Tesla Model 3 vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?

Tesla Model 3

$45,900 - $80,900

2026 price

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Holden Calais

$9,995 - $27,800

2018 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mazda 6E

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2026 Tesla Model 3

2018 Holden Calais

By James Cleary

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

V6, 3.6L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

750 km

9.1L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

13.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

75.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Safety
Energy efficiency
Cabin environment

Plenty of cabin space
Safety gear on-point
Punchy V6

Dislikes

No spare tyre
FSD unconvincing
Average ownership proposition

Fuel use on the high side
Four-cylinder turbo petrol unavailable
Diesel not an option

2026 Tesla Model 3 Summary

It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.

A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice.

But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.

Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.

So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.

@carsguide.com.au ‘Dog Mode’ in the Tesla Model 3 is a life-saver for four-legged friends in the summer heat.🐾 #tesla #model3 #ev #cartok #doggosdoingthings ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2018 Holden Calais Summary

If Holden had a dollar for every time someone had criticised the new and international flavour of Australia’s formerly home-grown hero, it would surely have more than enough spare cash to blow the dust of that vast South Australian factory and restart local Commodore production immediately.

Hell, there’d probably be enough left over to relaunch the Camira while they were at it. And maybe even knock out a new Gemini or two.

So we’re not going to do that again here. The all-new Commodore, in this case the Calais Tourer, is now here - granted having travelled further than the one it replaces - and so we’ll be playing this review with the straightest of bats.

Because the truth is, if you peel the badging - and thus the swirling emotion - off its elongated rump, then you’ll find this German-built Tourer is, really and truly, a very good thing.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model 3 2018 Holden Calais

Verdict

Tesla has done enough with the introduction of this Premium Long Range RWD variant to keep the Model 3’s head well and truly above water in an increasingly competitive segment. After more than six years it still looks good, with a pleasant cabin environment, plenty of performance and leading energy efficiency. Safety is top-shelf and it stands up well in terms of practicality and driving dynamics.

That said, the ownership proposition is average, the determination to make so many functions screen-based is frustrating and the optional Full Self-Driving system is unconvincing. With the Model S and Model Y now discontinued globally it will be interesting to see how the Model 3 continues to evolve.

Verdict

A best-of-both-worlds option that should have us questioning our SUV obsession, the Calais Tourer delivers plenty of practicality perks and a higher ride height in a dynamic and car-like package. The equipment levels are spot on, including the comprehensive safety package, and it you act smartly, you'll get a hugely long warranty to boot.

It sure is thirsty, though, and we can't help but think plenty of owners would be happier with a smaller, more-efficient engine.

Tesla Model 3 vs Holden Calais What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model 3 vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?