The new 3 Series has been getting pretty good reviews so far, a lot of the journalists testing it claiming there are noticeable improvements in key areas of the car. Whereas the old F30 model has been generally considered a bit too soft and too loose for the 3 Series nameplate, the new G20 model seems to have put all that trouble behind it. However, the landscape in which the new 3er has to operate has changed as well and there’s a very important new kid on the block now: the Tesla Model 3.
Back when the F30 model was being developed and for most of its shelf life, it didn’t have to worry about Tesla’s affordable sedan. After it was launched, the Model 3 became an instant sensation, gathering so many accolades some have thought it could challenge the king of the segment. The comparison is a bit stretched out though, as there still isn’t a fully electric 3er on sale today anywhere in the world but if we leave the drivetrain behind, a comparison could be made, focusing on other aspects.
The guys from Edmunds wanted to find out which drives best. To do that, they took a BMW 330i M Sport model out to the track alongside a Tesla Model 3. From the get go, you need to adjust your expectations when comparing an internal combustion engine car to an electric model. Thus, when it comes to driving, the two will feel completely different when you put your foot down. Therefore, when it comes to responsiveness, the Tesla wins every time.
What surprised us though was that Carlos Lago considered the Model 3 to be a more fun to drive car than the 3er, mostly because the instant torque is addictive. According to him, the lower center of gravity of the Tesla makes it feel more agile while everything else, including the brakes, is roughly the same when it comes to comparing the two cars at hand here. In the end, the Model 3 won this comparison and it wasn’t even close.
That’s some might praise for this affordable EV.
Premature, M340i. Model 3 I see in my neighborhood look generic fleet, not premium.
I agree. Looking at it through the lens of the traditional car. Tesla M3 is the next evolution of the car— a transportation device. Sans buttons and other unnecessary appointments. BMW has the equivalent fancy new flip phone including the lesser battery..
“Tesla M3 is the next evolution of the transportation device.”
There, fixed it for you.
M3 is a BMW, for decades. Pathetic attempt @ piggybacking on successful established successful marketing from a co. that claims not to advertise, just rips off industry benchmarks. Since it doesn’t matter, let’s call it Edsel. Or Corvair..
Yes the BMW M3 will be remembered like the Model T. A very car back in the days of cars.
Yes, aside from the whole century apart in their existence.
People who love cars don’t want a device.
Most people who love cars won’t be around to much longer. Just few old guys and collectors will have cars.
too. But in the meantime we can type. And sniff out bs when we’re downwind of it.
I disagree, I know it’s bland, but it’s look is so efficient it comes all the back around and is striking again. Has a lot of presence, my mum saw one and said ooh what’s that that looks nice, she wouldn’t say that about the new BMW’s, then again, nobody would (looking at you 2020 1 series)
Striking?! Resembles designer’s last M3 (Mazda) wearing a dental dam, limited colour palette & congratulations on appealing to old people. 2020 1 Series is direct evolution of 1M, an appreciating collectable.
Mazda’s are beautiful. If you think it resembles a Mazda then it’s a compliment. Appealing to old people is a bad thing? You sound rather childish in which case a BMW is perfect for you. The new 1 series really is horrid though.
Demographics matter, the rest is subjective, & as with most BMWs the 1 Series you disapprove of is actually but 1 of a range of models. New hatchback big improvement over rest of dull segment, unfortunately not coming to my market.
His preference for BMW makes him childish? This is a BMW site after all. Most people on this site will have different opinions after watching that video. If you have a problem with that, perhaps you should troll somewhere else…
UKL is an evolution of the 1M? I think the E87 owners are going to vomit.
How many E87 1M owners are trading their cars for the new 2020 piglet?
Even fanboys are smart enough to pick their battles. You’re in an amazing and extraordinary league of denial.
Only thing I deny is you, like you deny thinking.
The words “think” and “groupthink” are significantly different concepts for most people.
You don’t know the meaning of either.
Which Model 3 is this? SR+, Dual Motor or what? Kept listening out for it.
It’s a 2017 long range rear wheel drive, so not the faster 2 motor AWD or performance but a step up from the short range+, sadly they don’t make these anymore
No doubt, the 3 Series has the most beautiful double kidney from all current Bmw models. I can see the next generation of the 3 Series getting a bigger and uglier double kidney.
It’s almost as if the BMW exterior designers have a long term struggle with inadequacy when it comes to how tall the front grille is when compared to Daimler, Lexus, Audi.
Not sure who determined vertical size as the gauge for “presence”, but the latest kidney trend vehemently kicks out subtle beauty for loud. The exterior design language has devolved from “composed” to “toddler tantrum”.
Speaking of toddler tantrum, try driving one sometime, DB.
Which drives better? I think this video is about his preference. Perhaps he enjoys that instant torque he goes on about and nothing else. Or is it a matter of traditional tech versus something different? Like most kids, he will get over this new toy very quickly…
This is about Amuuurika. Patriotism and all, he needs that job. Their last effort to remain relevant in the global car industry. Is it a better car? No idea. Can you even tell by doing figure eights on an oversized parking lot?
Personally I wouldn’t consider the Tesla Model 3 plays in the same segment than BMW, Audi, Mercedes and all the other premiums. The Model 3 just doesn’t look any special or premium or desireabl at all. It might drive well, but it’s one of the most boring looking cars without conveying much emotions (neither positive nor negative) in this price segment. I wouldn’t even consider to buy one.
The interior is also composed of low-cost-looking materials.
The drive is very nice and the energy cost per mile is under 5 cents. But whatever floats your boat I guess.
So where is the Model 3 in the video of the neue M3 doing laps on the Nurburgring? Which Drives Better there?
That is a big plus but I agree with MT, I wouldn’t consider the Tesla just yet.
In fact, I would wait for the Germans (BMW and Mercedes and Porsche) to go complete EV before I even take a look at Tesla.
Wow… instant torque… Of course, it’s electric, how hard? I wouldn’t worry much about these reviews, plenty of issues have surfaced for Tesla already, but the worst by far is another dismal earning forecast.
Have you driven one? Try it. You’ll like it. :)
Instant torque is irrelevant in my market of instant gridlock.
Having a zero emission vehicle is even much more desirable in a gridlock :-)
Why I walk.
Maybe the Tesla drives nice – but to me it’s butt ugly. Not buying.
I have the new 3.30i, it is far better than Tesla 3 in everything from design in and out, comfort, handle, fun. The only thing tesla is better is the economi but when you buy a car in this class you dont look you wallet. The Tesla 3 is so ugly from every angle compare to bmw and mercedes