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Compare the Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4in our electric car comparison tool
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Focus on the two electric models
The electric vehicle has evolved and continues to evolve very rapidly. Drivers not only demand style and class when they buy a BMW, they also expect performance and a high level of comfort. autonomy exceptional. The BMW i4 has been designed with the luxury, style and prestige of the traditional BMW 4 Series saloon. It's the first truly electric BMW for fans of the brand. It clearly stands out from its more eccentric big sister, the BMW I3. It's not a big Electric SUV as the BMW iX.
For its part, since the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is on the market, it has gone from sales record to sales record. And with good reason, she has finished the first six months of 2021 top sales of electric cars in France with over 13,000 models sold. This excellent performance was also helped by the conversion premium and the environmental bonus despite the €1,000 reduction. What's more, it has no reason to be ashamed of its tenth place in the top 10 car sales for all engines during the same year.
Another notable competitor to the Tesla Grande Autonomie, the Polestar 2the Swedish-Chinese member of the VolvoIt scores points for solid construction, quality materials and good driving characteristics. La Tesla Model 3 Long Range continues to rely on the minimalist approach that Tesla systematically adopts with the design of its vehicles. The absence of buttons on the Model 3 gives it a futuristic feel and is much appreciated by fans of the brand.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range vs BMW I4: comfort and practicality
The German brand's 4 Series is a electric saloon, but also a four-door Gran Coupé. In terms of practicality, we regret that the height of the roof doesn't offer much headroom for passengers, particularly those sitting in the back. They'll quickly feel cramped! This is even more true for taller people. This is mainly due to the battery of the BMW i4 which is located under the vehicle floor and rear seats. BMW noticed this and modified the roofline of the electric car.
It now stands at around 1.50 metres on the new models. To give you an idea, it's about seven to eight centimetres than the roof height of equivalent combustion-powered cars. This small difference is immediately noticeable in the comfort of rear-seat passengers. The slightly higher seating position offers a better view of the outside world, giving passengers a more pleasant ride. The electric car with an external length of 4.80 metres (ten centimetres longer than its rival, the Model 3) offers more legroom.
In direct comparison, however, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range scores points with its standard glass roof, which seems a little more airy and goes right up to the boot. Great strength for the American model, which gives extra centimetres for the head. Nevertheless, the low seating position of the Tesla Grande Autonomie offers little space for adults sitting in the back, forcing them to bend their legs. This becomes uncomfortable on long journeys. This is a serious disadvantage and a big negative point for the Tesla Model 3. La BMW I4 has a clear advantage in this respect.
Read also: Top 6 German electric cars in 2023
What about capacity?
The boot of the i4 contains 470 litresAccess is via a large tailgate that takes the long rear window with it. The volume is relatively decent for a electric saloon of this size, where part of the battery and electronics are located under the boot, it's actually very good. Here again, the comparison with the Tesla Grand Autonomy is self-evident, with only a small boot opening and not at all suitable for transporting bulky objects. The boot of the Tesla Grand Autonomy is much smaller and narrower than that of the BMW.. It has a boot volume of 542 L for a useful volume of 649 L against a volume of 470 L and an impressive useful volume of 1 290 L.
i4 buyers who roll up their charging cable on a gloomy winter's day, then push the luggage aside, will have plenty of room to stow it in the compartment under the boot floor. When it comes to style, there are no winners. Each driver will choose the look that suits him best. But the BMW i4 comes first if the appearance of your vehicle is an important criterion in your selection process. The Bavarian brand understands that drivers want the most modern technology and cabin features at their fingertips, designed with luxury fabrics and materials. The BMW is much more traditional and does nothing to disrupt the sense of familiarity that many have come to expect.
Some technical specifications
| BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie | |
|---|---|---|
Engine power | 400 kW | 328 kW |
Number of horses | 286 hp | 351 hp |
Autonomy | 510 km | 602 km |
Battery power | 84 kWh | 82 kWh |
AC load power wallbox | 11 kW | 11 kW |
AC recharge time | 8 h 25 min | 8 h 15 min |
DC fast charge power | 200 kW | 250 kW |
Fast recharge time | 31 min | 27 min |
0 to 100 km/h | 3.9 sec | 4.4 sec |
Fuel consumption (WLTP) | 22.5 kWh/100 km | 15 kWh/100 km |
Maximum speed | 190 km/h | 233 km/h |
Rate | 74 900 € | 52 990 € |
Interesting ergonomics and infotainment system
Let's get to the heart of the matter concerning these two products electric vehicles. If you ever get the chance to test the two models at the same time, you'll immediately feel the long years of German experience in the field. driver ergonomics. It's very easy to find the ideal position once you've settled into the BMW. What's more, the layout of the controls is optimal, and unlike other new BMWs, it's easy to find the right position. BMWas the new 2 Series Active Tourerthe i4 retains the iDrive controller in the centre console, providing access to the most important functions.
The menu associated with the central screen, which can also be operated by touch, offers several levels and a countless number of functions. The list of application icons is arranged randomly in the same way as on a smartphone. Everyday functions are easy to access, and many of them can also be controlled directly by voice command. The most important thing about the infotainment display is that it is perfectly navigated to provide the best possible driver experience. The BMW I4 offers a wide range of functions, includingaugmented reality displaywith lane change, turning informationwith live traffic data and, last but not least, regular updating of station data.
In addition, dynamic load planning for long distances reacts to unforeseensuch as traffic jam and the heavy traffic, and adapts along the way, considerably reducing the electric vehicle's fuel consumption. However, there is one minor drawback BMW, unlike the Model 3However, it does not include the actual use of supercharger stations in its load planning.
As far as assistance systems are concerned, the German brand has developed small, high-quality and highly reliable assistants that rival those of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The lane assistant anticipates speed limits, reaction to red lights and stop signs, and there is also a recovery control, which is based on a large number of the car's parameters. This control, as well as being very practical, is also effective, as it helps in all situations, whether to gain momentum or to recover power. All these assistants will surely make you think that the BMW I4 can drive itself. Unfortunately, this is not possible, an alert will sound within seconds if the steering wheel sensors no longer detect your hands on the wheel.
Driving performance
La BMW i4 M50 pass from 0 to 100 km/h at 3.9 secondsfor its part, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range does so by 4.2 seconds. While the acceleration of the two cars is broadly similar, the i4 is undoubtedly the more comfortable car for covering many kilometres. With its suspension in Comfort mode, it is particularly supple and controlled at motorway speeds, while in town it absorbs violent shocks. You also feel much less wind and road noise than on the Model 3with frameless side windows that create quite a few jolts at speeds of over 100 km/h. The only area where the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is in its autonomy. The Model 3 can cover an impressive 602 km with a full charge.
La BMW i4 M50 offers a respectable range of 510 km. So, as you can see, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range will take you further, the BMW i4 will allow you to move easily and comfortably to and from anywhere. The i4 shows no weakness even when under load. Of course, with its 200 kW charging power, it does not rival that of the Tesla Grand Autonomy and its 250 kWbut it still has the merit of maintaining its high practical charging power for a long time at around 180 kW and therefore competes very well with the long-range models in its range. Both cars are rated at 11 kW in AC.
Although Tesla Grand Autonomy adapts quickly, the fundamental difference in setting with the BMW is felt immediately after the start. While the Tesla Grand Autonomy shows its sportiness and its agility The I4, on the other hand, delivers exactly what you'd expect from a sports car. BMW at such a price. The driving experience is also more sporty and comfortable which will undoubtedly please speed fans.
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW I4: Key facts
| BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Grande Autonomie |
|---|---|
+ Greater efficiency | + Very good autonomy and charging performance |
+ Better driving aids | + Very powerful and dynamic |
+ Great comfort | + High-quality infotainment |
- Quite a consumer | - Quite a consumer |
- Expensive supplements | - Disappointing autopilot |
La i4 is more comfortable, more enjoyable, depending on the engine chosen, more economical and goes further on a single battery charge than the Tesla Grande Autonomie. As for the capabilities of the assistance systems, BMW clearly outstrips the Tesla Large Autonomy. For the difference in quality compared with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the price difference is therefore understandable.
However, the price can go up very quickly if you want to add extra options to the electric car. For some people, their choice will go straight to the BMWFor others, the technological superiority of Tesla and its Supercharger network are key arguments in their decision to buy one or the other. For others, Tesla's technological superiority and its Supercharger network are key arguments in their decision to buy one or the other. electric cars.
What about you? What do you think of the two cars, and which one would you choose?
We look forward to your comments!
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