BMW i4 V/S Tesla Model 3

BMW's new electric car has always been compared to the Tesla Model 3, promising that the i4 manufacturers are serious about electrification this time. There are minor differences between the 2021 BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3. This article highlights the key differences between i4 and Tesla and provides important comparison information to help you choose between the two well-equipped electric vehicles.

About Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is among the three electric cars of the American house created by Elon Musk and in production since 2017. Like all other models, Tesla Model 3 also has a linear and clean design.The front part is distinguished by the absence of the grille and by the sharply designed headlights. On the other hand, the rear sees the lights horizontally develop until they fit into the tailgate. 

The interiors, just like other Teslas, are minimal and characterized by the presence of a large central 15-inch touch screen, positioned in the center of the dashboard, which combines the instrument panel and infotainment. Another fundamental element is safety. The metal structure is made up of aluminum and steel to ensure maximum strength in every part of ​​the vehicle.

About BMW i4 

The Tesla Model 3, in a few weeks, will have a new competitor from the noble family to give tough competition to Tesla. The name of this "new" electric sedan-coupe is the BMW i4. And as the name implies, it has many parts in common with the 4 Series Gran Coupe petrol or diesel, starting from the floor and the bodywork dimensions.

Presented as a concept in 2019, the BMW i4 goes on sale in the fall of 2021. The BMW i4 is the Bavarian manufacturer's first electric sedan. This, the umpteenth competitor of the Tesla Model 3, has a battery with a capacity of 80 kWh, which will cover approximately 585 kilometers (WLTP measurements). BMW announces a 0 to 100 km / h reached in 4 seconds. It promises a maximum power of 530 horsepower and a range of up to 590 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.

Tesla Model 3 dimensions

The Tesla Model 3 reports the following dimensions: 

• The length of the sedan is 4,694 mm 
• The width is 1,849 mm 
• The height is 1,443 mm. 
• The wheelbase, on the other hand, is equal to 2,875 mm. 
• A feature of this car is the double trunk: the 340-liter rear trunk and the 85-liter front trunk guarantee a total capacity of 425 liters. 
• The curb weight, on the other hand, corresponds to 1,847 kg.

Model 3 dimensions allow good interior habitability and make this car a spacious one for all passengers, for those as well who sit on the large rear sofa and the flat floor. 

BMW i4 dimensions

The BMW i4 reports the following dimensions: 

• The length of the i4 is 4,804 mm 
• The width is 1,933 mm
• The height is 1,387 mm. 
• The wheelbase, on the other hand, is equal to 2,993 mm. 
• With a maximum capacity of 1,290 liters (46 cubic feet), the rear seats fold down. Rear luggage 470 liters (17 cubic feet) + 38 liters (1 cubic foot) for charging cable under the rear luggage.

Tesla Model 3 setups

There are two configurations currently available for the Tesla Model 3, called Partial Premium and Premium. 

In the first model, There is the single-engine and the standard battery. It also has standard equipment that includes Wi-Fi, LTE connection, rear camera, voice commands, heated and electrically adjustable front seats in 12 positions. Tesla has mirrors-heated, electrically foldable, and photochromic rear-view mirrors, a tinted glass roof with UV and infrared protection, the navigator, music and multimedia content via Bluetooth, the central console with storage, 4 USB ports and base for two smartphones, and the keyless opening system. 

The Premium version, on the other hand, also adds heating for the rear seats, the premium audio system with 14 speakers, one subwoofer, two amplifiers and immersive sound, satellite maps with real-time traffic and navigation display, multimedia content streaming via internet, browser and LED fog lights. Strangely, even on request, it is not possible to have wireless charging for mobile phones and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

For Autopilot mode things are different. It is a driving assistance platform developed by Tesla that allows the car to steer, accelerate, brake, and park automatically. It is possible due to 1 radar, 8 cameras, 12 sonar, and an AI computer. To unlock and enable all other features, users need to spend 5,400 euros.

The colors available for the Tesla Model 3 are 5: in addition to the standard Solid Black, you can choose between Midnight Silver and Deep Blue from 1,600 euros, Pearl White from 2,100 euros, and Multi-Coat Red from 2,700 euros.

BMW i4 setups

BMW uses the platform of the 3 Series and 4 Series. The i4 is the enhanced 4 Series Gran Coupé version and therefore shares its resemblance with the Gran Coupé series. Among the common elements, we find the large grille discovered on Concept 4 in 2019. However, the details are correct to the BMW i range, with inspiration from the original concept i Vision Dynamics. The latter was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017.

The concept presented during a virtual conference replacing the Geneva Motor Show shows very dynamic lines. However, the BMW i4 is 100% electric, as recalled by the blue border typical of the zero-emission “i” range.

Tesla Model 3 engines and consumption

The standard battery to 50-55 kWh and the Long Range from 70-75 kWh provide a range, respectively, of 354 Km and 499 Km. A verified value lower than the more than 530 km of autonomy (WLTP) with a single recharge declared by the house. Recharging can also take place in Superchargers (public control units up to 120 kW), and it takes just 30 minutes to have sufficient autonomy to travel just over 270 km. 

With a 240V and 40A socket, self-sufficiency of 48 km obtains for each hour of charging through a home system. The maximum achievable acceleration of the car is 100 km / h in just 3.4 seconds and the maximum achievable speed is 261 km / h.

BMW i4 engines and consumption

The BMW i4 incorporates fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Several versions make up the range, which we do not yet know in detail. However, the most powerful version will have a double front / rear engine. It has an output of 390 kW (530 hp). Here, the BMW i4 cuts down from 0 to 100 km / h in about 4 seconds and reaches the top speed of 200 km / h. BMW announces a range of up to 590 km according to the WLTP cycle. Several battery options have been offered at launch, including the 80 kWh one, and presented as an ultra-flat pack.

It is confirmed by the manufacturer itself, the maximum charging power of the i4 is displayed at 150 kW. This will be possible with direct current (DC) via the Combo CCS port. This would reduce the time to 35 minutes to recover 80% of the energy or 100 km refueled in 6 minutes. For accelerated charging on Wallbox or public outlets, the Type 2 port and cables will most likely be integrated.

Among the specifications of the new BMW i4 Electric, the real novelty lies in the specifications of the engine and performance. As always a witness to BMW's engineering commitment, the new electric i4 will only be available with electric motorization that mounts extremely light batteries, with a total weight of just 550 kilograms. The strength of this new engine will first and foremost be the autonomy, which is declared to a maximum of 600 kilometers, figures that compete for the maximum autonomy even of combustion models with large tanks and especially of premium electric cars such as the new Tesla 3. The total capacity of the engine reaches up to 80 kWh.

Tesla Model 3 pricing

The price of the Tesla Model 3  - the smallest and least expensive among the cars produced by the Californian manufacturer starts from 55 lakh rupees and goes up to 60 lakh rupees which is expected to be launched in December 2021. 

BMW i4 Pricing

The company does not provide any pricing information for the BMW i4. In the same statement, BMW confirmed that the details of the new sedan will be revealed in the coming weeks and it will go on sale by  the end of 2021.

Wrapping up

Along with a general idea of ​​what to expect from the i4, Tesla seems to be doing well. The Model 3 is still a great electric car, with many brands emphasizing charm and different concepts. However, as per our observation about BMW cars, the i4 doesn't seem to have a good steering wheel, formal design, and advanced technology. We have a concept with narrow details, but we expect that the EV will be tested on public roads soon. You have to wait for what happens when the i4 launches next year for further details. It looks like it will be the most direct competitor to the Model 3, so let's see if it can compete with one of the best EV cars in the market or not.

Need EV related help, contact us!

At Kazam, you can find every possible assistance about Electric vehicles and their charging stations in India. We also take care of our EV buyers and give them customized EV solutions as per their needs. From battery and charging solutions to the range and cost of electric vehicles, this is the one-stop shop for every EV requirement. For more information, please visit Kazam EV at https://www.kazam.in/, or write to us your concerns on our social media handles Kazam EV, and we will try to respond to your queries at the earliest. Book an appointment today!