Tesla Model 3 Long Range (RWD) Review: Daily EV Done Right

If electric cars had a “quiet achiever” award, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD variant you see here would be on the shortlist. Not because it snarls like a sportscar (it doesn’t), nor because it weighs less than a German equivalent, but because it’s shockingly good at being a sensible EV that happens to be fun when you ask it.

Okay, and because it can literally go long-distance - up to around 750 km WLTP on a single charge - which is absurdly useful for Singapore to Penang road trips or, let’s be honest, for that unplanned food trip to Melaka just because “it’s close lah”.

One of the standout bits of this Model 3 is its large battery pack - significantly bigger than the standard RWD unit - giving that enviable range figure. What it means in real-world speak? If you leave home with 100% juice, you’re unlikely to be frantically eyeing the nearest charger long before you reach JB.

In Singapore’s urban-suburban mix, that translates to fewer charging stops and more, “Eh, we go dinner first; charge later.” That’s an advantage not every EV can brag about.

One-Pedal Driving

Now, confession time: Yours truly spent the first day behind the Model 3’s wheel thinking one-pedal driving belonged in a go-kart or at a funfair. What’s the point of a brake pedal if you don’t use it? Feels… unnatural. I mean, what about brake modulation? None of that here.

But, as the days went on, I caught myself lifting off earlier just to feel that regenerative brake doing its thing - returning energy to the battery and impressing passengers. After almost a week, I’ve grudgingly - and somewhat genuinely - embraced it.

On The Road

Driving the Model 3 Long Range RWD is like that friend you didn’t expect to be responsible, but turns out pretty dependable; tidy, confident and - dare I say - a little Germanic.

Despite tipping the scales at almost 1.8-tonnes, it doesn’t feel ponderous. The steering offers decent feedback, enough to make you feel (a) where the wheels are pointing, and (b) what the car’s intentions are. Throw it down a twisty road, and the car stays composed; body roll is controlled, and when you do push, understeer creeps in with a bit of squeal - like a polite hint that you’re having fun.

The suspension strikes a balance that most EVs aspire to: Not too soft, not too stiff, and just right for daily use in Singapore’s mixed roads.

Performance

In a world where every EV seems to have “1,000 bhp and 1,000 Nm, bro” plastered on spec sheets, this Model 3’s numbers feel… reasonable.

294 bhp and 430 Nm of torque - with a 5.2 seconds 0-100 km/h claim - won’t break any Nürburgring records, but here in Singapore, it’s more than enough to hop off the line, zip between lanes, and make cabbies question their traffic-light dominance. Want a drag race down Tampines Avenue 10? You got it...

(Not that I’m encouraging, but, you know what I’m getting at.)

The Inside Story

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that’s airier than a kopitiam at 6:00 AM thanks to the expansive glass roof. The minimalist layout - dominated by a central touchscreen - is Tesla’s ode to “less is more.” Seats are comfortable enough for 200 km stints (trust me, I clock that mileage on a daily basis), and the rear boot + frunk combo gives a handy 680-litres of cargo space.

Visibility? Superb. Acoustic comfort? Whisper-quiet, especially with the standard Tesla sound system blasting someone’s Spotify modern rock playlist.

The Second Driver Agrees

My wife - the functional driver - was pleasantly impressed. She loved the serenity of the cabin, the ease of one-pedal driving (shocking, I know) and remained quietly content throughout every drive; always a good sign.

And yes, the Boombox feature? Equally entertaining when picking her up after work. The tune of ‘La Cucaracha’ blasting through the Model 3’s external speaker truly made her walk to the car from the office lift lobby far more… lively.

In A Nutshell

All told, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD is a compelling EV for Singapore drivers who want range without sacrificing everyday usability or some spirited fun. It’s not the most exciting on paper if you worship horsepower figures; but it’s balanced, well-sorted, and ultimately a car that’s easy to live with. It may have converted this one-pedal sceptic.

Oh, and how can I even forget to mention this: Tesla quoted an official consumption figure of 7.4km/kWh, but yours truly clocked 8.2km/kWh instead…

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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