USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
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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 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) begins at $11800.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is a Hatchback, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) is a Sedan.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2022 | 2017-2019 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $14174 | $11800 |
| GCC Score | 5.3 | 6.8 |
Range and Efficiency
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) boasts a greater real-world range, a larger battery, and superior energy efficiency compared to the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022).
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 153 mi | 330 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 191 mi | 373 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 158 mi | 315 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 78.8 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 73.5 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi | 23.3 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh | 4.29 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.1 | 9.2 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) 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 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) 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 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 7.2 |
Performance
Both vehicles are rear-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 239 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 320 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 5 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 140 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 5.3 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) is longer and wider, but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is taller.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.9 in | 184.8 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 82.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 113.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019) 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 3 Long Range RWD (2017-2019), 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 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2972 lb | 3805 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.2 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 38.8 ft3 | 43.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.3 | 5.1 |
