More than a decade ago, it was Tesla that brought electric vehicles into the mainstream. Many newer competitors chase range, software, and charging technology, while the Model 3 remains the benchmark that many EVs are measured against.

The same international benchmark is available in the Philippines. The Tesla Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range presents itself as, perhaps, the be-all, end-all electric sedan for Filipino motorists looking transition from internal combustion to electrification.

The updated Model 3 embraces Tesla’s minimalist design philosophy while introducing sharper and more sophisticated styling cues. Up front, the redesigned LED headlights are noticeably slimmer and more aggressive than before, giving the sedan a cleaner and more aerodynamic appearance.

No need need for a traditional grille, the front end remains smooth and uncluttered, allowing airflow to be optimized for efficiency contributing to the car’s impressive drag coefficient while enhancing high-speed stability.

Viewed from the side, it has a sleek fastback silhouette. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, and flush door handles create a profile that is instantly recognizable. The Premium RWD Long Range variant rides on aerodynamic alloy wheels designed to reduce drag and maximize driving range. The roofline flows seamlessly into the rear deck, giving it a coupe-like appearance despite offering four-door practicality. The overall proportions strike an excellent balance between sportiness and everyday usability.

The rear has a C-shaped LED taillight cluster, while the clean bumper design further emphasizes Tesla’s minimalist approach. Unlike other modern vehicles that rely on excessive styling elements, the Model 3’s rear design remains elegant and understated. The integrated trunk spoiler enhances aerodynamics without cluttering up the car’s clean lines.

Step inside and the Tesla experience becomes immediately apparent. The cabin is dominated by a massive 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls nearly every vehicle function. Traditional buttons are largely absent, creating an uncluttered environment that feels more like a modern consumer electronics product than an automobile.

Premium upholstery, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and improved cabin insulation contribute to a more refined driving experience.

Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and their own touchscreen display for climate and entertainment controls. The panoramic glass roof remains one of the cabin’s standout features, flooding the interior with natural light while enhancing the sense of space.

The Premium Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range variant combines efficiency with impressive real-world usability. Its single rear-mounted electric motor delivers smooth and immediate acceleration, while the Long Range battery pack offers a WLTP rated range of approximately 750-kilometers on a full charge. That figure places it among the longest-range EVs currently available in the Philippine market.

Performance is equally impressive, with instant torque delivery making overtaking effortless whether you're navigating EDSA traffic or cruising along expressways. It can accelerate from 0-100-kph in 5.1 seconds and it can reach a top speed of 201-kph.

The low-mounted 79-kWh battery pack also contributes to excellent handling characteristics, giving you a planted feel through corners. Perhaps more importantly, Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to expand, while home charging remains a convenient option for daily use.

The model 3 we drove was equipped with Premium Connectivity, which unlocks a suite of online services via the vehicle’s onboard data access. It allows access to live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, video streaming services, music streaming, internet browsing, and live camera views through Tesla's mobile app. Whether in Metro Manila traffic or out on a weekend road trip, the system will keep you connected and informed in real time.

It was also equipped with Enhanced Autopilot, which is Tesla’s advanced driver assistance technologies suite. Features include Navigate on Autopilot (coming soon), which can guide the vehicle through highway interchanges, Auto Lane Change for smoother overtaking, Autopark for effortless parking maneuvers, and Smart Summon, which allows the vehicle to move to your location in a parking area. The driver must remain fully responsible and attentive at all times when used, and this feature activated will cost you an additional P197,000. If you want Full Self-Driving Capability, which already includes Enhanced Autopilot, it will cost you an additional P394,000 which adds an extra layer of convenience and sophistication that showcases Tesla's technology.

Priced at P2.370 million, the “basic” Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD Long Range positions itself against premium compact sedans and entry-level luxury vehicles. While it may be priced similarly, it’s nothing like the vehicles in its category.

The Model 3 offers cutting-edge software, over-the-air updates, class-leading range, advanced driver assistance systems, and running costs much lower than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles.

For Filipino buyers, this makes a compelling argument. Daily commuters benefit from reduced fuel expenses, while the extended driving range minimizes range anxiety during out-of-town trips. The spacious cabin, practical cargo capacity, and growing EV infrastructure further strengthen its appeal.

In many ways, the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD Long Range represents what every EV aspires to be, a vehicle that no longer requires buyers to choose between sustainability, performance, technology, and range. It simply delivers all four, in one polished package.