Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW i3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i3.
In comparing the Tesla Model 3's and the BMW i3's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The BMW i3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model 3's and the BMW i3's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $18,400 to $28,303 while a used 2021 BMW i3 is priced between $17,375 to $33,400.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model 3 loses 57 percent of its value and the BMW i3 loses 57.5 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the BMW i3 base engine makes 168 horsepower. 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 i3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 197 miles. This gives the Tesla Model 3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW i3. The Model 3 uses electricity, and the i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW i3, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
37990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
47447
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
37990 - 59900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
48300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
51950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
44550 - 67300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23704
Price Range:
18400 - 28303
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
23291
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
21754 - 24416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
628
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
66554
# Good or Great Deals:
78
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26664
Price Range:
17375 - 33400
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
27971
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
26664 - 29554
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39451
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
439.7277332547294
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
3.5 - 439.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4659720408533934
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.5 - 27.6
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
17 out of / 25Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 34BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 35Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 35Ranking
20 out of / 35Ranking
21 out of / 35Ranking
26 out of / 26Ranking
35 out of / 35Summary 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.
Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
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
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance, Standard Range Plus
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
258 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
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 / 127 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
267 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
0.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 31 / 31
MPGe:
107 / 93 / 100
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3648 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3276 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Gold
Not available
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Red
Not available
Silver
Cashmere Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Blue Highlight
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Gold
Galvanic Gold Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Metallic Highlight
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
White
Not available
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
