USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs Tesla Model S Performance
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General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) for as low as $14174, while the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) begins at $30883.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is a Hatchback, whereas the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) is a Liftback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2022 | 2020-2021 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Netherlands, USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $14174 | $30883 |
| GCC Score | 5.3 | 7.8 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 153 mi | 387 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 191 mi | 397 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 158 mi | 353 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 103 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 98 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi | 27.8 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh | 3.6 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.1 | 8.9 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 250 kW, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) maxes out at 50 kW.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW, whereas the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is limited to 11 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 5.2 | 8 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is rear-wheel drive, while the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) offers an all-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 580 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 778 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 841 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 2.3 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 162 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 8.1 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) is longer and wider, but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is taller.
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.9 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model S Performance (2020-2021), but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model S Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2972 lb | 5105 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.2 ft3 | 26.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 38.8 ft3 | 58.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.3 | 5.5 |
