USA EV Comparison: BMW i4 M50 vs Tesla Model 3 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 i4 M50 (2021-2024) for as low as $36990, while the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) begins at $15500.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) is a Liftback, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) is a Sedan.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2021-2024 | 2018-2024 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China, Germany, USA |
| Body Style | Liftback | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $36990 | $15500 |
| GCC Score | 6.5 | 7.2 |
Range and Efficiency
Even though the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) has a larger battery, the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) higher energy efficiency results in a longer real-world driving range.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 270 mi | 315 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 322 mi | 352 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 254 mi | 304 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 83.9 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 80.7 kWh | 76 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 31.8 kWh/100 mi | 25 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.15 mi/kWh | 4 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.3 | 8.7 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 250 kW, while the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) maxes out at 207 kW.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW, whereas the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) is limited to 11 kW.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 207 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 6.9 | 7.3 |
Performance
Both vehicles are all-wheel drive.
Although the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) has more power, the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) achieves a faster 0-60 mph time.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM (front), PMSM (rear) | IM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 400 kW | 377 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 536 hp | 506 hp |
| Motor Torque | 586 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 s | 3.1 s |
| Top Speed | 140 mph | 162 mph |
| Performance Score | 6.7 | 6.8 |
Dimensions
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) and Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) are about the same size.
Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.3 in | 184.8 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 81.6 in | 82.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 72.9 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 57 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.4 in | 113.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) features a larger trunk, but the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) offers greater maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024), but the BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) doesn’t have one.
The BMW i4 M50 (2021-2024) has a towing capacity of up to 3500 lb, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) is not officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i4 M50 | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 5018 lb | 4072 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 16.6 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 45.6 ft3 | 43.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | 3500 lb | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5 | 4.7 |
