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AutoNotion Comparator

BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3

Full comparison with verified US market data: MSRP, horsepower, MPG, cargo, warranty, and true 5-year cost of ownership.

Vehicle 1
BMW i4
335 hp · Electric
Vehicle 2
Tesla Model 3
271 hp · Electric
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MSRP
$59,075
$38,630
Horsepower
335 hp
271 hp
Torque
317 lb-ft
317 lb-ft
MPG (combined)
109 MPGe
132 MPGe
0–60 mph
5.5 s
5.8 s
Cargo
Curb Weight
* MSRP excludes destination. MPG is EPA-rated combined.
Drivetrain
RWD / AWD
RWD / AWD
Warranty
4yr / 50K
Powertrain: 4yr / 50K
4yr / 50K
Powertrain: 8yr / 120K
Warranty: bumper-to-bumper / powertrain. EV battery: typically 8yr / 100K mi.
EVBMW i4
EVTesla Model 3

True Cost of Ownership

Estimated 5-year cost at 12,000 miles/year. All cost data from AAA "Your Driving Costs" 2025 annual study by vehicle category. Estimates only — actual costs vary.

BMW i4
$48,336
+$10,222
Purchase (MSRP)$59,075
Electricity 5yr$2,863
Insurance 5yr$10,140
Maintenance 5yr$5,796
Resale (50% at 5yr)-$29,538
Tesla Model 3
$38,114
✓ Lowest total cost
Purchase (MSRP)$38,630
Electricity 5yr$2,863
Insurance 5yr$10,140
Maintenance 5yr$5,796
Resale (50% at 5yr)-$19,315
Source: AAA "Your Driving Costs" 2025 study. Fuel: $3.15/gal regular, $0.167/kWh (AAA/EIA). Insurance and maintenance are category averages (sedan, SUV, truck, EV) — not model-specific. Depreciation: 50% at 5 years. Estimates for comparison purposes only.
AI

Analysis & Recommendation

The Tesla Model 3 starts at $38,630, $20,445 less than the BMW i4. The premium buys you more power (335 hp vs 271) and faster 0-60 (5.5s vs 5.8s). The Tesla Model 3 wins on both sticker price and total ownership cost at $38,114 over 5 years. For fuel economy: Tesla Model 3 at 132 MPGe MPG. For performance: BMW i4 does 0-60 in 5.5s with 335 hp.

BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3 — FAQ

The Tesla Model 3 starts at $38,630. Starting MSRPs: BMW i4 ($59,075), Tesla Model 3 ($38,630). Prices are MSRP before destination, taxes, and dealer fees.
The Tesla Model 3 leads at 132 MPGe MPG (EPA). By model: BMW i4 (109 MPGe), Tesla Model 3 (132 MPGe). Annual fuel cost difference: ~$67.
The Tesla Model 3 at $38,114. By model: BMW i4 ($48,336), Tesla Model 3 ($38,114). Based on AAA "Your Driving Costs" 2025: MSRP + fuel (AAA avg) + insurance and maintenance (AAA category avg) − 50% resale. Estimates for comparison only.
Quickest 0-60: BMW i4 at 5.5s. Most powerful: BMW i4 with 335 hp / 317 lb-ft.
Best bumper-to-bumper: BMW i4 at 4yr / 50K. Full breakdown: BMW i4 (4yr / 50K; powertrain 4yr / 50K); Tesla Model 3 (4yr / 50K; powertrain 8yr / 120K).
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