USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs Tesla Model S Performance
Struggling to Decide? Let AI Help!
Your AI Summary Is Ready!
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 | 5.4 | 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 | 6.2 | 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 | 3.2 | 8 |
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 |
