Page 1 – Introduction
Page 2 – BMW i4
Page 3 – Polestar 2
Page 4 – Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

Our pick: Tesla Model 3 Performance from S$167,012 without COE (Apr 2022)
Read our review of the Tesla Model 3 Performance here

Arguably one of the most eagerly-awaited models in Singapore, the Tesla Model 3’s (official) arrival here pretty much upset the established automotive order. Tesla sold nearly 1,000 cars in its debut year, helping it break into the top 10 best selling brands in Singapore, a feat that’s almost unheard of in our market.

Part of it can perhaps be attributed to the cult of Elon, but Singaporean buyers are also a discerning bunch, and if Tesla’s models are not up to par, then they’ll be found out very quickly. Thus far though, evidence on the ground suggests that the cars do somewhat live up to the hype, with its combination of performance and tech advances that many owners have embraced. 

Buying a Tesla also gets you access to the company’s Supercharger fast-charging network, which for a while offered free public charging in Singapore, but has recently moved towards a pay-to-use model.

Here’s how much you have to pay to Supercharge your Tesla in Singapore

Like the Polestar 2, the Model 3 comes in single motor and dual motor variants. The single motor Standard Range Plus (S$113,245 without COE) offers rear-wheel-drive, 321hp and a 50kWh battery that’s good for 448km of range, while the dual motor Model 3 Performance (S$167,012 without COE) packs in a whopping 505hp, and a 78kWh battery that Tesla says can offer up to 547km of range on a full charge.

Tesla quotes its prices without COE, but even with a nearly S$100,000 Cat B COE, the Model 3’s pricing remains competitive vis a vis its rivals, so you might as well go for the top-spec Performance variant, and the neck-breaking acceleration that comes with it. 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds is supercar-matching pace, and for performance junkies that level of power can be fairly addictive.

Insane acceleration aside, the Model 3 is actually a pretty neat drive. While the car’s weight means that it’s not as sharp as a proper sports car, it still feels reasonably taut and balanced, and offers a decent level of engagement in the corners, with the low-mounted batteries helping it keep body roll to a minimum.

What truly makes or breaks the Tesla though is its interior packaging. The car’s touchscreen-focused setup, with a notable dearth of buttons or physical controls, is a truly love-it-or-hate-it affair. Nearly everything, from the speed and driving info, to the air conditioning controls, is accessed by the touchscreen, and it’s something that needs a lot of getting used to.

If that’s something you can get on board with though, then there are few cars that can offer the same sort of driving experience as the Tesla Model 3. Judging from its sales success here, it appears that plenty of Singaporeans have been convinced by its merits.

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