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BMW 1 Series vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Tesla Model 3?

BMW 1 Series vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
details

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,348 £.

Model 3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Tesla Model 3 offers visibly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 160 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers visibly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is noticeably lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,822 kg. The difference is around 357 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers noticeably more boot space – 594 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 214 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries noticeably more – 510 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 177 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £31,700
Model 3

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 534 - 750 km
BMW 1 Series
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that pairs brisk, responsive driving with a sleek, minimalist cabin and intuitive, software-led features. It makes a practical, modern choice for daily commutes and long-term ownership while emphasizing simplicity and advanced driver assistance.

details
BMW 1 Series
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,822 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
302 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Tesla
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.