Tesla Model 3 vs Maserati Quattroporte
What's the difference?

Tesla Model 3

$45,900 - $80,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

—

2016 price

View pricing & specs

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

2016 Maserati Quattroporte

By James Cleary

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

750 km

9.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

13.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

75.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Safety
Energy efficiency
Cabin environment

Terrific powertrain
Huge luxurious cabin
Great looks and badge

Dislikes

No spare tyre
FSD unconvincing
Average ownership proposition

Iffy entertainment software
Weird sensations through electric steering
Some dodgy plastic chrome bits

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

View full pricing & specs

2016 Maserati Quattroporte Summary

Maserati's Quattroporte is part of a dying breed. A decade or so ago, the European manufacturers took a huge amount of pride in their range-topping big luxury sedans, cars you can either drive or be driven in, bristling with the latest technology.

In 2015, all we hear about are the range-topping SUVs from those makers, with cars like the S-Class and 7 Series fading slowly into irrelevance.

While by no means low-tech, the Maserati Quattroporte takes the high style route, focussing on a luxurious interior with that handmade feel.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model 3 2016 Maserati Quattroporte

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

Beauty is way more than skin-deep in the Quattroporte and while the 330 doesn't have the punch of the S, it's hardly that much slower. Maserati reasons you will want to spend the $25,000 saved on options, concentrating on the Italian craftsmanship rather than the outright performance available in the V8 or the efficiency of the less aurally attractive diesel.

As with any car of this type, you've got to want one in the first place, but for a big, beautiful sedan, there's nothing as good looking this side of an Aston Rapide. The Quattroporte 330 does nothing to dim the allure of Modena's big mover and, if you're that way inclined, nobody on the outside will ever know.

Tesla Model 3 vs Maserati Quattroporte What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model 3 vs Maserati Quattroporte
What's the difference?