More than 700 km of WLTP range in the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range with rear-wheel drive

Tesla has just expanded in Europe, and also in Spain, the number of available versions of the refreshed Model 3, known as Highland. From now on, customers of the American manufacturer can select in the brand’s website configurator a new Long Range version with rear-wheel drive, which stands out for its outstanding energy efficiency and, consequently, its generous range that reaches 702 km under the WLTP homologation cycle.

The price of this new version of the Tesla Model 3 in Spain is 44,990 euros. That is, 5,000 euros more than the entry-level version of the range, also with rear-wheel drive but with a smaller-capacity LFP battery pack, and 4,000 euros less than the Long Range all-wheel-drive version that was already on sale.

Contrary to what is usual, Tesla does not currently show the estimated delivery date in the configurator for everyone placing an order right now, but everything suggests that the first units of this new Long Range rear-wheel-drive version of the Model 3 will be handed to customers from next November onwards.

King of efficiency

In a press release, the American manufacturer has assured that this new version of the Model 3 is “the most efficient electric model currently available in Europe“. And, until we sit behind the wheel and check it for ourselves, everything points to this claim being true, since Tesla promises an energy consumption of just 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres driven.

Although the company has not revealed what “tricks” it has used to achieve this surprising energy efficiency that allows this model to exceed 700 km of WLTP range, the first thing to highlight is the weight reduction that removing the front motor entails compared with the all-wheel-drive version that was previously on sale and still is. Furthermore, the wheels that come as standard are also 18 inches, so there are no changes there, and the battery pack should in principle be the same, although this last point is not confirmed.

Finally, it should be noted that, as with any electric vehicle, WLTP range should not be confused with the real-world range we will obtain when driving on the road. This means that under no circumstances should we expect to cover 700 km on a single charge during any of our road trips, and the real figure will almost certainly be somewhat lower. Some estimates, still unconfirmed until the first units reach the market and real range tests can be carried out, suggest that on the road at a constant 120 km/h, with favourable weather and a route without major gradients, around 550 km should be achievable on a single charge. Although, as we say, for now this is nothing more than an estimate.

Competing with Tesla is no easy task

With the launch of this new version of the Model 3, Tesla strengthens its position in the European electric vehicle market, leaving the competition out of the game, since there is no other electric vehicle from any other brand that, at a similar price below 50,000 euros, offers a WLTP range of more than 700 km.

Technical specifications of this car

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