Tesla Model 3 or BMW i3 - Owner's Review
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2024
- The only two choices when it comes to a $50,000-$60,000 premium brand all electric car are the BMW i3 and the Tesla Model 3. BMW launched their all-electric BMW i3 in 2014, winning multiple green awards for their EV’s eco-friendly lightweight construction, production methods and use of sustainable materials.
The Tesla Model 3 has been one of the most anticipated cars ever, irrespective of it being an EV. Around 500,000 people put down a$1,000 deposit, sight unseen to buy one. Both are clean sheet design, purpose-built electric cars. Despite similar price points and that battery packs reside in the floor board, both company’s have completely different philosophies in their approach to an EV.
We compared a BMW i3 and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range in a luxury electric vehicle head-to-head. So which one should you buy in the end? Let's find out!
00:00 Intro
01:00 - Driving Range
02:10 - Driving Experience
06:00 - Interior Design Comparison
16:00 Trunk and Frunk Space
19:00 BMW i3 on the power lift
21:00 Conclusion
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#BMWi3 #Tesla #TeslaModel3 #Model3 #i3 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a Tesla owner, I have to say I'm very impressed by the neutral & objective tone of this review, especially that it's coming from a BMW fan site. In fact, this seems more objective than many allegedly objective sources. Kudos to you, BMWBlog!
Colin Fox Thanks. That's what we try to do. Objective journalism. Also, I wouldn't say we're a fan site. We're journalists focusing on the BMW brand.
Did you noticed he even used the turn signals in the BMW....pretty rare to see on the roads haha
@NJturtlePower - BMW drivers are changing lane too fast, such that the turn signal didn't light up until after they finished. Comparing with Mercedes drivers I prefer BMW drivers in sharing the road with them.
Colin Fox - My thoughts exactly in watching this. VERY well done and came across as very objective while providing reasoned explanations for opinions.
Totally agree great non bias review and interesting points that you brought up that other reviewers miss. Thank you for not inserting annoying background music in this review.
I have no business subscribing to a bmw channel... but dang man. You did such a good job with this video. I look forward to looking around your channel and also seeing what you do in the future. Please keep up the great work!
Solid, objective video. Regarding the steering wheel buttons, they're unlabelled because they can be used to control many different things depending on context. Tesla also does wireless updates to add or improve functionality. As mentioned in the vid, they already updated the steering wheel controls to accommodate autopilot functions. It kind of highlights the different design philosophy. Most manufacturers tell you to live with what you bought or buy a new car. Tesla makes changes on the fly to accommodate customer requests and constantly improve the experience. Similar thought process behind touchscreen vs hard buttons. You can't really update or improve physical controls later on.
Really great point. I bought my first Tesla in June, 2017. Such an improved car now as compared to when purchased. What other car can change the 0-60 time from 5.2-4.2 just by having the firmware changed? That's a pretty significant difference. Just constantly evolving. They really get me all excited at times.
Correct. Labeling the Tesla buttons would be like labeling the buttons on your computer mouse.
A nicely balanced and unbiased review of both cars. It makes such a refreshing change from the ridiculous hyperbole for or against xyz car brand you normally see on CZcams - thank you.
I like the i3 and drive it often thru the local car sharing, but obviously the Tesla 3 is lightyears ahead. No comparison test was needed for this.
Same here. I enjoy my i3, but I got it only to ease the pain of having to wait so long for my Tesla Model 3 (for which I placed a deposit one year ago)
Well . . . . yes, I agree. The result of this comparison was a foregone conclusion. It was still well done, and I feel that I have a better understanding of what the i3 is. I won't be selling my Mod 3 for one, ever, obviously, but at least I know a little better why I won't. . . . .
well the comparison is in place because the cost is the same
A little.outdated reply .an overstatement .it's not light years .I have both and although the tesla 3 is overall a superior car it's definteky not light years
Great review. Thoughtful and a nice balanced perspective of each car..Love the undercarraige shot. Kudos!
Good video, well explained, thanks for sharing, Peace!
Thank you, been waiting for these 2 to compare side by side for a while now...
Np, glad someone enjoys it :)
Great review and excellent editing/filming.
As a former E39, E46, E93, F25 and F30 owner, I felt the i3 should have been marketed under the Mini brand. It just doesn't have the BMW feel, handling, presence that conveys what the ultimate driving machine is all about. It would have done well though as a Mini Cooper alternative. I just bought a Model 3 Dual Motor. I have to say I'm almost converted as it really does drive well. If it had a roundel on it, I'd find nothing out of place in how it goes about executing that BMW feel and performance. I'm hoping BWW reverse engineers the Model 3 and comes out with an even better alternative. Until then, I do love my new Model 3.
BMW could make excellent EVs, but they chose to build them under the i brand so as not to disrupt their mainstream cars. This is disappointing. Perhaps Tesla taking much of their market share (in the U.S.) will change their minds about taking EVs seriously and building decent ones.
It's extremely disappointing how reluctant and slow the old line automakers are towards making EVs.
BMW i4 is coming soon, same with the iX3 :)
We'll know if BMW are serious about EVs if they're as good as a 435i or X3. i3 is definitely not as good for driving feel or experience as any of the fossil BMWs.
It would probably have a much bigger appeal with the Mini shell.
i3 is still one of those weird lumpy electric cars, not sure why manufacturers expected that to be a good idea, or maybe the idea was to prove they do not sell all along.
+MsSomeonenew The i series are different by design so as not to compete with their "normal" cars. It's a standard brand strategy to create a new brand for something that's very different, such as EVs. It's a way to try something new without upsetting the existing brands.
Agree if BMW were really serious about EVs, they would make something equivalent to fully electric 3/4/5/6/7/8 series. Tesla Model 3 and S are almost exactly like electric BMW 3, 5/7 series. BMW would not build them, so Tesla did.
Really honest review and non-biased. We need a CZcamsr like you.
Nice well done review. Very objective and factual on both cars.
No it's not this is a BMW CZcams page. It shows the bias very much. There is no comparison between these cars which is why the i3 is 14k on the used market.
LOL
And no Tesla danboying which ruins most comparisons
Good balanced review - thank you
Hi from Prairie Village! Great content.
Good work, thanks for an objective review. Even as a tesla fan i wouldnt have been disappointed if you called the material quality of the i3 superior. I'm using the i3 a lot as part of drivenow in copenhagen and am rly loving it too.
Thanks for the great review. Turned in my i3 6 weeks ago and still waiting on my Model 3. I love the i3. I leased the i3 knowing that I had to wait for the Model 3, and loved driving it every day. Here's hoping that BMW will be less concerned with how they stack up against other electric cars, and make electric cars that replace their ICE vehicles.
Refreshingly objective. Great job
BMW needs to make a better EV sedan than the NEXT Tesla Model 3, they should not aim the current Model 3 as their target because Tesla doesn't stand still with current technology.
They are already 10 years behind and target current Tesla technology to deploy in 5 to 7 years! Not a very bright strategy to say the least.
HT N
Especially with software updates!
Yes, the same can be said about all the car brands. Especially the german ones who are giving lip service while trying to sell more diesels in Europe. Tesla Model 3 outsold all BMW cars combined in the US last month.
Agreed. All the competition is far behind at this point. Even the BMW i4, set to release in 2020, is 370mi range with probably premium finishes starting at $65K. By then Tesla $35k will be in full swing and BMW will find themselves behind the curve again. Why is BMW trying to create a sedan to compete with the Model S and not develop something to capture the 3 and 5 series fans? I feel like other manufacturers are still toying with the EV market and not pulling their all into it. EV is no longer the future, its the present.
@@UTUBESUCK666 The i4 coming out next month will have close to 400 mile range, so Tesla pretty handily defeated there.
Great video! I missed comments on BMW Driving Assistant Plus though. Is it anything like Teslas Autopilot?
so 1/3 of the range, range plummets when you get on the freeway, way less power and torque, and costs about as much at the Model 3. The M3 blows the bmw out of the water completely in every category.
M3?
Well Tesla’s aren’t exactly luxury
@@focke_wulf4133 M3 has become short-hand for model 3. It's not the best nickname though since BMW has an m3 as well.
See my post above; often BMW is forced to discount their car by $20k.
@@raider1284 its a stupid name. Call it Model 3 and not M3 because that is already another car
Not what I expected! Very Objective! Impressive, thanks for sharing your thoughts, love the Mineral Water 😜
Thanks, we've always been extremely objective!
Excellent review. Very balanced and accurate. Great to know what the trade-offs are between the two models.
Absolutely amazing video!
I own a 2014 BMW i3 base (not REX.) Did I hear correctly at the end of your review that BMW is "done" with this model? As in they will no longer manufacture the i3? My evil plan was to upgrade to a larger capacity battery in a few years. Last I heard, BMW of North America was piloting the battery upgrade program for the i3's. Of course this program will not materialize in the US if the i3 is discontinued. Would you happen to have any info on this? Thanks again for the great video!
I have had my T3 for a week now. I am totally blown away. My last two cars were BMW's. I would have to say that my Tesla is more comparable in speed, range, and performance to my BMW 335! Both are great cars, in their own right. However I give my T3 a loud OMG!
I never even considered a BMW i3. It's a matter of personal taste, but the look should have been a bit more traditional, and perhaps they would have sold more cars! BMW - cool look - but generally not accepted! Performance - not up to par with a T3. Quality - neither has a long track record to make that decision - yet!
Great review!
This was a very impressive review. Not only was it objective, but it really focused in on and compared all of the important elements. Great job.
Thank you. We appreciate it. Chuck is nothing but fair and on point.
Very objective...well done cograts..
Good honest review. Well done
Excellent and fair review - this coming from someone who owns a red, RWD Model 3 :) and considered buying a BMW i3 at one point.
Very informative video 👍🏾
Thank you!
Thanks for the honest review!
No problem, we try to do good journalism.
The 0-60 for the model 3 I believe is 5.1 seconds for that model 5.6 is the $35k version
yup. And its actually under rated. The LR RWD Model 3s ( that this guy drove) are doing around 4.7-4.9 0-60 :)
Agreed! And beyond 0-60 the lane change speed say 50-70 is where the 3 really shines. I returned (leased) my loaded 2015 Chrysler 300S 5.7l Hemi and miss NOTHING moving to the Model 3 LR RWD...ok 1 thing, the heated searing wheel, but performance and tech wise the 3 blows it away! Couldn't be happier :)
They are doing 4.7 0-60 when you measure with 1-foot rollout (the drag racing way). Without that (the from-a-standstill way) it's 5.1 as Tesla claims. Don't mix up measurements.
Nope.
4.7 0-60 vbox with no roll out....
4.7 vbox certified, plenty of videos to back this up. What the hell are you talking about???
As a BMW owner/enthusiast, BMW better step their game up... frankly disappointed.
I drove an i3 for 2 years and absolutely loved it, I was expecting a biased review, but glad you were objective
That's our job, to be objective. Chuck owns both Tesla and BMWs, so it's nice to hear first hand experiences
I love my i3 too
Props for this review/comparison. I initially thought this was gonna be way in favor of the BMW just by the channel name, but i was still interested because i haven't seen much on the i3. Definitely loved how you mentioned charging points for it, most stuff i see just mentions the speed at which they charge. I do wish you had mentioned styling which i know is subjective, but i'd have loved to hear your opinion. Also you mentioned they weren't making another i3 version, but you didn't mention if they planned to make another electric car.
Omg you’re in KC. My hometown. I’m planning on buying an i3 soon
+BMWBLOG An excellent review. I liked the calm and factual approach.
Nice even handed comparison. Very good camera work too.
Thank you!
Thanks for your 'fair and balanced' review. I test drove a Tesla earlier this summer and was impressed. My only concern is the driving range in cold weather (I live in Minnesota). Any comments from your viewers on winter driving characteristics (for an AWD version)?
Excellent review, thanks a lot for the good work. We own a Renault Zoe for more than a year now, and are waiting to be able to order the Model 3 here in Europe (pre booking in June 2017). We did not go for the BMW i3 as we found it too expensive for a city car (and for our second car).
Thank you.
Agreed, if you pay full price, the i3 is not cheap, luckily in the US, we get some good deals
Pleasantly suprised how balanced the review is. BMW should be in full blown panic mode now with the way Tesla model 3 sales are in the USA compared with all BMW cars put together.
Once all the fanbois have their hastily produced cars from the tent, demand will subside, especially when people realize that Telsa never intended to sell a 35k car because they can't make money on it. Just another fraud by Elon Musk.
@@SteveSmith-fh6br it's not a fraud. Tesla would die if it starts to sell the standard battery right now. it's all about economy of scale and the standard battery is only doable when the gigafactory is at close to full operation. it's more like a projected cost estimate. the fact that Tesla is able to get it down to $46k with mid range battery is already impressive.
@@louisfain Not really. Chevy is able to make an electric car with similar range for a lot less.
@@SteveSmith-fh6br Yes, but then... you would drive a... Chevy.
@@juancalcala1 True, but at least it wouldn't break down as much as the Tesla.
I went from an i3 to a Model 3. There is lots to like about both vehicles. The carbon fibre construction of the i3 was great and I do miss the blue light. The seating position and turning circle on the i3 are great and I didn't mind the look. It was super quick 0-30 too. That said, the ability to road trip the Model 3 and Autopilot alone make it an easy decision.
Great and accurate review. I thought you were initially trying to push the BMW. I'm glad I watched further. Great review.
Everyone that reads BMWBLOG knows how objective we are. We're journalists, not fanboys.
No Tesla bashing?
You restored my faith in humanity.
@Wirmish - "No Tesla bashing?" - You were watching BMWBLOG, not a hater site.
I was looking at a used i3 as an alternative to the Tesla Model 3. You've just convinced me to save my money and go with the Tesla. Thanks
You're garage is incredible! Thank you for making this impartial video. Tesla has already pushed out some over the air updates, since you produced this video.
Haha yeah, that garage is insane.
Hi. Are those 35% tints on the sides?
What I'm waiting for is a comparison between the Model 3 and the 330i. Now THAT would be fun.
That's actually e good idea.
Better BMW M3 vs Tesla M3 performance. Evaluate cost of ownership, maintenance, performance, daily commute and a road trip.
@@JuanMii24 a BMW M3 is a lot more expensive, a comparison wouldnt make sense
JuanMii24 here you go. If your a BMW fan start crying
czcams.com/video/n7EFiqEyv_c/video.html
Douglas Kerr just watch this drag race!
czcams.com/video/n7EFiqEyv_c/video.html
I was waiting for the BMW results winning out, regardless of how hard you tried to highlight the BMW's good points...but kudos for not going that way, and being very forthright and honest in your review. One additional comment though...those scroll wheels are really very nice and intuitive. How often do you need to change the side view mirrors while you drive? Yes you'll have to drill down in the menu, but doing this kind of adjustments have to be made while sitting still. I also love the fact that there isn't a ton of moving parts like dials, buttons and switches to deal with. Just a simple screen that becomes easier to use with each use of the car. Thanks again for your review.
Nice bro
So...
Looks: Tesla
Interior: Tesla
Luxury Amenities: Tesla
Sound system: Tesla
Acceleration: Tesla
Top Speed: Tesla
Overall Handling: Tesla
Range: Lol. Tesla
Highway Stability/Aero dynamics: Tesla
Safety: Tesla
Technology: Tesla
Autopilot/Cruise Control system: Tesla
OTA Update ability: Tesla
Practicality: Tesla
Seat Comfort: Tesla
Cabin Noise: Tesla
Infotainment System: Tesla
Charing speed: Tesla
Charging Network: Tesla
Size of Trunk: Tesla
Frunk: Tesla
Passenger seating space Tesla
Price: Tesla
Desirability/Cool factor: Tesla
Resale Value: most likely Tesla, considering the I3's abysmal resale value...
Efficiency: despite weighting much more and with more power, they're somehow the same?
Chassis Material/Weight: BMW
To be fair, this is comparing an older BMW model to the latest from Tesla. But is what leads to headlines like:
Tesla Model 3 outsells entire BMW car lineup in August 2018
www.autoblog.com/2018/09/06/tesla-model-3-outsells-entire-bmw-car-lineup/
I actually like the smaller form factor of the BMW and the looks is really cute.
This is a 2018 model i3, isn't it?
Oh it is they are both 2018. That is not good for BMW.
Turning radius: BMW
The settings for vehicle spacing with Active Cruise Control are 'time gaps' rather than 'car lengths'. The smallest one is about a 2 second gap.
My man finally put some shoes on in the end!
Thanks for your truly unbiased review. I am a Tesla fan boy, I traded my 335d for a model S but still have a BMW R1200 GSA. The best of both worlds!!!
Thanks for the review. To open the Model 3 door, press the tall part of the handle with the thumb and grab the long part of the handle that sticks out with your other fingers. It can be done overhand or underhand, depending on which hand you're using and which side of the car you're on. I've seen little kids do it perfectly.
0-60 for the Standard Range Model 3, which has not been sold yet, is 5.6 seconds. 0-60 for the Long Range car, like yours, is 5.1 seconds, though people have gone quicker.
I drove the original i3 and found it very tippy and very un-BMW like in driving feel. It honestly felt bad to drive; much worse than a standard VW Golf. Glad to hear the sport version of i3 is better. Agree shorter range EVs are practical for most of the driving people actually do.
However long range + extensive fast charger network enables long road trips in Teslas. You can easily drive across the U.S. in a Tesla using the Supercharger network.
Aside from both being electric and having similar pricing, there is simply no comparison between an i3/Bolt/Leaf and a Model 3. The Model 3 is very strongly a BMW 3 series competitor, not a hatchback competitor. Therefore a better comparison would be Long Range Model 3 versus 330i, it's stated competition.
P.S. A Model 3 Performance version will leave a BMW M3/M4 in the dust on a race track.
The aerodynamics on the M3 are phenomenal, a semi traveling the opposite direction at high speed, basically has no affect. While passing 8-10 cars on the plains , I saw 120mph - rock stable.
Nice review! I like both cars a lot. I live in Berlin city and there is not much room for parking space. So I will go for the BMW i3, because of the better room space, the door concept, the turning cycle, the nicer electric sound and its all over usefullness for having a car and living in the city...
Thank you. Glad you like it. Same in Chicago, not much parking around so the i3 is perfect
you portrayed the short range Model's 3's 0-60 time of 5.6s and not the RWD time of 5.1s (which is actually more like 4.8). SO speed wise you're comparing the $35K model 3 to however priced the BMW is....
Great review. I’m looking for a used i3 for my wife. I have a 2018 Model 3 and it’s easily the best car I’ve ever owned and it’s getting better with time.
Both are good choices! And used i3s are starting to rise in value
Great review! Thank you! It looks like BMW i3 will be purchased by BMW enthusiasts only as soon as Model 3 $35K base version will be available. Unless BMW will drop a price for the BMW i3 to a Nissan Leaf range.
I just think BMW dropped the ball when they did not reengineer the 3 series to accommodate a full electric propulsion. It's not that hard if you're a talented designer/engineer.
Best to start as an electric vehicle. It allows for more innovation and better fit and finish.
It is almost impossible to cross a ICE and EV on the same platform. One is designed for batteries in the floor, drive units in the rear, no fuel tank, etc. The other is designed for engine in the front, no batteries in the floor, fuel tank in the rear, etc.
Some automakers I believe have attempted this in the past, but ended up abandoning the effort going to a dedicated EV platform instead.
It is like making a Mermaid, you end up with half woman half fish, and neither is something that anyone wants who is looking for a woman or a fish.
They have to build new factory for the whole different architecture
If I were to chose between the model 3 and i3 brand new I would choose the model 3 right away butttttt in the used market bmw i3s are around $15k! I’m wanting to try out EV vehicles and I’m going with the i3, I’ve watched so many reviews from long term owners and they seem to love the car. This was a great review btw!
We have two between our staff now, and in total, we owned 5 since its inception. We all love the i3 and one of us has the Model 3 as well.
I would absolutely love a model 3 but picked up an off lease 2016 i3 Rex for 18k (something average mortals like myself can afford). A HUGE step up from my leaf. Great review, btw.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
No one in their right mind would buy a BMW i3 over a Tesla Model 3 for the same money...
Depends, some people want an EV with a great lease. Some i3 lease deals are insane
BMWBLOG Tesla has great lease deals also
Jarl Ballin' they are 13k Pre owner now lol
Jarl Ballin' build quality is what chose me to drive an I3, but also the only reason.
You get what you pay for (at least in our country)
I would and I’m in my right mind. Teslas are ugly, unreliable and are poorly built.
"Which would you buy?"
Tesla, in a heartbeat, any day of the week, probably for at least the next 10 years... but almost certainly forever at this rate. I mean, no Supercharger network, no FREE over the air update, self driving nowhere near autopilot, inferior battery technology, laughable range, still stuck with frustrating, inefficient and costly dealership... The list goes on and on. All this for about the same price? Easiest decision ever.
Also, compare the Model 3 the more suitable BWM M3, you will come to the same conclusion: Tesla is truly alone on top.
Ramon Zarat for the moment i drive a F80 M3.
Don't need much mileage for work- home traffic.
My choice would be clear to, the i3.
Reason, no American crap in my garage.
Two bird with one stone.
hey man, great content. But please work on the monotone
What a great review of two great cars, thanks for preparing this so well. I really enjoyed watching it and agree with all your comments. I have had my i3 for three years here in the UK (I love it!), but am going to order a Model 3 Long Range very soon, really impressed with the Tesla when test driving it recently. We look forward to getting heaps more range at motorway speeds when visiting continental Europe in the summer, indeed the lower CD factor of the Tesla gives it much more of an economy edge at higher speeds than the more blunt i3, plus, of course, the advantage of plenty of charge points everywhere and in sensible en-route places. A win-win!
Thank you! Chuck did a great job being extremely objective.
As a Model 3 owner I appreciate your honest review.
UGH,I wan to electronically mod the model 3 handle so when it unlocks it opens the handle for you. maybe one day when I eventually buy one..give it 10 years. lol
I came here expecting another bias, anti Tesla review- especially considering its a BMW fan channel.
Boy was I wrong- very good reviews of the vehicles and you genuinely highlights failings and issues with both.
Thumbs up, subscribed!
@8:42 you can search and play playlists from the Tesla screen itself. You dont need your phone to play a certain playlist.
Ahh, thanks for the info!
I have to add one important point which I found during Corona lockdown. My BMW i3 (120Ah) was parked for about 30 days and not connected during that time. The loss of charge to the traction battery was not noticeable, km left and SOC remained unchanged during the whole 30 days. No vampire built in as ti seems...
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing
I think price is really thr only area where they are comparable and I say that from having tried both cars over a weekend. BMW through a dealer test drive and the model 3 through renting on Turo while in Las Vegas. The I3 (full disclosure have owned 3 BMW) is a great little city car. It is more like a traditional internal combustion car in layout etc. However there was no comparison with the Tesla Model3. The model 3 is simply a better all around car. Are there interior differences etc, sure, but once you get used to them, say a day or so, you will not miss your old car. That being said i did drive a dual motor extended range also, and the way power comes on is a bit addictive. However i could see why people pick the tesla options warts and all.
So the M3 won.
I believe his final comment was "obviously ... the clear winner in this case is the Tesla Model 3."
Well yes the Model 3 won, an M3 is a performance BMW.
My neighbor has the Tesla 3, it's a fun car to drive and the the ability to go long distances are fantastic. I did notice some quality issues though, you can find them on CZcams. The BMW i3 is exactly as described, a city or urban car for daily use. The quality is superb and it handles so well and extremely fun to drive, but it isn't made for driving long distances although you can get a range extender.
Well done, nice objective review from a BMW guy. I'd subscribe to your blog as your video is really good, but I'm not a BMW fan, sorry.
All good, we appreciate the subscription. :)
I traded in a 2016 i3 REX when I got my model 3. There’s no comparison I’m afraid, the model 3 is better all around. I loved my i3 but I have zero regrets. 80 miles of range turns into 37 quickly in Minnesota winters. I have a very short commute but the times I needed to travel even just outside the city I found myself stressed or just not taking the trip in the i3. The shorter range and lack of fast charging network limits the car. Also the tech integration overall is way behind the times. iPhone integration and nav are both terrible.
Thank for great review and comparison. But I think the model 3 you drove, you mentioned specs incorrect. It is 0-60 in 5.1 sec, not 5.6. I felt Model 3 advantages are downplayed little overall. You did not say how much Wh/mile on highway on i3 at 75MPH. It seems BMW i3 disadvantages down played as well. But again it is not too bad. I was former BMW driver, now Tesla Model 3. Driven i3 few times, and frankly it is not in the same league as Tesla Model 3. But glad to see your perspective.
80kWh battery vs. 33kWh? These two cars are not comparable, IMO, two completely different categories, while the prices happen to coincide...
You are right, this 2 Cars are so different. Use of carbon plastic and frame built inn aluminium, thats one of the reasons Its so ekspensiv to comparable Witherspoon Electric Carsten.
When you say the autopilot will eventually "shut off" if left unattended, does that mean it brings the car to a stop?
Very, very objective !
The Tesla Super Charger Network is VAST and they’re adding more all the time. You can take a Tesla on nearly any trip, of any length. And with a 310 mile range, by the time you need to charge, you’re ready to get out and stretch your legs/eat/drink coffee/whatever while the Super Charger blasts electrons into your car at 120 kW/h. Who would buy such an expensive “city car” as the i3? Game over. I’m glad to see my boy made the right call: “…we love BMWs, but in this case, the clear winner is the Tesla Model 3.” Correct.
Was this filmed in Illinois?
Kansas City
Very fair review. Difference between a car company that is commented to EVs and one that is dipping it toe. BMW could easily make a really good EV but the do not want to cut into their profitable ICE market.
Good job.
I bought an i3 as my first EV while I was waiting for a Model 3 to become available for a test drive. I really loved the car when I bought it. We bought our Model 3 about a year later to replace our other car. The Tesla Model 3 is a superior car in nearly every way, except for being a small car that can park where small cars can park. They are very different cars. The i3 is loaded with stuff but lacks what a modern car (as envisioned by Tesla) should have... software updates over the air. Because of all of the buttons, it is a less flexible interface, with the exception of the "radio" memory buttons being programmable to able any component in the menu system. The Tesla has a minimalist feel and everything is the software interface and changeable by Tesla in the future with over the air updates.
Here are the significant advantages of the Model 3:
1. Way better range
2. The Tesla Supercharger network
3. Normal tires that don't need to be replaced annually and are seriously expensive (actually, it is a BIG problem and enough to tilt the TCO in favor of the Model 3 by itself)
Here are the advantages of the i3:
1. Very tight turning radius and highly maneuverable
3. The hatchback makes for seriously better cargo that the Model 3... despite the Model 3 having a large trunk, the opening is rather small
The BMW i3 is significantly overpriced. It should have a starting price of maybe $32k (before incentives). And this is based on the latest models with higher range. Many of the issues with the Model 3 are addressed in the Model Y or not much difference in price.
The i3 price might be high, but the incentives on it are amazing. Leases in the $200-$300 range are not uncommon
@@bmwblog Yep, and I would still do a Model 3. A new Model 3 can be leased for $336. The difference in price over the life of the lease is fully mitigated by the cost of tire replacement which would not happen during the lease with the Model 3 and would happen at least once, if not twice, over the lease of the i3. I still have both cars. The Model 3 is ridiculously better, though.
No comp between these two cars. How about Model 3 vs 335 or M3?
First, let me congratulate the author on a surprise ending. I fully expected the BMW to magically win with a video intended for BMW enthusiasts.
In the year since this video was made, Tesla Model 3 has sold HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of units, more than doubled the charge rate from 120kW to 250kW (Long Range and Performance only with v3 Supercharger), pushed out numerous firmware updates and features, earned 5 star crash testing worldwide, been the number one selling car in Norway (not just for an EV... #1 CAR), and many other changes.
The Tesla Model Y (hatchback / crossover version of Model 3) will be available next year, in 2020.
The Tesla Model 3 will start rolling out of a China factory in just a few months.
BMW has all but discontinued the i3, which is stagnant at maybe 500 sales per month in selected US markets.
Thanks. We're objective, that's the idea of our website. To present the news. And you're right, since, the BMW i3 fell behind. The next true competitor to the Tesla Model 3 will be the BMW i4
Three times the range for the same price, plus a nationwide network of super charging stations. The Tesla Model 3 is superior to the BMW I3.
I'm a BMW fan, own two currently, but I wouldn't stomach that ugly duckling in my driveway. Very useful review.
Wow, extremely considerate and neutral comparison. Thank you. What I learned:
I would still go for the Tesla, but for only mainly town driving (where I just cycle) a (used) BMW would be a cheaper, even more convenient alternative. So the BMW is a good city premium carsharing car.
1:05. The ActivE prototype was awesome but BMW decided that people NEED to have an ICE car as their main car. Deliberate choice
BMW_BLOG: Have you consider doing a comparison with other electric cars too. As others have said this is the most objective review I have ever seen especially considering this is a BMW BLOG.
I would love to see you compare other cars as I think you can find the true faults with all cars and give an honest opinion.
PS. I just went to two Electric Drive Weeks, and the BMW owners clearly loved their cars. The only problem they complained about is their wives once they had driven the cars insisted that they buy them one too.
Keep up the good work, and honestly when I go to buy my next car I will be checking your reviews first to see if BMW's next model is worth while looking at.
Nice video, one thing about "getting used to" the Tesla because I hear that a lot on reviews. Tesla did extensive interface testing, they could have made it just like an ICE car so it's easy AT FIRST. But OVER TIME, the feed back was to change it to what it is now, because people were COMPLAINING and didn't like it OVER TIME. Really you need to drive it every day for a month, THEN people would understand why it is the way it is and then do a review.
I’d take the Model 3 over the i3
I'm an electrical engineer and love anything about technology, electricity, 3 phase induction motors and philosophy of Nicolas Tesla, but when it comes to cars i'd take the M4 or C63 over both of these EV. I can tune the M4/C63 to have 600-700 hp easily and it will be able to keep up with a lot of supercars up to 300kmh on Autobahn, whereas I can't do any tuning upgrades with Tesla. You only get what manufacturers give you.
15:45 I have heard that fast charging shortens the batteries life span. ?
Thanks. Do you mean the car would wear out and be in the junk yard before the batteries wear out? I thought that was a big concern when buying a used EV. Some people were debating the merits of buying an inexpensive used EV and having new batteries installed.
Thanks sbmphr.
The i3 was made to be a second car and especially for car sharing (DriveNow) in big cities, which follows a totally different concept than what the Tesla was designed for. The two cars therefore are not really comparable imo, but nevertheless this is a very balanced review! Well done 👍
Here's my take about that BMW philosophy for not putting more range, why now they are adding more range? I think because of the cost of the battery, they relay on battery market price that's why they can't put more battery in there.
Really Great Review by the way!!!
I am surprised that neither car has a heated steering wheel, as it was an option on the SMART 453 EQ.
Likely for efficiency reasons and because it came out over 8-9 years ago
I’m not sure it’s as easy as get in it and drive as far as the i3. I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to get that thing in drive. The shifter is wonky on that thing.
Your foot needs to be on the brake when you change gear, that's the only issue I've seen when people have driven one. It even comes up on the display and pings to tell you to put your foot on the brake if you've tried to change gear without doing so. It's not complicated. The only issue is that it's slightly obscured by the steering wheel itself, but then again, twist forwards to go forward and backwards to go back. Again, it's not complicated, and a lot more intuitive than normal automatics where you pull pack to go into Drive and push forwards to shift into Reverse.
Mark Parker It’s not so much putting your foot on the brake. That’s a natural thing to do because every automatic car a person has driven requires you to press the brake to get it out of park. What I’m talking about it the whole shift lever/nub that’s next to the wheel. It looks like one of those Bop It! toys. I’m just saying it’s not the easiest to get out of park. I know from experience and seen others struggle with it as well. Valet drivers hate that thing. Lol
Ken Eisner ah ok, so basically it’s just a lack of familiarity, rather than it being temperamental. I’m not sure we have a lot of valet parking over this side of the pond, so normally the people driving it are either the owner, the garage, and maybe the tyre change place.
i3 is cool, but there is no comparison other than price. Model 3 wins hands down.
For a BMW blog I am very impressed with what you perceive the competition of the i3 to be. [I subscribed to your channel.] Tesla may not always be so far ahead of its EV competition but for the established ICE car makers it is going to be very difficult to make an EV that compares to a Tesla while making money doing it. As you mention, charging any EV, other than a Tesla, on a road trip is simply out of the question. The rate of charge at private rechargers is many times slower than the Tesla Superchargers, and the ability to take up a fast charge is dramatically lower in any EV other than a Tesla. Maybe one of the Super-Duper Tesla Killers that we have been hearing about since the Model S came out in 2012, will improve on that. If not, they all will remain very expensive runabouts.