BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3
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.
Data checked: specs 3 Oct 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 4 others.
A blank cell below means 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.
$88,900RRP
- with the Tesla Model 3's standard kit: $88,900 (nothing to add)
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW i4 & Tesla Model 3
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $45,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $43,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $97,790 and $50,490 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
The Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the BMW i4. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 and 90% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW i4, against 4 on the Tesla Model 3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Recalls on our record
BMW i4
- REC-005559 · published 10 Nov 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery may not meet specifications and could discharge or in some instances lead to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005503 · published 23 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery does not meet specifications and may result in an electrical short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
80.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 180kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 180kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 16-inch display.
The BMW i4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 63mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 i4) vs 5 years (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i4 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (73 vs 67). The BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $45,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i4 by $43,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 572km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 180kW.
Which is safest?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
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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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