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Compare the Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4 in our electric car comparison tool
Focus on the two electric models
The electric electric vehicle has evolved and continues to evolve rapidly. Drivers not only demand style and class when they buy a BMW, they also expect exceptional performance and range. The BMW i4 has been designed with the luxury, style and prestige of the traditional BMW 4 Series sedan. It is the first true electric BMW for fans of the brand. It is clearly distinguishable from its more eccentric big sister, the BMW I3. Nor is it a large electric SUV like the BMW iX.
For its part, since the Tesla Model 3 Long Range on the market, it has gone from from sales record to sales record. And with good reason: it finished the first six months of 2021 as the best-selling electric car in France in France, with more than 13,000 models sold. This excellent performance was also helped by the conversion bonus and the ecological bonus despite its €1,000 reduction. It also has no reason to be ashamed of its tenth place in the top 10 car sales figures for all engines for the same year.
Another notable competitor to the Tesla Grande Autonomie, the Polestar 2the Swedish-Chinese Volvo GroupThe Polestar 2 scores points with its solid construction, quality materials and good driving characteristics. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range continues to build on the minimalist approach that Tesla consistently adopts with the design of its vehicles. The absence of buttons on the Model 3 gives it a futuristic feel and is much appreciated by fans of the brand.
Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie vs BMW I4: comfort and practicality
The German brand's 4 Series is an electric electric sedan, but also a four-door Gran Coupé. In terms of practicality, we regret that the roof height doesn't offer much headroom for passengers, especially those seated in the rear. They'll quickly feel cramped! This is even more true for taller people. This is mainly due to the BMW i4 s battery pack, which is located under the vehicle floor and rear seats. BMW noticed this and modified the roofline of the electric car.
It is now about 1.50 metres on the new models. To give you an idea, it's higher by seven to eight centimeters than the roof height of equivalent combustion-powered cars. This small difference is immediately noticeable in the comfort of rear-seat passengers. The slightly higher seating position offers a better view of the outside world, making for a more pleasant ride. The electric car with an external length of 4.80 meters (ten centimetres longer than its competitor, the Model 3) offers more legroom.
In direct comparison, however, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range scores points with its standard glass roof, which seems appears a little more airy, and extends right up to the trunk.. A great strength for the American model, providing extra headroom. Nevertheless, the Tesla Grande Autonomie's low seating position offers little space for adults sitting in the back, forcing them to bend their legs. This becomes uncomfortable on long journeys. A very penalizing big negative point for the Tesla Model 3. The BMW I4 has a clear advantage in this respect.
Read also: Top 6 German electric cars in 2023
What about capacity?
The i4's boot capacity 470 litersAccess is via a large tailgate, which carries with it the long rear window. The volume is relatively decent for an electric electric sedan of this size, where part of the battery and electronics are located under the trunk. Here again, comparison with the Tesla Long Range which has only a small trunk opening and is not at all suited to transporting bulky objects. The trunk of the Tesla Grande Autonomie is much smaller and narrower than that of the BMW.. It offers a trunk volume of 542 L for a useful volume of 649 L compared with a volume of 470 L and an impressive useful volume of 1 290 L.
i4 buyers who roll up their charging cable on a dreary winter's day, then push the luggage aside will have plenty of room to stow it in the compartment under the boot floor. When it comes to styling, there are no winners. Each driver will choose the look that suits him best. But the BMW i4 comes out on top if the appearance of your vehicle is an important criterion in your selection process. The Bavarian brand understands that drivers want the most modern technology and cabin features at their fingertips, designed with luxury fabrics and materials. BMW is much more traditional, and does nothing to disrupt the sense of familiarity that many have come to expect.
Some technical specifications
| BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range | |
|---|---|---|
|
Motor power |
400 kW |
328 kW |
|
Number of horses |
286 hp
|
351 hp |
|
Autonomy
|
510 km
|
602 km |
|
Battery power |
84 kWh |
82 kWh |
|
11 kW |
11 kW |
|
|
AC recharge time |
8 h 25 min
|
8 h 15 min |
|
DC fast charge power |
200 kW |
250 kW |
|
Fast recharge time |
31 min |
27 min |
|
0 to 100 km/h |
3.9 sec |
4.4 sec |
|
Fuel consumption (WLTP) |
22.5 kWh/100 km |
15 kWh/100 km |
|
Maximum speed |
190 km/h |
233 km/h |
|
Rate |
74 900 € |
52 990 € |
Interesting ergonomics and infotainment system
Let's get to the heart of the matter concerning these two electric vehicles. If you ever get the chance to test-drive both models, you'll immediately feel the long years of German experience in the field of driver ergonomics. It's easy to find the ideal position once you've settled into the BMW. What's more, the layout of the controls is optimal, and unlike other new BMWsuch as the new 2 Series Active Tourerthe i4 retains the iDrive controller controller in the center console, providing access to the most important functions.
The menu associated with the central display, which can also be operated by touch, offers several levels and countless functions. The list of application icons is randomly arranged in the same way as on a smartphone. Everyday functions are easy to access, and many can also be controlled directly by voice command. The most important thing about the infotainment display is that its navigation is perfect, to enable the best possible driver experience. The BMW I4 offers a wide range of features, includingaugmented reality displaywith lane change, turn informationwith live live traffic data and, last but not least, regular station data updates.
In addition, dynamic load planning for long-haul operations reacts to unforeseen unforeseen eventssuch as traffic jams and heavy and heavy traffic, and adapts along the way, considerably reducing the electric vehicle's fuel consumption. However, a minor drawback for the BMW, unlike the Model 3it does not include the actual use of supercharger stations in its charge planning.
As far as assistance systems are concerned, the German brand has developed small, high-quality and highly reliable assistants that rival those of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The Lane Assistant anticipates speed limits, red lights and stop signs, and there's also a Recovery Control, which is based on a large number of car parameters. This control, as well as being very practical, is also effective, as it helps in all situations, from gaining momentum to recovering power. All these assistants will surely make you think that the BMW I4 can drive itself. Unfortunately, this is not possible, an alert will sound within seconds if the steering wheel sensors fail to detect your hands on the wheel.
Driving performance
The BMW i4 M50 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 secondswhile the Tesla Model 3 Long Range does it in 4.2 seconds. While the acceleration of the two cars is broadly similar, the i4 is undoubtedly the more comfortable car for covering many kilometers. With its suspension in Comfort mode, it's particularly supple and controlled at highway speeds, while in town it absorbs violent shocks. Wind and road noise are also much less noticeable than on the Model 3whose frameless side windows create quite a few jolts from 100 km/h onwards. The only area where the Tesla Model 3 Long Range comes out on top is its range. The Model 3 can cover an impressive 602 km on a full charge.
The BMW i4 M50 offers a respectable range of 510 km. So, as you can see, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range will take you further afield, the BMW i4 will get you easily and comfortably to and from anywhere. The i4 shows no weakness even when charging. Of course, with its 200 kW of charging power, it doesn't rival that of the Tesla Long Range and its 250 kWbut it does have the merit of keeping its practical charging power high for a long time, at around 180 kW and therefore competes very well with the long-range models in its range. Both cars are rated at 11 kW in AC.
Although Tesla Grande Autonomie adapts quickly, the fundamental difference in tuning with the BMW makes itself felt immediately after the start. Whereas the Tesla Grande Autonomie shows its sportiness and agility handling with extremely tight tuning, while the I4 delivers exactly what you'd expect from a BMW. BMW at such a price. The driving experience is also more sporty and comfortable which will undoubtedly please speed enthusiasts.
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW I4: What you need to know
| BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range |
|---|---|
|
+ Greater efficiency |
+ Excellent autonomy and charging performance |
|
+ Best-in-class driving aids |
+ Very powerful and dynamic
|
|
+ Great comfort
|
+ High-quality infotainment
|
|
- Quite a consumer |
- Quite a consumer |
|
- Expensive supplements |
- Disappointing autopilot |
The i4 is more comfortable, more appreciable, depending on the engine chosen, more economical and goes further on a single battery charge than the Tesla Grande Autonomie. In terms of assistance system capabilities, BMW clearly outperforms Tesla Grande Autonomie. For the difference in quality compared with the Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie, the price difference is therefore understandable.
However, the price can go up very quickly if you want to add extra options to your electric car. electric car. For some people, their choice will go straight to the BMWbecause of their attachment to the brand and its authenticity. For others, Tesla's technological superiority and its Supercharger network make it a strong argument in their decision to buy between the two electric cars.
What do you think of the two cars, and which one would you choose?
We look forward to hearing from you!
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