The Tesla Model 3 offers superior acceleration (0-60 in 5.1s), longer range (358 miles), and lower starting price ($38,990), while the BMW i4 delivers more traditional luxury features, better interior craftsmanship, and faster DC charging speeds (11 minutes 0-80%).
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
American electric sedan emphasizing performance, range, and affordable EV access
German luxury electric sedan with premium craftsmanship, ultra-fast charging, and traditional infotainment.
0-60 Acceleration. EPA Range. Starting Price (2026). DC Fast Charging (0-80%). Interior Build Quality. Infotainment System. Warranty Coverage
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if you prioritize performance, range, affordability, and cutting-edge technology—it's the better value for acceleration and EV efficiency. Choose the BMW i4 if you value traditional luxury, premium interior materials, faster charging capability, and a more conventional driving experience with established BMW reliability.
Tesla Model 3: 3.1 seconds | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Minimalist design | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Configurable | BMW i4: 81 kWh (usable)
Tesla Model 3: Standard | BMW i4: Up to 200 kW
Tesla Model 3: Tech-Forward, Minimalist | BMW i4: Premium, Sophisticated
Tesla Model 3: Budget-Friendly | BMW i4: Premium Pricing
Tesla Model 3: Rear-Wheel Drive | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5.1 seconds | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5 passengers | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 3.1 seconds (RWD) | BMW i4: 5.5 seconds (eDrive40)
Tesla Model 3: 28 cu ft | BMW i4: 17.7 cu ft
Tesla Model 3: 35.4 inches | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 4 yr/50k mi | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 358 miles | BMW i4: 301 miles
Tesla Model 3: 28.3 cu ft | BMW i4: 10.2 cubic feet
Tesla Model 3: 3,552 lbs | BMW i4: 4,570 lbs
Tesla Model 3: 8 years/120,000 miles | BMW i4: 8 years/100,000 miles
Tesla Model 3: RWD 55 kWh / Performance 75D kWh | BMW i4: eDrive40 81.5 kWh / M440i xDrive 111.5 kWh
Tesla Model 3: 15-inch portrait touchscreen, no physical controls | BMW i4: iDrive 8 with rotary controller, 12.3-inch digital cluster, touchscreen
Tesla Model 3: Hard plastic, minimalist design, no leather standard | BMW i4: Sensatec premium leather, aluminum trim, ambient lighting standard
Tesla Model 3: 5.8 seconds | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 60 kWh (usable) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 15.4 inches (portrait) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 50,000+ Superchargers | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 27 minutes (Supercharger) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Premium vegan leather, aluminum accents, minimalist design | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 26 kWh/100mi (Model 3 RWD) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 358 miles (RWD) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 96.9 cu ft (rear legroom 37.2 in) | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 8 years / 120,000 miles | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5.1 seconds | BMW i4: 5.5 seconds
Tesla Model 3: 15-inch vertical | BMW i4: 14.9-inch curved OLED
Tesla Model 3: 5 years / 60,000 miles | BMW i4: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Tesla Model 3: 3,582 lbs | BMW i4: 4,594 lbs
Tesla Model 3: 28 cubic feet | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 272 miles | BMW i4: 260 miles
Tesla Model 3: 15.4 inches | BMW i4: Curved dual-screen 12.3" + 10.25"
Tesla Model 3: 25 minutes | BMW i4: 11 minutes
Tesla Model 3: 8 years / 100k miles | BMW i4: N/A
Tesla Model 3: N/A | BMW i4: 183.3 inches
How to choose between Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4. Contains 83 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4.
Which car is faster in real-world driving?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance (5.1s 0-60) is faster than the BMW i4 eDrive40 (5.5s 0-60). However, the BMW i4 M50 xDrive (3.9s) outaccelerates all Tesla Model 3 variants. For standard versions, Tesla wins with superior mid-range acceleration and responsiveness.
Which has better charging infrastructure?
Tesla dominates long-distance charging with 60,000+ proprietary Superchargers globally. BMW i4 accesses public networks (Electrify America, ChargePoint) but requires third-party apps. However, BMW's 11-minute 0-80% DC charging is 2.5x faster than Tesla's 27 minutes on 10% battery.
Is the Tesla Model 3 worth $20,000 less?
Yes, for most buyers. The Model 3 offers 19% more range (358 vs 301 mi), faster acceleration, and 5-year warranty vs 4-year. The BMW justifies its premium through superior interior luxury, faster charging, and traditional driving controls—worth the extra cost only if premium materials and heritage matter significantly.
Tesla wins for innovation (15-inch touchscreen, OTA updates, Autopilot/FSD). BMW wins for usability—iDrive 8 has more intuitive controls and better voice recognition. Tesla's interface is more futuristic; BMW's is more practical for traditional drivers.
Which has better reliability and warranty?
Tesla offers 5 years/60k basic warranty vs BMW's 4 years/50k. However, BMW has longer-established service networks with factory-trained technicians worldwide. Tesla reliability ratings are improving but still lag traditional manufacturers like BMW in long-term ownership data.
How to Choose Between Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4
0-60 Acceleration: Tesla Model 3 has 5.1 seconds, while BMW i4 has 5.5 seconds.
EPA Range: Tesla Model 3 has 358 miles, while BMW i4 has 301 miles.
Starting Price (2026): Tesla Model 3 has $38,990, while BMW i4 has $59,400.
DC Fast Charging (0-80%): Tesla Model 3 has 27 minutes, while BMW i4 has 11 minutes.
Interior Build Quality: Tesla Model 3 has Minimalist, hard plastics, while BMW i4 has Premium leather, wood trim.
Infotainment System: Tesla Model 3 has Tesla OS (15-inch vertical), while BMW i4 has BMW iDrive (14.9-inch curved OLED).
Warranty Coverage: Tesla Model 3 has 5 years/60k miles basic, while BMW i4 has 4 years/50k miles basic.