Tesla reveals Model 3 Australian prices

The long wait is over, after more than three years Aussies can now configure and order the brand’s most affordable car.

The long wait for Tesla fans is finally over.

The American electric car brand has opened sales of its most affordable model to local buyers.

Australians can now configure and order their Model 3s online.

Tesla’s Australian website says orders placed now will be delivered in August but buyer who put down their $1500 deposit more than three years will get first priorities, which means that new customers will most likely wait longer.

The Tesla Model 3 will be pried from $66,000 in Australia.

Only two versions will be available initially.

Prices start at $66,000 (before on-roads) for the Standard Range Plus version and $85,000 for the Performance. Each compares favourably to key rivals.

The entry price is on par with the new Hyundai Kona Electric SUV and slightly more than a base BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

But the standard spec car trumps rivals in terms of performance and tech. It has a claimed range of 460km and a top speed of 225km, sprinting from rest to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds.

The Performance version has a range of 560km and tops out at 261km/h. It is in supercar territory with 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, and blows away its perceived rivals the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63.

The Performance model has blistering speed.

The coming Model 3 gets the brand’s Autopilot driver-aid technology, which includes autonomous emergency braking, collision and blind spot warning and lane keep assist.

For $7100, buyers can add the controversial “Full Self-Driving Capability”, which for now includes auto lane changing and auto parking ability — the brand sells the tech on its potential capacity for autonomous driving on highways.

All versions come with a giant 15-inch central touchscreen that houses the car’s digital instruments and controls the navigation, climate and infotainment.

A giant screen dominates the car’s interior.

The introduction of the cheaper Model 3 is timely, as the Australian market prepares for the raft of electric cars due in the next 18 months.

Hyundai has launched two — the Ioniq small car and Kona compact SUV.

Luxury makers Audi and Mercedes-Benz will enter the market next year to compete with the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X SUVs.