Tesla Model S vs. BMW i3
When comparing the Tesla Model S to the BMW i3, the Tesla Model S has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model S versus the BMW i3, the Tesla Model S is a better car than the BMW i3.
Tesla Model S versus BMW i3 Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Tesla Model S ranges from $60,989 to $92,050 while a used BMW i3 from the same model year range is priced between $27,575 to $37,991.
Tesla Model S versus BMW i3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Tesla Model S is 8.8 out of 10 while the BMW i3's quality rating is 6.5 out of 10. This results in the Tesla Model S being ranked 1 out of 25 Best Electric Cars and the BMW i3 being ranked 6 out of 25. Out of 11 Best Luxury Electric Cars, the Tesla Model S is ranked 11 and the BMW i3 is ranked 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Tesla Model S’s base engine makes 670 horsepower, and the BMW i3 base engine makes 168 horsepower. Both the Model S and the i3 are rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with highway ranges of 405 and 153 miles respectively. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Model S is 15 hours (240V), while the charge time for the i3 is 7 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
The Tesla Model S, a electric large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and trunk space. The BMW i3, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$60,989 - $92,050
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
52.3%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$27,575 - $37,991
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
70.9%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
5.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 2iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 25Summary Review
Tesla’s Model S was the vehicle that proved beyond a doubt electric cars don’t need to be boring econoboxes with a short range. This is the industry’s most prolific large electric sedan, and is considered the flagship in the Tesla line.
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
- Unbeatable performance in top trims
- Roomy, large sedan size
- Appealing style, inside and out
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
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
Trim Levels
Base, Plaid
Trim Levels
Base, s
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
8 years
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):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
670 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.147 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
124 / 115 / 120
Range (city/hwy):
405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
15 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
MPGe:
124 / 102 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
153 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
42 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
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:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
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:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
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:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
28.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 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:
4561 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2972 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:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
