The Model 3 has been a long time coming
TESLA MODEL 3
The long wait is over for electric car dreamers who put down a deposit on the Tesla Model 3 more than three years ago. Tesla is launching its three-tier range here. The Standard Range Plus starts at $66,000 before on-roads. It has a claimed range of 460km and a top speed of 225km/h, sprinting from rest to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. The Long Range adds $21,000 and claims 620km range, top speed of 233km/h and sprint time of 4.6 seconds. The top-flight Performance starts at $91,200, has a supercarrivalling sprint at 3.4 seconds but range is reduced to 560km. The two dearer versions get a premium interior including heated front and rear seats, top-end stereo and increased connectivity. All get a 15-inch central touchscreen. The misleadingly named Full Self-Driving Capability option costs $8500. The first examples arrive next month, with orders placed now due in September.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE
The new big family SUV has just hit local showrooms, with a trio of updated versions bringing fresh engine options, greater cabin space and the option of a third row of seats. Prices start at $99,900 before on-road costs for the diesel-powered GLE 300d, rising to $111,700 for the petrol-powered 450 and topping out at $118,500 for the diesel 440d. All are four-wheel drive. The petrol version has mild hybrid 48V tech that gives short-term overboost, powers the electronics and also recovers braking energy. Passengers are protected by nine airbags and a raft of active safety kit including a 360 degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and lane changing assist. Its five-star crash test result also revealed the GLE is the world’s safest vehicle for child occupants.
JAGUAR F-PACE SVR AND XE
Jaguar is adding more spice to the luxury SUV segment with the long-awaited addition of the F-Pace SVR performance model. The firebreathing high-rider that sits at the top of the leaping cat’s mid-size SUV totem pole is priced from $140,000 before on-road costs. That’s a sizeable jump of more than $30,000 over the next model down. Power comes from a 5.0litre supercharged V8 (404kW/680Nm) connected to an eight-speed auto driving all four wheels. This is enough to propel the twotonne machine from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 283km/h. The SVR will be joined by the BMW 3 Series rivalling XE sedan next month. Jaguar has dramatically slashed the four-door’s line-up from 11 to just two. Both versions will have a sporty bias thanks to the 221kW petrol engine. Prices will start at about $65,000 before on-road costs. Both come with ample safety kit and 12.3-inch infotainment screen.