BMW 3 Series vs. Tesla Model 3
When we compare the BMW 3 Series to the Tesla Model 3, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series versus the Tesla Model 3, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.
BMW 3 Series versus Tesla Model 3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.0 out of 10 while the Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 5 out of 19 Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars and the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 15 Best Small Electric Cars.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 288 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 201 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 372 miles. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 267 miles. The 3 Series uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the Model 3 uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and trunk space. The BMW 3 Series, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear shoulder room. The BMW 3 Series and Tesla Model 3 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$45,426 - $54,043
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
58.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$41,999 - $61,797
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.2%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 28iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 25Summary Review
Not yet available
Summary Review
The Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Trim Levels
330e, 330e xDrive
Trim Levels
Long Range, Base, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
288 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
258 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 33 / 28
MPGe:
72 / 80 / 75
Range (city/hwy):
287 / 372 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
127 / 126 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
267 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
60 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4039 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3880 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
235/45R18
