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Tesla Model 3 Highland LR RWD - 82 kWh Battery Highway Consumption Test

► 2,219 views ⏲ 25:50 Watch on YouTube ↗

Summary

2026 Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range RWD impresses in highway test, hitting 14.8 kWh/100km, with realistic range of 400-450 km on the motorway.

Executive Summary

This video reviews the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range RWD, focusing exclusively on highway consumption tests. The host praises the Model 3 as one of the most efficient EVs and best buys on the market, highlighting its superb driving dynamics, comfort, latest tech, and ~€45,000 starting price. During a real-world steady 130 km/h test, the car proved remarkably efficient, with highly effective regenerative braking pulling consumption down to an impressive 14.8 kWh/100 km over 35 km—a stark improvement over the host's old Model S. While an AI-based calculation suggests a theoretical range of about 530 km, the host's realistic verdict is 400–450 km on the highway, 350–400 km in demanding conditions, and roughly 450 km in the city. Overall, the video positions the new Model 3 as an extremely efficient, stable, and compelling choice for long-distance driving.

Key Points

  • ▶ 0:00 The test vehicle is a 2026 Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range RWD Premium with the larger LG 82 kWh (79 kWh usable) "M5" battery, noted as more stable and efficient.
  • ▶ 0:31 This video exclusively tests highway consumption (with WLTP up to 750 km), using consistent settings: climate 22°C level 1, Chill mode, light steering, and a reset consumption meter.
  • ▶ 2:33 The host considers the Model 3 one of the most efficient EVs and best buys, praising its drive quality, latest Tesla tech, ventilated seats, and ~€45,000 starting price.
  • ▶ 3:31 Highway test begins with a planned steady speed around 100 km/h, aiming for an average above 100 km/h, while the live consumption display is shown.
  • ▶ 4:12 The car's 320 hp, rear-wheel drive, and 450 Nm torque are described as more than enough, with super agile handling, easy overtaking, great visibility, and a great driving position.
  • ▶ 5:53 As speed increases, road stability is great and sound insulation is pretty good, with only some wind noise on good road surfaces.
  • ▶ 6:35 Driver aims to maintain a steady 130 km/h for a consistent consumption test.
  • ▶ 7:39 Consumption reading at that point is approximately 17.9 kWh.
  • ▶ 7:50 Autopilot can be set to 130 km/h, but the driver notes lane changes will likely be required.
  • ▶ 9:34 Driving at the 130 km/h speed limit, holding a steady cruising speed rather than varying pace.
  • ▶ 11:15 High-speed stability is impressive—the car feels really stable and very planted, thanks to its low center of gravity.
  • ▶ 11:41 Regenerative braking is highly effective: releasing the accelerator recuperates energy, dropping consumption from 17.3 kWh down to 15.3 kWh, and the driver calls it “super impressive.”
  • ▶ 13:29 Driver maintains ~130 km/h in crowded highway traffic, waiting for gaps to continue the consumption test.
  • ▶ 14:09 Even in Chill Mode, the car has more than enough power for highway driving and overtaking.
  • ▶ 16:53 Comparing 130 km/h vs 140 km/h, there is no big difference in cabin noise insulation.
  • ▶ 18:09 The out-and-back route keeps the test fair despite wind changes, and consumption dropped on the return leg because the driver couldn't hold 130 km/h the whole way.
  • ▶ 21:45 Regenerative braking pulled the final consumption down to 14.8 kWh/100 km over 35 km, which the driver calls "crazy good" compared to his old Model S at 20–21 kWh/100 km.
  • ▶ 23:11 ChatGPT calculates ~530 km total range from the 14.8 kWh/100 km figure and 79 kWh battery, but the driver's realistic verdict is 400–450 km on the highway, 350–400 km in demanding conditions, and ~450 km in the city.

Video Sections

  • ▶ 0:00 Introduction, Specs, and Efficiency Expectations (0:00 - 3:31) - Summary: Introduces the Tesla Model 3 Highland long-range, its claimed efficiency improvements, and overall value.
  • ▶ 3:31 Highway Test Setup and Initial Impressions (3:31 - 6:35) - Summary: Explains the highway test protocol, 18-inch wheels and tires, ride stability, and sound insulation.
  • ▶ 6:35 Steady 130 km/h and Autopilot Experience (6:35 - 9:34) - Summary: Cruises at a steady 130 km/h, checks consumption, and uses Autopilot in slower traffic.
  • ▶ 9:34 Speed Limits, Stability, and Regenerative Braking (9:34 - 13:29) - Summary: Covers speed-limit driving, high-speed stability, regenerative braking, and a turn-around on the highway.
  • ▶ 13:29 Crowded Highway, Chill Mode, and Noise (13:29 - 17:50) - Summary: Maintains 130 km/h in traffic with Chill Mode and compares sound insulation at 130 vs 140 km/h.
  • ▶ 17:50 Final Consumption, Trip Data, and Range Verdict (17:50 - 25:45) - Summary: Analyzes consumption factors, shares trip data and ChatGPT range estimates, and gives the final real-world range verdict.

Exact Transcript

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