2026 Tesla Model 3 gains 750km Long-Range option and an indicator stalk
Tesla has updated its Model 3 line-up for 2026, introducing a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant capable of up to 750km on a single charge; the longest claimed range of any electric vehicle currently available in New Zealand.
The refreshed range arrives in local showrooms with a few key changes, including the return of the indicator stalk, a new front bumper camera, and black exterior badging across all variants.
Pricing now starts at $63,900 plus on-road costs for the base RWD model, $71,900 for the new Long Range RWD, and $84,900 for the Performance AWD flagship.
The new Long Range RWD pairs a single rear-mounted motor with Tesla’s largest battery yet, an 82kWh (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt pack, also used in the updated Performance model. The result is a 750km WLTP range when fitted with 18-inch wheels, or 691km with optional 19-inch alloys.
Read more – Tesla’s FSD Supervised edges closer to New Zealand – and we tried it!
While the Performance AWD variant retains its dual-motor setup and 343kW output (unofficially estimated closer to 400kW overseas), it now benefits from a larger battery, lifting its range from 528km to 571km. Acceleration remains blisteringly quick, with a 0–100km/h sprint in 3.1 seconds.
One notable omission from the updated line-up is the Long Range AWD, which has been dropped altogether.
Among the design tweaks, Tesla has listened to owner feedback by reinstating the indicator stalk, which was controversially removed in the 2023 facelift in favour of steering wheel buttons. The stalk returns to the left side of the column, while gear selection continues to be controlled via the central touchscreen.
A front bumper camera is also new for 2026, aiding parking and driver-assist functions, though Tesla still stops short of offering a true 360-degree camera system.
