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BMW M3 vs. Tesla Model 3

In comparing the BMW M3 to the Tesla Model 3, the BMW M3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW M3 versus the Tesla Model 3, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the BMW M3.

BMW M3 versus Tesla Model 3 Pricing

A used 2023 BMW M3 ranges from $86,463 to $119,955 while a used 2023 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $38,979 to $59,370.

BMW M3 versus Tesla Model 3 Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW M3 is 8.2 out of 10 while the Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW M3 being ranked 12 out of 39 Best Luxury Small 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 M3’s base engine makes 473 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 271 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison

The Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, and trunk space. The BMW M3, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings Comparison

The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Pricing

New Asking Price:

$79,014 - $109,058

Used Asking Price:

$86,463 - $119,955

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

41.1%

Pricing

New Asking Price:

-

Used Asking Price:

$38,979 - $59,370

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

48.2%

iSeeCars Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

8.8 / 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

Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value

7 / 39

Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars

10 / 39
12 / 39

iSeeCars Rankings

Electric Cars with Best Resale Value

1 / 25
1 / 25
1 / 15

Small Electric Cars with Best Resale Value

1 / 15

Luxury Electric Cars with Best Resale Value

1 / 11
2 / 25
2 / 11

Most Reliable Luxury Electric Cars

2 / 11

Most Reliable Small Electric Cars

3 / 15
4 / 25

Summary 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.

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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

Available Drivetrain Options

Electric

Trim Levels

Base, Competition, Competition xDrive

Trim Levels

Base, Long Range, 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 / 100000 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:

473 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque:

406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.123 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specifications

Horsepower:

271 hp

Torque:

310 foot-lbs

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.070 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):

16 / 23 / 19

MPGe:

Not applicable

Range (city/hwy):

250 / 359 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

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:

Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

272 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Battery Size/Capacity:

60 kWh

Maximum Charging Rate:

10.4 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:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Standard/Optional Features

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

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:

Standard

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:

Standard

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:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.6 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.8 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.6 inches

Cargo Space:

13 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

95.0 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:

3840 lbs

Width:

81.4 inches

Height:

56.4 inches

Length:

189.1 inches

Wheelbase:

112.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

4.7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3862 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 9.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted alloy

Tire Size:

275/40R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum

Tire Size:

235/45R18