BMW i4 vs. Tesla Model 3

Shopping for a new fully-electric sedan, you have probably come across the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3 when doing your research. New car buyers looking for an EV often wonder which is better: the BMW i4 or the Tesla Model 3? When it comes to the driving experience and overall luxury and comfort, the BMW i4 is the clear winner.

BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3 Overview

The electric vehicle market has evolved. Drivers not only demand class-defining style, they also expect exceptional engine performance and range. The BMW i4 has been designed with the luxury, style, and prestige of the traditional BMW 4-Series sedan. BMW drivers can appreciate the BMW i4 touches on all key features important to Naperville drivers.

The Tesla Model 3 continues to build on the minimalistic approach Tesla consistently takes with their vehicle design. The lack of buttons on the Model 3 gives it a futuristic and minimalist feel. BMW understands that drivers want the most modern technology and cabin features at their fingertips designed with luxury fabrics and materials. The BMW is much more traditional and does nothing to upset the sense of familiarity that many have come to expect.

There is no simple winner when it comes to style. Each driver will select the look and feel that fits their personal brand best. But the BMW i4 comes out ahead if the look and feel of your vehicle is an important criterion in your selection process. As you read further there will be certain features that appear similar between the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3, but everything about the design of the BMW i4 is primed to change everything about the way you drive.

BMW i4 M50 vs Tesla Model 3 Performance

Nothing beats a BMW M vehicle. Simply put, the BMW i4 M50 xDrive goes from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. While the BMW i4 eDrive40 clocks in at 5.7 seconds. Both BMW i4 models deliver a BMW level of performance. Every time.

A Tesla Model 3 will take you there in 5.8 seconds. The Long Range version will take 4.2 seconds.

While the 0-60 acceleration of both the BMW and Tesla vehicles are similar, the i4 is, without a doubt, the more relaxing car in which to cover big miles. With its suspension in Comfort mode, it’s particularly smooth and controlled at motorway speeds, while around town it does a much better job of rounding off sharp abrasions and cushioning you from harsh impacts. It also suffers much less from wind and road noise than the Model 3, whose frameless side windows create quite a bit of buffeting at 70mph.

BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3 Range

The one area where the Tesla Model 3 will come out ahead is in its driving range. The Model 3 can go an impressive 315 miles on a full charge. Not far behind, the BMW i4 eDrive 40 has an approximate 300 mile range. And the BMW i4 M50 offers a respectable 270 mile range. So as you can see, while the Tesla Model 3 will take you farther, the BMW i4 vehicles will easily get you to and from anywhere in the Chicagoland area your work or family commitments may take you.

BMW vs Tesla Battery & Charging

The majority of EV charging is done at home with a typical Level 1 outlet. This is part of what makes an EV so easy to maintain. A BMW plugged in to a typical 120v home outlet will charge at the rate of approximately 4 miles per hour charging. A Tesla will charge at a respectable 3 miles per hour charging. The average EV owner can charge their vehicle to the desired battery capacity overnight.

EV owners have the additional option of installing a 240v charger in their home or using one of the many available to the public. At one of these stations, a BMW will charge at 40 miles per hour charging.

What happens when you’re on a road trip and need to charge your EV? With a BMW you can pull up and charge at any one of the DC Fast Charging stations across the United States and simply plug in. If you choose to drive a Tesla, you will only be able to charge at a proprietary Tesla Supercharger Station, or you will have to purchase additional equipment to utilize a charging station at a Chargepoint, Electrify America, EVgo, or Blink charging station.

Should you choose a BMW i4 or a Tesla Model 3?

If you’re looking for a forward thinking, cutting edge design with the performance of a traditional combustion engine, look no further than the BMW i4. BMW is an industry leader when it comes to designing luxury vehicles. The adaptation of the traditional 4-Series into a performance focused EV is nothing but spectacular. Drivers looking for an EV with range, power, and comfort can look no further than the BMW i4 eDrive40 and the BMW i4 M50, available for pre-order at Bill Jacobs BMW in Naperville. Do you have questions not answered above? Contact any one of our team members and we will provide you the information you need to make that purchase decision.