Image: Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Tesla has slashed the price of its recently launched Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in China by RMB 10,000 ($1,400 USD), less than a month after the new variant’s debut — reports CnEVPost. The model, which Tesla unveiled as the “Model 3+” earlier this summer, offers a record CLTC range of 830 km.
The RWD long-range Model 3 now starts at RMB 259,500 ($36,390), down from its launch price of RMB 269,500 ($37,800). Deliveries are currently estimated at 1–3 weeks for new orders. Prices for the other three Model 3 trims available in China — the base RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD — remain unchanged.
The entry-level Model 3 RWD continues to be priced at RMB 235,500 ($33,000), while the dual-motor Long Range AWD and Performance variants start at RMB 285,500 ($40,000) and RMB 339,500 ($47,600), respectively. Wait times for the Performance trim remain longer at 3–5 weeks.
Tesla is also continuing to sweeten the deal for Chinese buyers in September with incentives such as five-year zero-interest financing and an RMB 8,000 ($1,100 USD) insurance subsidy. These offers come as the EV maker works to maintain momentum in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
In August, Tesla also brought back the turn signal stalk for new Model 3 orders in China, reversing its controversial decision to go stalkless. Existing owners are being offered retrofits for the change.
Despite the new variant’s promise of the longest range ever on a Tesla in China, the company has faced mixed sales results in recent months. Model 3 retail sales in China totaled 9,851 units in July, down 0.78% year-over-year and a 40% drop from June despite the new variant’s launch. Exports of the sedan, however, surged 228% month-on-month in July.
With the latest price cut and incentives, Tesla is clearly aiming to boost demand for the new Model 3 Long Range RWD while keeping its lineup competitive in an increasingly crowded Chinese EV market.
