Global EV Comparison: Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah
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 Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) for as low as €15950, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) begins at €17590.
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 Europe (Used) | €15950 | €17590 |
| 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) | 426 km | 246 km |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 308 km |
| Range (GCC) | 391 km | 255 km |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 85 kWh | 42.2 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 80.8 kWh | 37.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 km | 20.7 kWh/100 km | 14.9 kWh/100 km |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.84 km/kWh | 6.73 km/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.
Both vehicles are equipped with the same on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 120 kW | 50 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) | CCS Type 2 |
| 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 100 km/h.
| 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 | 440 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 s | 7.3 s |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h | 150 km/h |
| 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 | 4970 mm | 4011 mm |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 2189 mm | 2039 mm |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 1964 mm | 1775 mm |
| Height | 1445 mm | 1598 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm | 2570 mm |
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 in the EU.
| Property | Tesla Model S 85 | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5, 7 | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 2100 kg | 1345 kg |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 745 l | 260 l |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 1645 l | 1100 l |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 60 l | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.5 | 4.3 |
