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BMW i5 Saloon vs Tesla Model 3 (2023)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BMWi5 SaloonTeslaModel 3 (2023)
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2023October 2023
Performance
PowertrainElectricElectric
Power335–593 bhp279–491 bhp
0–62 mph3.8–6 s3.1–6.2 s
Top speed120–143 mph110–162 mph
Engine or motorseDrive40: rear motor, 250 kW (340 hp); M60 xDrive: two motors, 442 kW (601 hp); bhp converted from BMW's kW figuresRear permanent-magnet synchronous motor; AWD versions add a front induction motor (Tesla owner's manual). EV Database lists 208 kW (RWD), 235 kW (Premium RWD) and 366 kW (Premium AWD), converted here to bhp. Tesla UK gives 460 hp peak power for Performance; EV Database lists a conflicting 461 kW for that version
Torque400 Nm (eDrive40), 795 Nm (M60 xDrive)310 lb-ft (RWD), 332 lb-ft (Premium RWD), 364 lb-ft (Premium AWD) (EV Database); Tesla UK doesn't publish torque
GearboxSingle-speed automaticSingle-speed fixed gear, 9.03:1
DriveRear-wheel drive (eDrive40) or all-wheel drive (M60 xDrive)Rear-wheel drive (RWD, Premium RWD) or all-wheel drive (Premium AWD, Performance)
Range and charging
Zero-emission range (WLTP)331–384 miles332–466 miles
Battery81.2 kWh–
Fastest charging205 kW175–250 kW
Range detailWLTP 321–384 miles (eDrive40, depending on trim), 295–331 miles (M60 xDrive)Tesla UK's 2026 WLTP range: 332 miles (RWD), 429–466 miles (Premium RWD, depending on wheels), 410 miles (Premium AWD), 354 miles (Performance). Premium versions were sold as Long Range until 2026. The Performance 0–62 mph time is Tesla's with a one-foot rollout subtracted; EV Database gives 3.4 s with it added back
Charging81.2 kWh battery as BMW UK lists it; DC up to 205 kW, 10–80% in 30 minutes; AC 11 kW (8.5 hours) or 22 kW (4.25 hours), 22 kW on the M60DC up to 175 kW (RWD) or 250 kW (others); 11 kW AC; Tesla Supercharger and CCS2 public chargers. Tesla doesn't publish battery capacity: EV Database estimates 60 kWh usable (RWD, CATL LFP) and 79 kWh usable (Long Range and Performance, LG NMC)
Efficiency3.5–4.2 miles/kWh (eDrive40), 3.2–3.6 miles/kWh (M60 xDrive), WLTP combinedOfficial power consumption: 13.0 kWh/100 km (RWD), 13.6 kWh/100 km (Premium RWD), 14.3 kWh/100 km (Premium AWD), 16.5 kWh/100 km (Performance) (Tesla UK)
CO2 emissions0 g/km0 g/km
Practicality
BodySaloonSaloon
Seats55
Boot490 litres594 litres
Length5,060 mm4,720 mm
Width1,900 mm1,850 mm
Boot490 litres594 litres behind the rear seats; 88-litre front boot; 682 litres total cargo volume with five seats up (Tesla owner's manual)
TowingUp to 1,500 kg braked (eDrive40), 2,000 kg (M60 xDrive)Up to 1,000 kg with trailer brakes and Tesla's tow package; Performance not rated for towing (Tesla owner's manual)
Size5,060 mm long, 1,900 mm wide (2,156 mm with mirrors), 1,515 mm high (1,505 mm M60); 2,995 mm wheelbase; EC unladen weight including a 75 kg driver 2,195 kg (eDrive40), 2,370 kg (M60 xDrive)4,720 mm long (4,724 mm Performance), 1,850 mm wide without mirrors (2,089 mm with mirrors), 1,440 mm high (1,431 mm Performance); 2,875 mm wheelbase; 11.7 m turning circle. Tesla UK curb mass: 1,772 kg (RWD), 1,747 kg (Premium RWD), 1,824 kg (Premium AWD), 1,851 kg (Performance)
Tech and safety
Infotainment–15.4-inch centre touchscreen. Current base RWD has no rear touchscreen; Premium and Performance configurations have an 8-inch rear touchscreen. The original 2023 launch trim equipment differs from the later entry-level RWD. No separate driver display; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Driver assistance–Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer; Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Assist and Intelligent Speed Assist (Tesla owner's manual)
Safety rating–Euro NCAP 5 stars (2025): adult occupant 90%, child occupant 93%, vulnerable road users 89%, safety assist 87%
Warranty–Battery and drive unit 8 years or 100,000 miles (RWD) or 120,000 miles (Premium and Performance) (Tesla UK)

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