There are currently three variants of the sporty Tesla sedan available in Europe Model 3. The standard variant is available with rear-wheel drive and the Long Range and Performance variants with dual motor (all-wheel drive). However, at the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in Europe there was also a Long Range variant with a large battery and rear-wheel drive. Thanks to the low consumption due to the lack of a dual motor drive, but the large battery installed at the same time, this had considerable advantages in terms of range.
The Long Range version with rear-wheel drive of the Tesla Model 3 was originally the first Model 3, introduced in 2017, but later discontinued back in late 2018 as Tesla focused on AWD (all-wheel drive) and performance versions. This particular version was one of the most interesting due to its high value proposition (range and performance versus price).
But now this variant could be making a comeback, as according to Fleet Europe (via Drive Tesla Canada), Tesla is preparing to launch the Model 3 LR RWD back in Europe. However, the whole thing has a small, but not negligible catch, because the Model 3 in this particular design is currently offered exclusively to B2B fleet customers. The whole plan is backed up by a Linkedin post from Karen Bowen (Senior Key Account Manager at Tesla): "We are introducing the new Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive for our B2B customers in the UK.
To accelerate the electrification of the European B2B fleet, we are introducing a new Model 3-variant tailored to the needs of our commercial customers. The Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive combines a segment-leading 394-mile (634 km) WLTP range with supreme charging comfort at an entry-level price starting at £46,990."
The £46,990 ($58,354) price quoted for the UK is 9.3 percent higher than the entry-level version (£42,990 or $53,387). Aside from the extra engine up front, business customers will have to do without the premium audio system in the new offering, and they also won't be able to order a white interior. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June.
Source: InsideEV
