Tesla Model 3 Long Range loses $2200 wheels, range to increase

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range has undergone its biggest visual change since going on sale in 2019 with the removal of the 19-inch “Sport Wheels” from the list of standard equipment.

Previously fitted standard to the middle version in the three-tiered Model 3 range, the Sport wheels are now offered as a $2200 option for the Long Range.

In their place, the Long Range now comes fitted with the same 18-inch “Aero Wheels” as the entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, which sells for about $12K less.

It means the only exterior visual differentiation between the single-motor Rear-Wheel Drive and dual motor Long Range are tiny LED fog lights up front and a “Dual Motor” badge on the rear.

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Inside, the Long Range still gets the “Premium Interior” (the RWD gets a “Partial Premium Interior”), which includes a 14-speaker sound system (versus the Rear-Wheel Drive’s eight-speaker system).

The equipment change for the M3 Long Range is the latest in a string of tweaks and pricing changes that have effectively reduced the value of what is comfortably Australia’s top selling EV.

Late last year Tesla increased the order fee on a Model 3 from $150 to $350, resulting in a $200 price rise on two of the three models.

And this year the Model 3 has undergone $1000 and $3000 price increases, adding $4000 to the price of the entry level car, which now sells for about $70K drive-away (prices vary depending on which state or territory it is being registered in).

There is one positive for those considering the Model 3 Long Range: it should be able to travel further on a charge.

The grey plastic wheel covers now fitted standard on the Long Range provide range benefits due to their aerodynamically optimised design (and, likely, lower rolling resistance of the smaller diameter tyres).

In the US, Tesla claims the range of the Model 3 Long Range improves by 24 miles, or about 39km.

In the UK – which uses the WLTP measurements that Australian EV retailers typically quote – the estimated range increases by 15 miles, or about 24km.

That would take the WLTP range from 602km as it is currently claimed on the Tesla Australia website to about 626km.

Tesla doesn’t quote how much additional range can be expected for Australian buyers, although it’s safe to assume you’ll eke slightly more from a charge when running on the smaller aero wheels.

That said, as with most WLTP ratings, owners should expect slightly less than the quoted WLTP figure. Best estimates are that the Long Range will get 15-20km of additional real-world range from its new boots, so something

Wheels aside, there could be more (or less) to come for the Model 3, which is currently quoting wait times of between six and nine months.

While Tesla is Australia is still fitting the Mobile Connector bundle to cars ordered today – it allows cars to be trickle charged from a regular powerpoint – it’s expected to be removed at some point in future.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently tweeted that “usage statistics were super low” for the mobile connector, prompting the company to remove them from standard fitment in some markets. Instead, it is encouraging owners to fit a Tesla wallbox for faster home charging.

The mobile connector will still be offered as an option; it currently retails for $860 in Australia, although Musk said Tesla will be dropping the price to US$200 ($280) and adding more plug adaptors.