BMW i8 vs. Tesla Model 3
In comparing the BMW i8 to the Tesla Model 3, the BMW i8 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the area of overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW i8 versus the Tesla Model 3, the two cars are fairly comparable.
BMW i8 vs. Tesla Model 3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i8 is 7.5 out of 10 while the Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW i8 being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) 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 i8’s base engine makes 369 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 283 horsepower.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
50.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$31,899 - $47,912
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.2%
BMW i8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW i8 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 28Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
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
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i8 Trim Levels
Not yet available
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance, Standard Range, Standard Range Plus
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:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
369 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
420 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.105 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
283 hp
Torque:
317 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.078 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 29 / 27
MPGe:
68 / 70 / 69
Range (city/hwy):
304 / 337 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:
AWD / RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
220 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
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:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
32.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
28.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.6 inches
Cargo Space:
4.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
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:
15 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3501 lbs
Width:
87.3 inches
Height:
50.9 inches
Length:
184.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3624 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:
20.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
215/45R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
235/45R18
