That is the reference level for EVs, and that’s unlucky for all the opposite carmakers promoting EVs in Malaysia. Their plans had been sound, and so had been their electrical automobiles, however many taking part in within the RM150k to RM300k vary woke as much as discover their merchandise turn out to be ‘poor worth’ in a single day, subsequent to the Tesla Mannequin Y and the Mannequin 3 you see right here.
It’s not truthful, as a result of a superb EV shouldn’t be unique to Tesla (analysis and take a look at all earlier than committing to 1), however Elon Musk’s automobile firm has sturdy branding and a direct gross sales mannequin that doesn’t require an area associate or sellers. After the primary salvo that was the Mannequin Y, the Mannequin 3 ‘Highland’ facelift upped the ante with extra interesting seems to be, newer tech and a good cheaper price.
The Mannequin 3 facelift is obtainable right here in two variants, the Commonplace Vary rear-wheel-drive priced from RM189,000, and the Lengthy Vary all-wheel-drive priced from RM218,000. It’s the latter that Hafriz Shah critiques within the video under.
The Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary AWD will get a dual-motor powertrain in addition to a bigger capability battery, enabling a WLTP-rated vary of 629 km, in comparison with 513 km vary for the Commonplace Vary. The LR will also be recharged at a better DC charge of as much as 250 kW, whereas the SR takes in 170 kW max. Each variations have a prime velocity of 201 km/h, however the dual-motor LR is way quicker from 0-100 km/h – 4.4 seconds versus 6.1.
For me, extra vital than the blistering efficiency is the a lot improved seems to be of the Highland. Small adjustments, massive impact. It is a facelift that’s instantly recognisable, with slimmer headlamps, extra distinguished LED DRLs and a revised rear finish with new back lights. The Pearl White tester sits on 19-inch alloys, which look completely sized.
Inside, a brand new steering wheel homes the indicator sign controls instead of stalks, whereas the transmission is now managed by way of the touchscreen; a bodily set of drugs selector buttons on the entrance of the ceiling function backup controls. Did they actually need to reinvent the wheel on this method? The principle touchscreen itself is now brighter and quicker responding, and rear occupants now get an 8.0-inch unit behind the centre console.
The Mannequin 3 could be very well-equipped, with ventilated seats and a 17-speaker sound system with twin amplifiers and twin subwoofers, up from 14 audio system on the pre-facelift. The SR RWD will get a nine-speaker, single-amplifier arrange. As for driver aids, all Malaysian-spec Mannequin 3s include Autopilot as commonplace, although this may be upgraded to Enhanced Autopilot for RM16,000, or Full Self-Driving for RM32,000.
So, is the Mannequin 3 facelift one of the best EV you should buy for round RM200k? “It’s an outstanding electrical sedan. It’s way more comfy and refined than the earlier model, with a better high quality inside too. However, it’s removed from good,” our man says. For the total assessment and verdict, watch the video above.
GALLERY: 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3 Highland Lengthy Vary AWD
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