The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, priced at NIS 226,000, claims an official range of 750 kilometers. A real-world test from central Israel to Eilat and back revealed a practical range of 627 kilometers. Despite some ergonomic drawbacks, the vehicle scores 8.5 out of 10 for its performance and value.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive has become Israel's longest-range electric vehicle since its summer arrival, boasting 750 kilometers on a full charge. Priced at NIS 226,000, it competes with rivals like the BYD Seal, XPeng P7, and IM Motors IM5, which offer similar capabilities at comparable costs. The Mercedes CLA EQ edges it with 780 kilometers but costs NIS 370,000.
In a practical test starting from Ma’oz Square in Rishon LeZion with a full battery, the car covered 341 kilometers to a point near the Herods Hotel in Eilat, arriving with 46% charge remaining. The navigation system projected a 5% shortfall for the full return trip of around 627 kilometers, prompting a stop at the Tesla Supercharger in Kiryat Gat after 286 kilometers back. There, it arrived with 1% battery and recharged to 80% in 40 minutes.
The vehicle's 315-horsepower electric motor delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. Its 75 kWh battery supports 11 kW AC and up to 250 kW DC fast charging. Comfort is adequate in urban settings and improves at highway speeds, aided by a sporty suspension that ensures stable handling. However, the interior's screen-centric controls, including swipe gestures for gears, can feel cumbersome and occasionally lead to errors during parking.
Safety features earned it five stars in the 2025 European crash tests, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warnings. The trunk offers 506 liters rear and 88 liters front space. Strengths include excellent range-to-price ratio, strong resale value, and access to Israel's affordable fast-charging network. Weaknesses lie in ergonomics and ride comfort. A cheaper Standard Range version, with 534 kilometers range, is expected soon at around NIS 190,000, potentially reviving interest in electric sedans amid cooling demand.
