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.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $34,000.
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 $60,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW i4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i4 and 8 in the Tesla Model 3.
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.
How long to charge
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 170kW 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 15.4-inch display.
The BMW i4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with 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.
Drivetrain
The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 208kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 67kWh (BMW i4) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3). DC fast charging peaks at 180kW (BMW i4) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 63mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 212L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i4 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.6m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i4 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 has a clear edge. 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 $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i4 by $34,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 180kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i4 makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW i4 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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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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