2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range review: 331 reasons the dual motor is worth the extra spend

The Tesla Model 3 is the top selling mid-sized car in the country and the second best-selling EV – behind only the Tesla Model Y.

It’s the entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive model that’s proven popular with those wanting to take the EV plunge.

But the mid-grade Long Range model (a Tesla Model 3 Performance is on the way!) makes plenty of sense, especially for those who prefer all-wheel drive.

The addition of a front e-motor means all four wheels are driven – plus there’s more performance for snappier acceleration.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range price and equipment

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range gets the same basic equipment list as the Rear-Wheel Drive, albeit with a subtle “Dual Motor” badge on its boot. But at $71,900 plus on-road costs it’s $10,000 more than the entry-level variant.

The standard kit includes 18-inch alloys with plastic wheel covers (for better aerodynamics), fake leather (now looking a lot more like the cow variety), ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, powered bootlid and matrix LED headlights.

There’s also a 15-inch infotainment screen up front which doubles as the central instrument cluster and an eight-inch rear screen. Both have a plethora of tech, from games and music streaming services to infotainment and ventilation adjustment.

Plus there’s the best remote app in the business, allowing you to monitor the car, use your phone as a key, unlock and lock the doors and activate the seat heating and ventilation. You can even check live vision from the various cameras via your phone: there’s a front and rear angle, two angles down each side and an interior camera.

One big difference between the two Model 3s is the audio system. The Long Range includes speakers concealed in the tops of the front windscreen pillar and a second subwoofer. All up the Long Range has 17 speakers improving the RWD’s alreday great sound reproduction.

Another big difference is the battery tech.

The Model 3 RWD gets cheaper LFP (lithium ferrous phosphate) batteries that are said to last longer but not hold quite as much energy.

The Model 3 LR get NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) batteries with more capacity (about 80kWh versus the 60kWh of the RWD).

Unsurprisingly that means it goes further between top-ups, with the Long Range’s WLTP claim at 629km. The Long Range also charges at up to 250kW (we saw 251kW, as per the pic below).

But… as with all NMC batteries they prefer not to be charged up to 100 percent regularly; so only do that for road trips.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: What we think

As we’ve covered off with the Rear-Wheel Drive, the 2024 updates to the Model 3 – codenamed Highland – make a big difference to the look.

They also make the cabin quieter, which teams with the step-up in materials – particularly the door and seat trims – for a classier look.

Those tossing up between a RWD and a LR may be disappointed with the lack of differentiation… welcome to the Tesla way!

That said, the tech is class leading and the addition of that rear screen adds to it.

Besides, the biggest difference is in the way the Long Range drives.

There’s loads more grunt and even in the wet it gets it to the ground seamlessly. While Tesla doesn’t make its power figures obvious, with some digging you can figure out how much they make. For the Model 3 Long Range there’s a maximum of 331kW, which is absolutely plenty for a car at this price point.

As with all Teslas the regenerative braking is aggressive, which encourages you to ease off the throttle rather than lift off quickly. Or you can use the cruise control, which is now activated via buttons on the steering wheel.

That’s because there are no stalks, with the indicators also activated by buttons. It’s not overly intuitive, though, because the left and right buttons are both on the left side of the wheel, meaning you need to remember which is which – or glance down to confirm.

Our car was riding on optional 19-inch alloys shod in Hankook tyres. It’s a decent combo that still delivers on the vastly improve ride quality of the updated Model 3. Sophisticated frequency selective dampers that adjust their response depending on the size and speed of the bump do a great job of dealing with bumps.

There’s still the trademark athleticism of the Model 3, something that starts with the very direct steering.

And if you dial up the pace there’s talent inherent in what is a brisk and engaging car.

As for if it lives up to its name, as with any EV it depends how you drive it.

We covered 2000km of mostly freeway driving so were getting more like 500km between charges.

But if you’re zipping around the suburbs expect something closer to 600km.

And, of course, you can utilise the Tesla charging network (as well as any other EV chargers), something that makes road trips so much easier. It’s a major plus of owning a Tesla.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Verdict

Those chasing value may find the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive does all they need.

But if you’re after some added driving spice and the additional driving range of a larger battery pack then the Model 3 Long Range is a terrific step-up that brings a whole lot more punch.

It’s also a polished prestige mid-sized sedan that delivers on driving engagement, technology and value. And the additional 116km of claimed range over the RWD make road trips that little bit easier.

As for negatives, perhaps the biggest criticism you can level at the Model 3 is that it’s these days a common car.

But just like iPhones, they’re common for a reason.

Votes: 4.5/5

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range specifications

Price: $71,900 plus on-road costs

Basics: EV, 5 seats, 4 doors, sedan, AWD

Range: 629km (WLTP)

Battery capacity: 80kWh (estimated)

Battery warranty: 8 years/192,000km

Energy consumption: 14.0kWh/100km

Motors: 1 front 137kW/219Nm and 1 rear 194kW/340Nm

AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug

DC charging: 250kW, CCS combo plug

0-100km/h: 4.4 seconds