BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3:Which is Better?

Many often compare the BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3 size and performance because these two cars are nearly similar. Tesla has positioned itself as the market leader in all-electric vehicles, and its Model 3 is undoubtedly a testimony to this. But BMW is also a direct rival with its i3, which matches the Model 3 in many aspects. 

So, which would be the best car for a city ride and a once-in-a-while out-of-town road trip? Before we delve into the specifics, here’s a quick one. BMW i3 is great but not so dependable for long drives, given its relatively low full-charge driving range of 153 miles. But for the Model 3, you’re guaranteed up to 363 miles on a full charge, making it the go-to car for long drives. 

Still, the i3 is a better model in other aspects, so read on to find out how these cars compete.

Overview: BMW i3 and Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a five-passenger sedan that prides itself on having an extensive driving range of up to 363 miles on a full charge, a sleek exterior, and a relatively low price for a fully electric car. It’s undoubtedly a small EV in terms of size, but it still promises excellent performance and immense acceleration within a short span. 

However, some users have complained about the lack of control for some basic functions, such as the Autopilot option. Also, while its advertised range is pretty impressive, reviews have revealed a relatively lower range. Still, this is one of the best small-size electric cars, in the same category as the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Fiat 500e, and the 2024 Polestar 2. 

tesla model 3 review

BMW i3

On the other hand, the BMW i3 has all the hallmarks of futuristic car styling and design while also being a perfect match for urban driving. It accelerates well, and its interior design is out of this world. However, it’s not the best of the electric cars given its limited driving range of approx. 153 miles as it has a relatively small battery with a 42.2-kWh capacity. 

Its back seat passenger room leaves a lot to desired, and its lack of an Android Auto is also a drawback. Finally, it's pricier than the Model 3, with no significant perks to justify the price tag. All in all, it still makes it to the list of the top small-size electric cars, and the manufacturer has a provision for those requiring a better range with the gasoline-powered range extender for a more improved range. 

Exterior/Interior Design: BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is the ultimate epitome of simplicity. Its dashboard sports a plain design and an immaculately outstanding monolithic touchscreen that’s easy to use while driving. Also, you’ll find buttons on the steering wheel for quick control of functions such as the turn signals, the steering column, and the side mirrors. Tesla has designed this car to feel roomy despite its small size by having a relatively low and flat floor. There’s also sufficient legroom, although the rear passenger seats are cramped and too comfortable for long-range driving. 

Driving the Model 3, you'll miss out on other features you’d expect in a modern vehicle, such as the SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. But Tesla has made up for these misses by incorporating a range of content streaming options. Also, rear-seat passengers can directly access the infotainment controls via the 8.0-inch touchscreen on the center console. The car’s exterior is also outstanding with a sleek and smooth design that gives it the real sports car appeal.

BMW i3

The i3 is made for urban drives, and to ensure you don’t struggle to pick a parking spot, the car is quite compact in exterior design. However, this compromises the rear passenger space area, although you may not even notice it due to the beautiful interior. The inside finishes of the i3 are undoubtedly better than those of the Model 3. You’ll also enjoy having carefully selected finishes made from recycled materials, ensuring that this car is not just electric but also a contributor to environmental conservation. 

Being a BMW, you’d expect it to sport the manufacturer’s flagship iDrive 6 infotainment interface, which is presented simplistically to ensure the dashboard is not cramped. However, you can’t enjoy Android Auto compatibility with the car, although the Apple CarPlay integration feature makes it a dream car for Apple device enthusiasts. Another downside to its interior is that it lacks a power terminal, although there’s a USB port to connect a flash disk drive. 

bmw electric truck

Performance and Range: BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

As its sleek design suggests, the Model 3 is created for speed. It features a powerful electric motor that allows quick acceleration of 0 to 60mph in about 4.1 seconds. Its battery is situated at the lowest point to facilitate eating sharp bends without the risk of toppling. This, coupled with the perfectly balanced steering wheel, means you’ll always enjoy the thrill of driving the Tesla. Being an electric car, it's an all-quiet drive to your destination. 

The engine is quite strong at about 510 horsepower, and the range is just an absolute bargain, with a guaranteed 272 miles and 341 miles for the base rear-wheel-drive and long-range models, respectively. Being a Tesla, you’re spoilt for choice on the charging options; there are just too many to choose from, including:

The Model 3 charges at a rapid rate of approximately 20 minutes for zero to 80% charge if you use the DC fast charger on a 250V outlet. It would take double the time on a 150-kW charger to gain up to 80% charge, but it takes a couple or more days with a Level One charger

BMW i3

The i3 is a BMW, so there’s no doubt about its power. Its one-speed direct-drive transmission system ensures it can accelerate to 60mph in about 6.6 seconds, which is pretty fast. Besides, the manufacturer has ensured it's a zero-vibration car when driving it in battery mode. 

Since it’s also lightweight, it smoothly glides in city traffic, making it too sweet to drive around. The car’s range is entirely dwarfed by the Model 3 at 153 miles on a full charge. However, as mentioned earlier, it also has a range-extending generator, which is a viable option when driving out of town. Its 102 MPGe (for the all-electric model) is also pretty economical, meaning it is all worthwhile to own. With a supercharger, it’ll only take approx—40 minutes to fill up the car’s empty battery to 80%.  

Both are safe cars, although the electric i3 is the quieter vehicle in terms of noise output while driving. 

Pricing: BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3

A new BMW i3 costs $45,445 for the lowest trim, a price that can rise to $52,495 if you go for the trim that features a range extender. Overall, the i3’s cost is slightly higher than the Tesla Model 3, whose lowest trim costs $40,630, while the Performance trim, the best car of the series, starts from $54,630. Hence, if you’re on a low budget, the Model 3 is the cheaper car of the two. 

Final Verdict: Which is the Best?

It's decision time, and we don’t have favorites as usual. We allow you to choose what best fits your billing depending on what you look for in an electric car. If you love sleekness, the Model 3 wins the day, but if you’re in for interior design, the i3 is the go-to option. The Model 3 provides better range and overall performance while being the cheaper alternative to the i3. All in all, there’s that x-factor that you can’t ignore with the i3, especially if you’re a city dweller looking for an electric car to run your intra-city errands. 


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