Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 Review: It Still Has An Edge

What we like:

Improved ride comfort

Reduced noise levels

Great standard features for the price

The Supercharger network

What we dislike:

Lack of power at higher speeds

Tesla has gone too far to remove the steering stalks

It’s been a while since I last test drove a Tesla; this would be the first time I will be trying the Highland facelift and a Cat A version one at that (my fellow writer Chin Hui had a quick spin in the more powerful RWD variant). It’s called the 110 because 110 kW is the maximum output to qualify for Cat A COE and therefore, this model is unique to Singapore.

Tesla disrupted the Singapore car market when it first established an official presence here, and now they are doing it again with the 110, which is the most affordable Tesla you can buy at present with a price tag of ~$95k without COE, or just under $200k on the road. This compares favourably with competition from China, like the BYD Seal which is priced at $188k if you opt for their Savers Package with $82k COE rebate.

How different is the Tesla Model 3 RWD 110?

By Tesla’s own admission, the 110 is essentially the exact same car as the more expensive RWD ‘non-110’ version; the only thing done to it is to detune the output. So you get the same 60 kWh battery, the same 1,765 kg kerb weight and the same minimalist interior. The exterior with the chic slim headlights and ‘crab claw’ tail lights remain. The specification list is also identical, so the 110 doesn’t suffer from base model maladies at all. In fact, it’s very well-equipped with luxury features like wraparound ambient lighting, a touchscreen for rear passengers, ventilated seats and double-glazed windows. Suffice to say, you’ll not want for more.

However, you definitely would feel something lacking in the power department. The 0-100 km/h time drops from 6.1 seconds in the standard RWD variant to 8.6 seconds in the 110, and most of that would be felt at higher expressway speeds. That it is artificially being held back is something you’d always be bugged by, especially if you’re more used to seeing acronyms like PIE, AYE and CTE every day. However, if you drive mostly around urban traffic at slower speeds, the car feels suitably responsive.

The major improvement in my mind over the pre-Highland car is the damping. I remember the older car feeling rather unsophisticated and harsh in its suspension tuning, although it was very sporty. The Highland has all but quelled most of the harshness while retaining the firm and confident handling. This alone would compel many owners of the older Model 3 to switch, I would expect.

The other is the lower noise levels in the car. With the improved aerodynamics and standard acoustic glass, the 110 goes about its business like a proper luxury car: hushed and calm. Even the interior material mix feels properly matched, or even exceeding, the car’s positioning. The doors close with a solid thud, too.

How relevant is the Model 3 Highland today against the competition?

Even compared to the most cutting-edge cars on the road today, the Model 3 Highland feels like it is still leading the pack. Take its turn signals or high beam activation, both of which are now executed from buttons on the steering wheel. Or going from Park to Drive or Reverse, which is operated through the screen or a series of buttons on the roof. The car would even shift automatically into Drive or Reverse for you depending on what it detects around you. Its active safety systems are also very well developed, because Tesla almost perfected it to make sure it isn’t too intrusive, but just right.

The near-complete lack of buttons in the interior is refreshing but also at once alarming. I am in the camp that it actually mostly works quite well, except perhaps for the steering-mounted controls which tend to get in the way or get confusing once you turn the steering wheel.

How about charging?

And yes, the Supercharger network. This still impresses me as much as when I first had a taste of it. At a max charging speed of 250 kW, this is by far the fastest charging available anywhere on the island. The next fastest is Shell with their 180 kW chargers, but they are few and far between compared to the Supercharger network. It’s an unrivalled combination of speed and availability. With charging points becoming increasingly crowded with more EV adoption, Tesla’s exclusive network would be a boon for Tesla drivers.

Fart in a Tesla… Very mature.

It makes sense. You see, Tesla has thought of all occupants when designing the car and to be fair, those features car enthusiasts may label as gimmicks are actually really fun for others. My wife enjoyed the idea of being able to play arcade games while waiting for something, while my son endorsed the car as the ‘best car ever’ by being able to watch YouTube on the rear screen. In this day and age, a screen for rear passengers to watch videos is still a novelty especially at the 110’s price point.

Verdict on the Tesla Model 3 RWD 110

With the rise of Chinese EVs, many of which are undoubtedly impressive, it is good to know that at least one competitor from the USA can still compete credibly and admirably. I’d be looking forward to seeing the Highland updates rolled out to the Model Y, which would tackle the more popular SUV market head-on.

Photos by James Wong

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