Your definitive guide to a new Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Electric Car Lease

 New Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Electric Car Lease-Your definitive guide

In a year of immense evolution and change, the world’s leading EV producer and brand has appeared to be relatively quiet, while Elon Musk pursues social media enterprises and space exploration. But for a manufacturer that seemingly has everything, and which has essentially created the ceiling for what we consider a robust electric car, there is some degree of flexibility afforded to the US car giants.

And let’s not be too hasty to critique, with SMMT stats showing some positivity for the brand in the UK, with the Model Y as the best-selling car in March 2023 and the 4th best-selling car from Jan-March 2023 - But maybe we expect more from Tesla and the hardened EV-enthusiasts want the next things, the next evolution and the next product, especially when so many other manufacturers and brands are making so much noise.

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Well on the 14th of April 2023, Tesla confirmed that a slightly amended / revised model would be made available for the UK’s business leasing customers.

While we were teased with the prospect of a smaller and more affordable hatchback - think a comparison to the VW ID.3, the Cupra Born and MG4 - a more subtle product was confirmed to us. During May 2023, UK customers will have access to a limited amount of Long Range Model 3 Saloon vehicles but in a RWD format (as opposed to the AWD format currently available to order).

Starting from around £46,990, which is £4000 more than the RWD Standard model BUT £4000 cheaper than the AWD Long Range, this new option will not only enable enhanced specification features but also a range-topping 394 miles or 634 km (WLTP) on a full charge.

Because the e-car lease website only uses the real-world range approach, we do need our friends over at EVDB to update us on the expected metrics. But even if the combined real-world range comes in at around 320 - 340 miles, this will still make the RWD Long Range the leading EV in the class. As you can check on our “Longest Range Electric Cars” tool, there are a host of excellent BEVs to consider if you need a long-distance vehicle or if you are a high-mileage company car customer. In particular you will note the key comparisons and competition to the Model 3:

•  Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor - 305 miles;
•  Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range 2WD - 295 miles
•  BMW i4 eDrive 50 - 290 miles; and
•  Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC - 280 miles. 

And this new model, which should be deliverable during Q2 (May and June 2023), will also bring about some robust specification and technology, designed specifically for the most demanding of fleet users. A heat pump will remain standard on the car, to draw excess heat from the powertrain to maximise cold weather driving and supercharging speeds.

The Autopilot feature remains standard, with the Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Avoidance, together with the Tesla App for controlling your vehicle, deciding on charging times and pre-heating the cabin. The RWD LR will include Premium Connectivity, so the Live Traffic Visualisation and Satellite-View Maps is added (for 8 years on each brand new Model 3).

The EV includes plenty of comfort features like the 15” touchscreen, upgraded immersive sound, powered rear boot, dual wireless phone charger, driver lumbar support, heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, rear facing camera, climate control, navigation, collision avoidance assist, lane assist, cabin camera, speed assist, traffic-aware cruise control. Colours will include solid black, pearl white, midnight silver and deep blue.

And on the key performance metrics, the RWD Long Range will still offer 0 - 62mph times of 5.9 seconds, top speeds of 140mph, 11 kW AC and 250 kW DC charging capabilities and towing weights of up to 1000kg (braked). All-in-all a pretty robust EV. 

But is range still so crucial to every EV driver?

From the outset of vehicle electrification, much was placed on the distance a car could travel on a full charge. But early into this transition, many products were ill-equipped with low ranges and slow charging times. Fast forward to 2023 and it isn’t difficult to see how far we have come; just looking at the longest-range options on our comparison does show just how many options can cover beyond  200 miles combined on a full charge.

But it is accepted that more high-mileage drivers, especially for those covering 20,000 miles per annum and beyond, do want the best solutions to avoid frequent charging. This is where our e-car lease EVC© certificate is so useful, as this sets out exactly how the car will perform in realistic conditions. But it also sets out key facets like charging capabilities / charging speeds, which are often under appreciated.

For any regular motorway driver covering high mileage (especially in cold weather) there will be a necessity to charge. When you do charge, you need to be assured of reasonable times - “charge why you have a coffee” springs to mind. But your ability to do this depends on - 1) the charging speed of your EV; and 2) the charge point you are connecting to.

The DC, or rapid charge, capability is something you need to review before buying / leasing your new EV, as you need to be looking at 200 kW DC options if you truly want that “rapid” experience. But also note you have to connect to the right charging point and this is where Zap Map  are so important, as they not only locate the point but they also show you the speed and the cost of this session. This is key to a robust driver experience. 

And in a Blue Peter moment, our business leasing customer kindly sent pictures of their newest fleet addition. In terms of the car shown, the Tesla Model 3 Saloon Long Range AWD 4dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following specification:

•  Black Solid Paint
•  Premium engineered material - Black seat
• Premium open pore wood decor
•  19" Silver sports alloy wheels 

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When you are ready to lease the new rear wheel drive Tesla M3 on personal, business or salary sacrifice arrangement, just head to our deals section at and engage with our expert team.