existing owners to assume Powershare would arrive automatically.

2027 Model 3 RWD vs BYD Seal, Mazda 6e and Kia EV4

The $45,900 price becomes much more interesting when compared directly with Australia's other electric sedans and liftbacks.

Current reporting lists both the Mazda 6e GT and Kia EV4 Air from $49,990 before on-road costs, while AussieMotor lists the BYD Seal Premium at $52,990 with 570km WLTP range. AussieMotor buyers can also research the Mazda 6e range.

Tesla Model 3 RWD vs BYD Seal Premium

This is arguably the most obvious electric-sedan comparison.

The BYD Seal Premium on AussieMotor currently costs $52,990 before on-road costs.

It offers:

• 82.56 kWh Blade Battery

• 230 kW rear motor

• 360 Nm

• 570 km WLTP

• 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds

• rear-wheel drive.

Against that, the Tesla offers:

Tesla Model 3 RWD

$45,900
572 km WLTP
6.2 seconds to 100km/h

BYD Seal Premium

$52,990
570 km WLTP
5.9 seconds to 100km/h

That means the Tesla is currently $7090 cheaper while claiming 2km more WLTP range, although the Seal Premium has more published motor output and is slightly quicker.

Equipment, ride quality, cabin design, warranty, servicing, charging and personal preference will remain important differences beyond those headline numbers.

And what about the Toyota Camry?

The new price also puts Tesla remarkably close to one of Australia's best-known hybrid sedans.

AussieMotor currently lists the Toyota Camry Ascent Sport from $42,990 before on-road costs. That makes the Model 3 RWD just: $2,910 more expensive before on-road costs.

That creates a more interesting decision than EV-versus-EV comparisons alone. Camry owners don't need to think about charging and benefit from Toyota's broad dealer and service footprint. The Model 3 eliminates petrol use, can be much cheaper to run with home charging and offers considerably stronger digital integration.

AussieMotor's existing petrol vs hybrid vs electric cost guide explains how those running-cost differences can affect Australian ownership.

How much equipment has Tesla sacrificed for the lower price?

More than the basic headline suggests, but probably less than some buyers might expect.

The most noticeable losses are:

No ventilated front seats

The front seats remain electrically adjustable and heated, but ventilation is deleted.

No rear touchscreen

Premium versions receive an 8-inch rear display allowing passengers to access entertainment and climate functions.

The base RWD does without it.

Seven speakers instead of nine

Tesla has simplified the audio system from nine speakers in Premium RWD to seven in the base car.

Less expensive seat trim

Instead of full synthetic leather-style upholstery, the new car uses a mixture of textile and leather-look material.

Less ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is restricted primarily to the footwell rather than continuing across the dashboard and doors.

Simpler suspension

Drive reports the cheaper model switches from the Premium's frequency-selective dampers to conventional dampers.

The question for buyers therefore isn't whether equipment has been cut. The better question is whether those particular features are worth $9000.

Safety equipment remains

The cheaper price does not mean Tesla has stripped out the core active-safety package.

Reported Australian standard equipment includes:

• autonomous emergency braking

• forward-collision warning

• lane-keeping assistance

• blind-spot monitoring

• blind-spot camera display

• front, side and rear cameras

• lane-centring assistance.

The Model 3 also retains the existing five-star ANCAP rating referenced by Tesla and Australian reports. Driver-assistance features remain assistance systems rather than substitutes for driver attention.

What about Full Self-Driving in Australia?

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) functionality is available to Australian Model 3 owners through a subscription.

The current subscription price reported for Australia is:

$149 per month.

Despite the name, Tesla labels the system Supervised, and the driver remains responsible for the vehicle and must remain attentive. The launch of the cheaper Model 3 therefore also creates the lowest-priced entry point into Tesla's Australian FSD ecosystem.

Model 3 Performance also gains more range

The new base grade isn't the only MY27 Model 3 change. Tesla has increased the Performance variant's claimed WLTP range by 29km, taking it to 600 km WLTP.

Premium and Performance versions also gain:

• the new 16-inch touchscreen

• dark interior headliner

• optional Zen Grey interior.

Premium grades can additionally be specified with new 19-inch Dark Nova wheels. For buyers wanting substantially stronger acceleration rather than maximum affordability, the Performance remains at $80,900 before on-road costs.

How does the Model 3 RWD compare with the Model Y?

The Model 3 remains Tesla's cheaper option for buyers who do not need SUV packaging. The Tesla Model Y on AussieMotor currently starts from $58,900 for the entry rear-wheel-drive model, compared with $45,900 for the new Model 3 RWD.

That's a difference of $13,000 before on-road costs.

The Model Y offers a taller seating position, larger luggage area and more family-oriented SUV packaging. The Model 3 instead offers a lower purchase price, more aerodynamic sedan body and in this new grade a strong 572km WLTP range.

Australian shoppers can browse both through AussieMotor's new-car marketplace.

Model 3 warranty in Australia

Tesla's current Australian coverage for the Model 3 includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre basic vehicle warranty

and an 8-year/160,000km battery and drive-unit warranty for this version, including a minimum 70 per cent battery-capacity retention during the warranty period.

As with any EV, buyers should check the complete warranty conditions rather than focusing only on the number of years. Battery warranties, general vehicle warranties and individual components can have different terms.

When does the $45,900 Model 3 arrive in Australia?

The new Model 3 RWD is available to order now. Australian customer deliveries are expected to start from mid-to-late October 2026, with test vehicles also expected to reach Tesla locations during October. The advertised $45,900 is before on-road costs. Final drive-away pricing therefore varies according to registration charges, stamp duty and other applicable costs.

Why Tesla's $45,900 Model 3 matters

The important part of this launch isn't simply that Tesla has reduced the price. Tesla has moved a relatively long-range electric sedan to within a few thousand dollars of a mainstream Toyota Camry while undercutting its closest electric-sedan rivals. The numbers illustrate the shift:

$45,900 purchase price

572 km WLTP range

6.2-second 0–100km/h

and now Powershare/V2L capability.

At the same time, buyers need to understand where the savings come from. The RWD loses ventilated seats, the rear touchscreen, rear seat heating, some ambient lighting, richer trim, speakers and other Premium-grade equipment. Tesla hasn't simply discounted the Premium RWD by $9000. It has introduced a deliberately simplified version.

Is the $54,900 Premium RWD still worth considering?

That depends heavily on priorities. The Premium RWD costs $9000 more while offering only a tiny acceleration advantage and actually having a lower published WLTP range. What the additional money principally buys is comfort, cabin presentation and equipment.

Premium RWD makes more sense for buyers who value features such as ventilated seating, heated rear seats, rear passenger display, upgraded interior trim, more extensive ambient lighting and the upgraded audio system. The $45,900 RWD instead looks aimed squarely at buyers who prioritise price + range + core Tesla technology.

AussieMotor take

The new Model 3 RWD significantly changes Tesla's position in the Australian new-car market. At $45,900 before on-road costs, Tesla has lowered the Model 3 entry price by $9000 without reducing the headline driving range. Instead, its 572km WLTP claim actually exceeds the Premium RWD's by 52km.

That's what makes this launch more interesting than a straightforward stripped-out budget variant. The new car retains a panoramic roof, Matrix LED headlights, heated powered front seats, 16-inch touchscreen, heat pump, Tesla's software ecosystem and newly added Powershare functionality while sacrificing mainly comfort and luxury features.

The price also puts significant pressure on electric-sedan rivals. The Model 3 RWD is currently $4,090 cheaper than the Mazda 6e GT and Kia EV4 Air and $7,090 below the BYD Seal Premium, based on published manufacturer pricing. zecar

And compared with a Toyota Camry Ascent Sport at $42,990, the entry Model 3 now carries only a $2,910 list-price premium. AussieMotor

There are still reasons to step up to the Premium RWD, particularly for buyers who want more luxurious cabin equipment. There are also reasons to choose a conventional hybrid if home charging is unavailable. But as a pure combination of purchase price and claimed EV range, the $45,900 Model 3 RWD is now one of the more aggressive propositions in Australia's electric sedan market.

Australian deliveries are due to begin later in October. Buyers can research the Tesla Model 3 range on AussieMotor, compare it with the BYD Seal Premium, Mazda 6e and Toyota Camry, or browse all new cars available in Australia.