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Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 1 Series comparison

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

Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 1 Series: Key differences

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • markedly lighter
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

Model 3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

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

1 Series

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Tesla Model 3 offers noticeably 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 considerably 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 clearly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

Model 3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

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

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers markedly 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 visibly 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 stands well ahead of its rival 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
Tesla Model 3
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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

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.

details
Tesla Model 3
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

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

Dimensions and Body

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

Engine and Performance

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

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
Brand
Tesla
Brand
BMW
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.