It seems like forever that pundits and journalists alike have been comparing the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S. We’re guilty of it ourselves, having done several such comparisons. However, while the comparison is understandable, as they’re two of the very few premium EVs on the market and among the most popular, it actually doesn’t make much sense. They’re so very different that comparing them seems like a pointless exercise. So should we stop comparing the two cars and finally realize that they’re vastly different vehicles?
Continue Reading Below
The only similarity the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S share is that they’re both powered purely by electricity. Aside from that, they’re two completely different vehicles that would have no business being compared in a world with more EVs. It’s like comparing a Volkswagen Golf to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the only similarity is that they’re both powered by engines. Sure, the S-Class is a lot nicer and more luxurious but it costs a fortune compared to the Golf. We have very different strengths and weaknesses, is what I’m getting at.
BMW’s i3 is a very small, very city-oriented EV. It only has a range of around 114 miles, which is downright tiny compared to the 200-plus mile range of the Model S. But that doesn’t make the i3 a worse car, it just makes it a different car. The BMW i3 is designed for urban city driving, using its low curb weight to give it a decent range and its compact design to make it easy to park, drive and navigate through congested city centers.
In its home territory, European city centers are starting to become emissions-free and/or emissions-taxed. So the i3 works perfectly in that sort of environment and has far more range than needed. It also costs under $50,000 and has very attractive lease deals, which a lot of people can afford.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model S is far larger, can house more seats, is far more luxurious and has a range that dwarfs the i3’s. It’s designed to the be EV for wealthy suburbanites who don’t want to worry about range anxiety as they have farther distances to travel.
But you’re going to pay for that luxury, as the Model S also dwarfs the i3 in price, more than doubling it in some instances. If you live and drive in typical suburban America, the Model S is the best EV option, as it offers gasoline-like range and luxury car amenities. If you can afford it, that is.
Both cars are superb but picking one that’s “better” is ridiculous because the i3 could be ranked as better at being a city car than the Model S and the opposite is true in further suburban driving or highway use. So I really think it’s time to stop comparing these two cars.
TEST DRIVE: Porsche Taycan Turbo S – A Brutally Fast Electric Sportscar
They’re pricing, scope, target audience and capabilities are all so far apart that it’s like comparing a VW GTI to a Porsche 911. Sure, they’re both sports cars but are completely different in every other regard and comparison makes little, if any, sense. I feel as if the same goes for the i3 and Model S.
Duh, i don’t see people comparing the Mini Hatch and the 5 Series so this makes no sense
The comparison is valid because (especially back in the days) there was not much choice if one wanted to go EV. Yes, they differ quite a bit, but that actually is the nature of a real choice.
A Tesla Model S is a benchmark when it comes to EV range, even if it is much more expensive and weighs more than other EVs. Hence one compares.
FWIW, I don’t consider an i3 an urban city car at all. First of all it is 50k(!) euro and second in a city one walks or travels by bike or public transport (although I can see that that is a bit different in the US). Mine does 124km a day at the moment, of which 115km is highway.
Clearly, the US is far different than Europe. But you’re pushing the limit of the base model i3 on your daily commute. I know a few people personally, and there are plenty more here in Texas, who drive 50 miles one way to get to work, and that’s maxing out the i3 entirely, without any stops for groceries or anything else. The US has also been far more reluctant than EU countries in adopting renewable energy technologies, so charging stations aren’t always readily available. Range is absolutely the key factor here in the states.
Speaking of which, a benchmark is something you use to compare something else to. Using the Tesla Model S as a benchmark for all EVs is ridiculous because you’re setting yourself up for failure because “hey look, we’re half way there” isn’t a good marketing strategy, and that’s only against the $68k base model. $24k more for twice the range? That’s a done deal.
There are a slew of higher range EVs coming out on the lower end soon and while their range is comparable to a Model S 60, there’s no way they compare in any way you’d compare a $30k car to a $70k car, and THAT is the point. Comparing a $100k EV and a $50k EV is just nonsense.
With a 94Ah i3 BEV driving in rush hour traffic, a 100 mile round-trip commute is actually very realistic, even allowing for side trips to the grocery. The 114 mi estimate doesn’t include regenerative braking that would extend range in stop and go traffic – which is typical for a city. It’s also influenced by the driving style.
And there’s always the i3 REx option – which is what I drive.
I have both a Model S P85 and a 60Ah i3. The i3 is superior on build quality and software while the Model S is superior on range and comfort.
Teslas are more like the cars you’d expect BMW to build, luxury sport sedans, and crossover SUVs. The i3 is pretty pricey for something that seem more like a Mini or Volkswagen. I have an i3, and Model X 90D. I got my i3 in 2014, it got me hooked on electric driving but it left me wishing for an electric car that was more like a real BMW.
Most recently I’ve seen the i3 compared to the new Hyundai Ioniq electric, which has been on sale in Europe since October, and goes on sale in the U.S. this month. It has an EPA range of 124 miles, efficiency of 136 MPGe, standard DC fast charging, 215 ft-lb motor, weight about 3150 #, and lots of driver assist features. Base starts around $30k before incentives. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2812e56b9fe6d1afb771bf67dda4e009ed6526b86c8ebbb8ba87bbaa3e8a69f0.jpg
It’s interesting how the i3 and the Model S, or any other EV for that matter, are almost never compared based on impact to the environment or maintanence costs.
The i3 is built in an entirely sustainable factory and from mostly recyclable materials, BMW even has plans to incorporate old battery packs into stationary energy storage. I’m sure Tesla will similarly reuse old battery packs, but I would think the overall resources used to build and run the car, rather than range would be a more important metric for the eco conscious.
Every BMW i3 sold comes with scheduled maintenance, and virtually all are still covered.. i3 doesn’t need a fluid change every 3,000 miles and the service network is well established globally, with most maintenance done same-day. I would think these details would be of great importance to the buyers who believe EVs are more economical.
If it only had the Consumer Reports reliability numbers.
That would really juice sale.
And then, there’s the dealer repair and pricing, no parts inventory, can’t fix the car, story’s that are appearing on Facebook, that aren’t helping.
At our local BMW dealer we get free car washes and free DC fast charging…BMW seems to be using dealers now to attract customers rather than push them away..
I don’t get this “city” car stuff.
This would be a great car for suburbs and country driving, esp. the REX version.
Seems to be perfect for cruising on country roads at 45 mph, seems to be tuned for that role.
One one thing for sure there is not one size car that fits all. Purchasing a car is unique experience …depending on personal preferences …location…& needs. I live in an area and drive an i3 that’s ideally suited for 80 mile range, for its economy, and for its performance. Our downtown urban areas is only 30 miles away. In our local, which is suburban, solar panels work beautifully. There are many Evgo DC charging stations available, and three BMW service centers (..much more than Tesla). It just didn’t make sense to own a Tesla. Yes I had to compare and test drive 3 EVs. In doing so, I found the car ideally suited to my needs and situation..it was the BEV i3 (so now I own two). It had to do with needs, and I had no need for a $90,000 car when a $45,000 BEV fit the bill perfectly. And why spend $50,000 for a CPO MOD S when a $25,000 CPO BEV i3 was available.