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BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023)
Selected trimLong Range Dual Motor · 2019-23Change trim374 mi · 75 kWh · Not available
At a glance
Overview
The BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 sit at different ends of the premium electric saloon market. The i4 is the pricier, more traditional choice with BMW’s cabin quality and rear-wheel-drive feel; the Model 3 is far cheaper, more efficient and backed by the Supercharger network. You are choosing between established premium craftsmanship and Tesla’s technology and value.
Best suited to:Company carPremiumPerformance
In this comparison, BMW i4 leads on value for money and family practicality, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on motorway range, charging speed and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW i4 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
Choose the Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Tesla Model 3 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueBMW
BMW
5.9
Tesla
0
Motorway RangeTesla
BMW
4.1
Tesla
7.2
FamilyBMW
BMW
6.4
Tesla
5.8
ChargingTesla
BMW
3.7
Tesla
5.6
Cost Per MileTesla
BMW
4.1
Tesla
9.4
City DrivingTesla
BMW
3.2
Tesla
3.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
- 91 litres more boot space
- 50 kW faster rapid charging
- 1.3s quicker 0-62 mph
- 0.9 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £53,405 | Not available |
| Official range | 367 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 470 L | 561 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 31 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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BMW i4
Tesla Model 3
Length
BMW i44,783mm
Tesla Model 34,695mm-88mm
Width
BMW i41,852mm
Tesla Model 31,850mm-2mm
Height
BMW i41,448mm
Tesla Model 31,445mm-3mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,852 mm | 1,850 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,073 mm (better) | 2,088 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.5 m | 11.6 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 548 mm spare | 550 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 470 L | 561 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1290 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 0 L | 88 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg | Not available |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
BMW i4
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Tesla Model 3
- A 88 L frunk, one of 13 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 88 L or more.
- At 4,695 mm, shorter than 90% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Boot space of 561 L is bigger than 85% of saloon EVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport |  Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.78m | 4.70m-88mm |
| Width | 1.85m | 1.85m-2mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.07m | 2.09m+15mm |
| Height | 1.45m | 1.45m-3mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.86m | 2.88m+19mm |
| Ground Clearance | 125mm | 140mm+15mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 470L | 561L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1290L | Not available |
| Frunk | Not available | 88L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.5m | 11.6m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 2,125kg | 1,830kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600kg | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 83.9kWh (better) | 75kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 367 mi | 374 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 200kW | 250kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £53,405 | Not available |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | Saloon |
| Available | 2021–2026 | 2019–2023 |
* BMW i4: Launch figures. Cars built from July 2024 (facelift) have 81.3 kWh usable, 205 kW DC charging and up to 373 miles WLTP.
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla quotes 561 L behind the rear seats, measured to the roof including the under-floor well (649 L with the 88 L front trunk). Not directly comparable to VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Manufacturer does not publish battery capacity; figure verified from multiple independent sources. Pack size and chemistry changed during production.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 367 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 261 miles | 312 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 31 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 200 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 160 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 80.7 kWh (better) | 75 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.7 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
| Power | 250 kW | Not available |
| Torque | 430 Nm | Not available |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
8.8/10
average across 6 reviews
- Electrifying.com10/10
- Auto Express4.5/5
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £24,558 | £14,840 |
| Average used price | £28,930 | £18,820 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 50 listings | 122 listings (better) |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 21.3% over ~6 months | Up 39.4% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant87%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users71%
Safety Assist64%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor
Tested 2019
Adult Occupant96%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users74%
Safety Assist94%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW i4eDrive40 M Sport | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 193,121 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software, real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW i4
eDrive40 M Sport
Owners love
- Owners praise the composed ride, quiet cabin and BMW build quality, and many compare it favourably with the Tesla Model 3 for comfort.
- The eDrive40 is widely seen as the sweet spot: rear-wheel drive, lighter than the M50 and with the most range.
- Many owners report around 280 to 300 miles in mild weather from an eDrive40, and efficiency of around 4 miles per kWh on gentle runs.
Watch out for
- Winter range falls a long way, with several owners reporting around 180 to 220 miles in cold, wet weather.
- The rear seats are tight for tall adults, the doors are small and the floor is raised by the battery.
- It is heavy for its size, at about 2.1 to 2.3 tonnes, which owners feel in hard cornering and in efficiency.
Owner tips
- Sit in the back on the test drive if tall adults will use the rear seats regularly.
- Check the tyres and their brand closely; budget for a set if they are low, and prefer smaller wheels for range.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
Owners love
- Exceptional acceleration and instant torque delivery create an engaging, fun driving experience comparable to sports cars
- Excellent efficiency and low running costs—approximately 1.5-2.2p per mile on home charging versus £16-18p per mile for petrol equivalents
- Minimal maintenance required with no oil changes, long-lasting brake pads due to regenerative braking, and strong battery longevity (minimal degradation over 100k+ miles)
Watch out for
- Suspension is firm and transmits road imperfections harshly, particularly uncomfortable over UK potholes and rough roads; worsens with larger wheel sizes
- Build quality inconsistencies including panel gaps, door/boot misalignment, soft paint prone to stone chips, and varying quality between individual cars
- Autopilot system has documented reliability issues including phantom braking, unreliable high-beam assist, and occasionally dangerous steering corrections
Owner tips
- Prioritize Chinese-built models from 2021 onwards (VIN starting LRW, 71 plates) over US-made Fremont cars for noticeably superior build quality and features like heat pumps
- Use 18-inch wheels with softer sidewall tires for better ride comfort on UK roads; avoid 20-inch Performance wheels which bend easily and worsen harshness
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW i4
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
BMW i4
- £28,9502023Car360View
- £25,6992024Car360View
- £24,5582023Car360View
Tesla Model 3
- £48,4952020EVHEROView
- £31,9952021EVHEROView
- £22,0922021Car360View
Frequently asked questions
What are the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 261 miles for the BMW i4 and 312 miles for the Tesla Model 3 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Tesla Model 3 goes roughly 51 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW i4 or the Tesla Model 3?
The two are within 2 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 550 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3 and about 548 mm of total clearance for the BMW i4. The Tesla Model 3 also turns in a 0.9 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW i4 or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the BMW i4 and 85% for the Tesla Model 3. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More BMW i4 comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among long-range EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
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Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .