Karmactive Team
Tesla has introduced a new entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive in Australia at $45,900 before on-road costs — $9,000 below the previous entry-level Model 3 — making it, at the time of publication, Australia’s cheapest new electric sedan. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-to-late October 2026.
The new base specification is listed with a 572 km WLTP range and 0–100 km/h acceleration of 6.2 seconds. Tesla's Australian configurator shows the full Model 3 lineup including the updated range figures. The vehicle also supports powering external appliances through a compatible $145 adaptor — check Tesla’s current Australian specification sheet for the exact implementation on the base RWD variant before making purchasing decisions based on this feature.
At $45,900 before on-road costs, the new entry Model 3 RWD is priced below the current [BYD Seal Premium](https://bydautomotive.com.au/vehicles/seal) at $52,990 and the Kia EV4 Air at $49,990, based on current manufacturer configurator pricing. This makes Tesla’s entry Model 3 the lower-priced option against the current Australian electric sedan field at launch.
For buyers considering the purchase through a novated lease arrangement, the Model 3 at $45,900 sits well below the luxury car tax threshold, and EV FBT exemptions continue to apply to qualifying vehicles under current rules until March 31, 2027. Whether this creates a tax benefit depends on your salary, employer arrangements, lease structure, and individual circumstances — buyers should verify current eligibility with the ATO or a tax adviser.
How the new Model 3 sits in Australia’s EV market
The previous entry-level Tesla in Australia, the Model 3 RWD that preceded this specification, was priced at approximately $54,900 before on-road costs. The $9,000 reduction in the new entry version is a significant move that places Tesla’s base model in a price range that Australian automotive buyers have more commonly associated with Chinese EV brands.
The 572 km WLTP range on the new base Model 3 compares well against other vehicles in the electric sedan category. CarExpert describes the model as Australia’s cheapest electric sedan. Drive-away pricing varies by state and territory based on registration costs and stamp duty, so the $45,900 figure is the starting price before those additions.
For Australian drivers comparing the entry Model 3 against the current field, Tesla’s Australian configurator is the authoritative source for pricing and variant specifications. Any comparison with specific competitor models should be verified against those manufacturers’ current Australian configurators, as EV pricing in Australia has been changing at pace.
Deliveries of the new base Model 3 RWD are expected to begin mid-to-late October 2026 in Australia.
What is the cheapest electric sedan in Australia in 2026? At the time of publication, Tesla’s new entry-level Model 3 RWD is Australia’s cheapest new electric sedan, priced from $45,900 before on-road costs. It offers 572 km of WLTP-certified range and 6.2-second 0–100 km/h acceleration. Current competitors include the BYD Seal Premium at $52,990 and the Kia EV4 Air at $49,990.
Whether further price adjustments from Tesla or competitors follow before year-end will depend on demand and market conditions. Check back as delivery confirmations and any pricing updates come through from Tesla Australia. For related Australian automotive and consumer coverage, see Karmactive’s card surcharge changes and the Labour Day road rules.
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