Tesla Model 3 2025 | Updates, Range and Ownership in Australia

The Tesla Model 3 has been one of the most significant electric vehicles in Australia since its arrival. For 2025, Tesla has introduced a refreshed version of its best-selling EV sedan, bringing subtle design tweaks, an improved range, updated interiors, and smarter ownership features that matter to Australian drivers. With competition from BYD, Hyundai, Kia, Polestar, and traditional European automakers intensifying, the Model 3 is under more pressure than ever to prove it remains the benchmark.

This detailed review explores everything from updates and specifications to EV charging, safety, technology, and the ownership experience in Australia. Whether you’re considering your first EV or upgrading from an earlier Model 3, here’s everything you need to know.

Exterior Updates and Design Evolution

Tesla has kept its philosophy of clean minimalism for the 2025 Model 3, but with subtle refinements:

• Sleeker front fascia: The headlights are sharper and slimmer, giving the sedan a more modern, aggressive look.

• Revised aerodynamic body: Minor tweaks to the front bumper and underbody contribute to reduced drag, which helps extend EV range.

• New wheel options: Aerodynamic wheel designs aim to balance performance and efficiency.

• Fresh paint colours: Australians now get more choice, including a deeper blue and an earthy metallic finish, broadening appeal for buyers who want individuality.

The silhouette remains instantly recognisable, but side-by-side with earlier models, the 2025 Model 3 feels fresher and more premium—important for a car that’s often cross-shopped with petrol sedans like the BMW 3 Series or Lexus IS.

Interior Features and Comfort

Tesla interiors have always divided opinion. For 2025, refinement and practicality have clearly been the focus.

• Premium cabin materials: Softer touchpoints and improved finishes make the Model 3 feel more upscale.

• Improved acoustic insulation: Better noise reduction means quieter highway drives, addressing one of the main criticisms of earlier models.

• Ambient lighting: Adjustable interior lighting brings a more premium, customisable feel.

• Updated seats: Redesigned cushions improve long-distance comfort, important for Australian road trips.

• Screen-only controls remain: Tesla’s signature minimalist design is unchanged—most functions are still controlled through the central 15-inch touchscreen, with a new focus on customisable layouts for quicker access to common features.

For families, the rear seat space continues to be practical for two adults or three kids, and the boot plus frunk combination remains one of the more usable in its class.

EV Range and Performance in Australia

Range has always been the key selling point of Tesla, and the 2025 Model 3 improves slightly over the outgoing version.

• Standard Range RWD: Around 513 km (WLTP)

• Long Range AWD: Around 629 km (WLTP)

Real-world range in Australia will depend on conditions such as climate, terrain, and driving style. On highways between Sydney and Melbourne or Brisbane and the Gold Coast, drivers can realistically expect about 450–480 km from the Standard Range and over 550 km from the Long Range.

Performance remains strong:

• The Standard Range hits 0–100 km/h in around 6.1 seconds.

• The Long Range AWD drops that figure to 4.4 seconds, rivaling some petrol performance sedans.

For most Australians, the Long Range’s extended range and dual-motor traction make it the sweet spot, especially if regular intercity travel is planned.

Charging and Infrastructure in Australia

Owning a Tesla in Australia has one major advantage: access to the Supercharger network.

• Tesla Superchargers: Over 70 locations nationwide, with more expansion planned in 2025. Charging speeds up to 250 kW allow a 10–80% charge in around 25 minutes.

• Destination chargers: Found in hotels, shopping centres, and workplaces, these make urban charging convenient.

• Home charging: Most owners install a Tesla Wall Connector at home, which tops up overnight easily with off-peak electricity.

Tesla has also opened up part of its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, but Tesla owners still benefit from priority access and often lower rates. For many Australian households, the ability to plug in at home overnight means the Model 3 is both cost-effective and convenient.

Technology and Features

Tesla’s reputation as a tech leader continues in 2025.

• 15-inch central display: Updated UI with improved customisation and smoother performance.

• Driver display through head-up projection: Instead of a traditional cluster, key speed and navigation data can now be projected directly onto the windscreen.

• Autopilot & Full Self-Driving (FSD): Enhanced lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and auto lane change features are standard. FSD remains a pricey option but continues to evolve with over-the-air updates.

• Over-the-air updates: Tesla pushes software improvements directly, often adding features long after purchase.

• Entertainment: Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and gaming capability still make downtime while charging more enjoyable.

Tesla’s approach to technology keeps the Model 3 ahead of many rivals, especially when it comes to software support and future-proofing.

Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance

Tesla has historically scored well with ANCAP, and the 2025 Model 3 continues the trend.

• ANCAP 5-Star safety rating expected to carry over, with improvements in pedestrian protection and active safety aids.

• Driver assistance: Standard features include automatic emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

• Structural integrity: Reinforced body design provides excellent crash protection.

For Australian families, this makes the Model 3 one of the safest EV sedans available, rivaling Volvo and Mercedes-Benz equivalents.

Ownership Costs and Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of Tesla ownership is the reduced running cost compared to petrol or diesel sedans.

• Charging costs: Home charging is significantly cheaper than refuelling at the pump. With off-peak tariffs, many owners effectively pay less than $10 for a full “tank.”

• Minimal servicing: With no oil changes or traditional combustion components, annual maintenance focuses on brakes, tyres, filters, and software updates.

• Warranty: Tesla offers a four-year/80,000 km basic warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty (Long Range battery warranty is up to 192,000 km).

Insurance premiums can be higher than average due to the vehicle’s value and repair costs, but they are trending downward as EV adoption grows and more insurers adjust coverage options.

Ownership Experience in Australia

The Model 3 has matured into a daily driver that fits seamlessly into Australian lifestyles.

• Urban driving: Quiet, smooth, and ideal for city commuting with regenerative braking.

• Highway trips: With expanding charging infrastructure, intercity travel is easier than ever.

• Resale value: Teslas have held their value well, although competition from newer EVs could affect this over time.

• Community and support: Tesla owners benefit from a strong community, mobile service options, and continuous software updates that add value over years.

How It Stacks Against Rivals

In 2025, the Tesla Model 3 competes directly with:

• BYD Seal: Cheaper entry price, but lacks Tesla’s software polish and charging network.

• Polestar 2: Stylish Scandinavian design and solid performance, but shorter range.

• Hyundai Ioniq 6: Excellent aerodynamics, strong features, but not as software-driven as Tesla.

• BMW i4: Premium feel and performance, but higher price point.

Tesla still leads in charging ecosystem and software, though rivals are catching up in comfort and value.

Buying Guide: Is the Tesla Model 3 2025 Right for You?

Choose the Standard Range if:

• Most of your driving is urban and suburban.

• You have reliable home charging.

• You want the most affordable Tesla entry point.

Choose the Long Range if:

• You frequently take long trips between cities.

• You value all-wheel drive traction.

• You want the best balance of performance and range.

For Australian buyers weighing the shift from petrol sedans to EVs, the Model 3 still sets the standard.

Final Verdict

The Tesla Model 3 2025 builds on its legacy with sharper design, better range, quieter cabins, and software that keeps improving over time. For Australians, it remains one of the most compelling EVs thanks to its Supercharger network, practicality, and blend of performance with efficiency.

It’s no longer the only choice, but for many buyers, it’s still the benchmark that others are measured against. If you’re planning to join the EV movement in 2025, the Model 3 should be on your shortlist.