Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW X3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and BMW X3 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 X3.
When comparing the Tesla Model 3's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The BMW X3 has the advantage in the area of resale value. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model 3's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
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 X3 loses 53.9 percent of its value. This means the BMW X3 retains 3.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 425 horsepower, and the BMW X3 base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Tesla Model 3 has higher safety ratings than the BMW X3, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.90 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
42490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
53363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
42490 - 64800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54175 - 73916
Starting MSRP:
50900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
47438
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
24600 - 63100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38037
Price Range:
34489 - 42997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
49176
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
38037 - 60314
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
59368
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
57126 - 63354
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
24507
Depreciation %:
0.57676273
Resale Value $:
17983
Residual Value %:
0.42323727
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57677703
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57676273 - 0.68367001
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27574
Depreciation %:
0.5417354
Resale Value $:
23326
Residual Value %:
0.4582646
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.5347415
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.44440421 - 0.60245917
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
15.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.0 - 16.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.065
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
167.42938742975846
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.4 - 167.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 30BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 64Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance
BMW X3 Trim Levels
30 xDrive, M50 xDrive
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.90 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
425 hp
Torque:
475 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.105 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
363 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
82 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
11.7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
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
Roof Rack:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Cargo Space:
24.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4030 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4176 lbs
Width:
83.9 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
187.2 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 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 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
White
Not available
Beige
Calm Beige
Brown
Amber/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
