Tesla makes the most popular electric car in the country: the Model 3. Tesla’s Model 3 offers solid value for the money, but it isn’t the only competitive electric car on the market.
German luxury automaker BMW’s new electric car, the 2027 BMW i3, could be a legitimate rival for the dominant Model 3. The i3 has promising performance specs and major potential in its segment.
Here’s how the two electric cars contrast and which model has the upper hand.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is a Quick and Capable Electric Car
Tesla changed the American automotive landscape with the best-selling Model 3 and Y EVs, proving that electric vehicles aren’t only a viable mode of transportation, but they can also be fun to drive.
The Performance trim is the best option for thrill-seekers and driving enthusiasts who want the most exhilarating Model 3 experience possible. It starts at $54,990, which is around the estimated price range of the BMW i3, making it the most comparable Model 3 iteration.
Tesla’s Model 3 Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. It has 309 miles of range. The Model 3 Performance is exceptionally quick for its size and segment. Additionally, it has enough driving range to soothe range anxiety, especially when factoring in Tesla’s massive Supercharger network.
The 2027 BMW i3 Boasts Incredible Power and Driving Range
BMW hasn’t released pricing info on the i3 yet, but the larger i4 electric car starts at $57,900. The 2027 BMW i3 will produce 463 horsepower and have 440 miles of maximum range.
The electric car is driver-centric and designed to be the electric equivalent of the popular 3-Series sedan. Like other BMW electric vehicles, the i3 is expected to have a luxurious cabin equipped with advanced standard tech and features.
BMW’s electric car may not have a 0 to 60 time available yet, but its estimated range is a spec that outclasses most rivals. Furthermore, the i3 will have ultra-fast DC (direct current) charging capabilities of up to 400 kilowatts. This will drastically reduce average charging session times for the EV.
Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW i3: Which Electric Car Is Better?
The Model 3 and BMW i3 may overlap in some aspects, but there are key differences between the small electric cars.
Tesla’s electric vehicles are uniquely quick in upper trims and BMW may not be able to match the acceleration time of the Model 3. On the other hand, the i3 has 131 more miles of maximum driving range than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, making BMW’s EV the better choice for drivers who want more range.
Ultimately, brand preference will determine which electric car is the better choice if the i3 starts within the same price range as the Model 3 Performance. Tesla has developed a loyal following in the last few years thanks to attractive, best-selling EVs and a reliable, fast-charging network.
BMW fans interested in electric vehicle ownership may take the leap with the i3 because it has so much driving range compared to competitors. As far as histories of reliability go, the Model 3 is a much more established nameplate based on production history.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. BMW i3: Which electric car is better?
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
