BMW i3 vs Tesla Model S
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BMW i3: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
Tesla Model S: we're still completing price, width, height, kerb weight and power, plus 6 others.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
108.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model S gets a 17-inch display.
The BMW i3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model S. The Tesla Model S counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 measures 4,760mm long on a 2,897mm wheelbase, 219mm shorter than the Tesla Model S at 4,979mm (2,960mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model S generally means more rear legroom.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 4 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model S). The BMW i3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model S if: You or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW i3 and Tesla Model S trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW i3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i3 and Tesla Model S?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW i3 has the most range at 900km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i3 and Tesla Model S carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW i3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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