USA EV Comparison: Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah
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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 Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) for as low as $9500, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) begins at $14174.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is a Liftback, whereas the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is a Hatchback.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2012-2016 | 2018-2022 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Netherlands, USA | Germany |
| Body Style | Liftback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $9500 | $14174 |
| GCC Score | 6.3 | 5.3 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) 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 | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 265 mi | 153 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 191 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 243 mi | 158 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 85 kWh | 42.2 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 80.8 kWh | 37.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 33.3 kWh/100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.01 mi/kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.8 | 6.1 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 120 kW, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) maxes out at 50 kW.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is limited to 10 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 10 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 120 kW | 50 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | Tesla (NACS) | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 6.1 | 5.2 |
Performance
Both vehicles are rear-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | IM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 278 kW | 135 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 373 hp | 181 hp |
| Motor Torque | 325 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 s | 7.2 s |
| Top Speed | 140 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 5.4 | 3.2 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is longer and wider, but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is taller.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | 157.9 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 86.2 in | 80.3 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 77.3 in | 69.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 62.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 101.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) 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 85 (2012-2016), but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5, 7 | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 4630 lb | 2972 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 26.3 ft3 | 9.2 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 58.1 ft3 | 38.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.5 | 4.3 |
