Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD

Overview

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD was a real sweet spot in the early Model 3 line-up, offering an awesome blend of impressive range and that signature Tesla kick! Produced between 2017 and 2019, this specific rear-wheel-drive variant became a fan favourite for its efficiency and engaging drive. As a discontinued model, new EU pricing isn't applicable, and used prices vary significantly. Its minimalist cool, cutting-edge tech, and access to the Supercharger network made it a proper game-changer, even if its primary market was originally the USA, it set a benchmark globally.

What's New for 2019?

For the 2019 model year, the Model 3 range saw some tweaks, and the Long Range RWD itself was actually phased out during 2019 in some regions as Tesla streamlined its offerings. However, where it remained available, it benefited from Tesla's continuous over-the-air software updates, which often brought improvements to Autopilot, efficiency, and even performance. Minor running changes to interior bits and bobs may have occurred, but the core proposition of this highly efficient, long-legged rear-driver remained a strong pull for EV adopters until its production ended.

Design & Exterior

Rocking that classic, slippery Tesla aesthetic, the Model 3 Long Range RWD looks sleek and modern even today. Its grille-less front, sweeping panoramic glass roof, and clean lines give it an unmistakable presence. It typically featured 18-inch Aero wheels designed to maximise that all-important range. Dimensionally, it measures 4695 mm in length, 1850 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 1445 mm tall. It’s a design that’s both minimalist and futuristic, managing to be a head-turner without being shouty. Pure understated cool on wheels!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and you’re greeted by Tesla’s radical minimalism. A massive 15-inch central touchscreen controls pretty much everything – from tunes to climate – though no native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Tesla's own system is slick and responsive. The cabin feels airy, especially with the glass roof, and passenger space is decent for a sedan. Cargo is a big win: a hefty 561-litre boot, expanding to 1235 litres with the seats down, plus a very useful 88-litre frunk up front for your charging cables or extra bits!

Performance & Driving Experience

This Long Range RWD variant is no slouch, zipping from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 5.3 seconds! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) on the rear axle delivers a punchy 239 kW and 420 Nm of instant torque, making it feel wonderfully responsive. The RWD setup offers an engaging, agile driving experience, and it’ll cruise happily up to a top speed of 225 km/h. Ride comfort is generally good, and Tesla’s regenerative braking is beautifully calibrated for smooth one-pedal driving. It’s properly quick and fun!

Range, Battery & Charging

Fitted with a 73.5 kWh usable battery, Green Cars Compare calculates an impressive real-world range of 507 km for this Long Range RWD Tesla, with an excellent efficiency of 6.9 km/kWh. For charging in Europe, it uses a CCS Type 2 (Tesla) port. At home or work, its 11 kW on-board AC charger can fill it up overnight. Out on the road, its 400V architecture allows it to hoover up juice at DC fast chargers at a blistering pace of up to 250 kW, getting you back on your journey super quick!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a massive Tesla strength, and the Model 3 platform bagged a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating. This Long Range RWD model came standard with Tesla’s Autopilot suite, packing features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to ease your drive. For those wanting more, Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability were often available as optional upgrades, adding clever tricks like Navigate on Autopilot and auto lane change. It also boasts a 5-star NHTSA rating, so it's a very safe place to be.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Tesla typically provided a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 80,000 km. The crucial battery and drive unit warranty for this Long Range RWD model was more extensive, usually covering 8 years or 192,000 km, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention. Maintenance is one of the EV perks – super minimal! No oil changes, and many updates arrive over-the-air. While early Model 3s had some reported niggles, overall reliability expectations are generally positive for these robust powertrains.