BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3

Compare range, price, 0-60 mph, charging speed, and full specs side by side.

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Select 2-3 electric vehicles to compare range, price, performance, and specs.

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Resale, warranty & insurance — side by side

Edmunds and KBB compare specs. We compare the three things that actually move dollars over the ownership cycle.

Resale Retention (vs MSRP)
BMW i3
Limited data
Tesla Model 3
84.9% 2024 model at 2 years · $33,100 avg used · A
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Battery Warranty
BMW i3
8 yr / 100,000 mi SOH floor not published · transferability not published
Tesla Model 3
8 yr / 100,000–120,000 mi by version · 70% SOH floor · transferable
Not fully comparable yet: for the BMW i3, only the years and miles of the battery warranty are published, not a capacity floor or transfer terms. The BMW i3 runs 8 years / 100,000 miles; the Tesla Model 3, 8 years / 100,000–120,000 miles.
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Annual Insurance (published averages)
BMW i3
Not covered yet
Tesla Model 3
$3,268–$3,871/yr QuinStreet $3,871 · MoneyGeek $3,268 · midpoint $3,570
No published range for the BMW i3 yet (two publishers agreeing on the same basis), so we don't compare insurance here.
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The verdict

The Tesla Model 3 is on sale now and costs far less; the 2027 BMW i3 is BMW's answer, announced at $61,500 with US deliveries due in early 2027. The base Model 3 Standard RWD is $36,990 with 321 miles of EPA range, and the Premium AWD, the closest match to the all-wheel-drive i3, is $47,490 with 346 miles and a 3.8-second 0-60. BMW estimates the i3 at 446 to 468 miles, more than any Model 3, but that is BMW's preliminary figure, not an EPA rating, and its 4.5-second 0-60 is preliminary too. Both have native NACS ports. Buy the Model 3 if you want a proven car at a lower price today; reserve the i3 if you want a BMW sedan with more estimated range and can wait for it, and for its EPA numbers.

Status and price

The Model 3 is on sale in four versions: Standard RWD $36,990, Premium RWD $42,490, Premium AWD $47,490 and Performance $54,990, before Tesla's $1,640 destination and order fee. The i3 50 xDrive is the only i3, at $61,500 plus $1,350 destination; BMW is taking $1,000 refundable reservations and says US deliveries begin in early 2027, so we list it as announced. Even the Model 3 Performance costs $6,510 less than the i3. The new i3 is the Neue Klasse electric 3 Series sedan, not the 2014-2021 i3 hatchback.

Range and performance

EPA rates the Model 3 at 321 miles (Standard RWD), 363 (Premium RWD), 346 (Premium AWD) and 316 (Performance), at 24 to 30 kWh per 100 miles. BMW's preliminary estimate for the i3 is 446 to 468 miles, depending on wheels and tires; EPA hasn't rated it, so there is no EPA efficiency figure to compare yet. The i3 makes 463 hp from two motors, and BMW's preliminary 0-60 mph time is 4.5 seconds. The Model 3 runs from 5.8 seconds (Standard RWD) to 2.9 (Performance), with the Premium AWD at 3.8.

Charging and space

Both have native NACS ports and plug straight into Tesla Superchargers; BMW adds Plug & Charge at Superchargers and IONNA stations and includes a CCS1 DC adapter for other fast chargers. BMW quotes 10-80% in 21 minutes at up to 400 kW; our table lists 25 minutes for the Model 3 Standard RWD and 27 for the Premium trims. At home, the i3's onboard charger accepts up to 15.4 kW. Our table lists 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Model 3's rear seats; BMW hasn't published a cargo figure for the i3.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3 cheaper?
The Model 3, by a wide margin. It starts at $36,990 (Standard RWD) and tops out at $54,990 (Performance), before Tesla's $1,640 destination and order fee. The 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive is $61,500 before its $1,350 destination charge.
Which has more range, the BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3?
BMW estimates 446 to 468 miles for the i3, more than the Model 3's EPA ratings of 316 to 363 miles. But the i3's figures are BMW's preliminary estimates; EPA hasn't rated it yet.
Can you buy a 2027 BMW i3 yet?
You can reserve one with a $1,000 refundable deposit on bmwusa.com. BMW says US deliveries begin in early 2027. The Model 3 is on sale now.
Which is faster, the BMW i3 or Tesla Model 3?
It depends on the Model 3. The Performance (2.9 seconds to 60 mph) and Premium AWD (3.8) are quicker than the i3's preliminary 4.5 seconds; the Premium RWD (4.9) and Standard RWD (5.8) are slower.
Do the BMW i3 and Tesla Model 3 work at Tesla Superchargers?
Yes, natively. Both have a built-in NACS port, so neither needs an adapter at a Supercharger. BMW also includes a CCS1 DC adapter with the i3 for other fast chargers.

BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3: Which EV Should You Buy?

Choosing between the BMW i3 and Tesla Model 3? Use the interactive comparison above to see how they stack up on range, price, performance, and charging speed. Whether you searched "BMW i3 vs Tesla Model 3" or "Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i3" — same comparison, picked apart trim-by-trim. Select different trims to compare specific configurations.

Quick reference: this page covers the head-to-head between the BMW i3 and the Tesla Model 3 (the reverse "Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i3" matchup is the same comparison from the opposite vehicle's perspective). Both directions land here.

View BMW i3 Details → View Tesla Model 3 Details →