Tesla has introduced a long-range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of its Model 3 sedan in China, bringing the total number of Model 3 variants available in the market to four. The launch follows range upgrades across the entire lineup, the U.S. electric carmaker said on its Weibo account.
The new RWD model, priced below the long-range all-wheel-drive (AWD) and AWD performance versions, uses a 78.4 kWh battery supplied by LG Energy Solution and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. The dual-motor AWD long-range and performance versions are priced from 285,500 yuan ($39,300) and 339,500 yuan, respectively, while the standard RWD Model 3 is equipped with CATL lithium iron phosphate batteries.
The launch comes as Tesla faces mounting competition in China’s electric vehicle sector and a slowdown in domestic deliveries. From January to July, Tesla delivered 304,027 vehicles in China, down 6.3% year-on-year, with Model Y sales falling 17.2% to 202,257 units. Model 3 sales rose 26.5% to 101,770 units over the same period.
To stimulate demand, Tesla is offering incentives for the Model 3, including five years of interest-free financing, an 8,000 yuan discount on paint, and an 8,000 yuan insurance subsidy, excluding the performance model. The company also plans to launch a six-seat Model Y L in China this autumn, featuring an 82 kWh battery pack and a range of 751 km.