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Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i5 comparison

Compare performance (460 HP vs 601 HP), boot space and price (31,700 £ vs 60,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Tesla Model 3 or BMW i5?

Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i5: Key differences

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • moderately more electric range
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
  • a bit more trunk space
details

BMW i5

  • markedly more power
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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.

Tesla Model 3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 31,700 £ , while the BMW i5 costs 60,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 29,066 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Tesla Model 3 is somewhat more efficient: consuming 13 kWh/100km compared to 14.7 kWh/100km for the BMW i5. That’s a difference of about 1.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers moderately more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 123 km more than the BMW i5.

i5

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 BMW i5 offers markedly more power – delivering 601 HP compared to 460 HP. That’s roughly 141 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the BMW i5 takes 3.8 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i5 delivers slightly more torque with 820 Nm compared to 660 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm more.

Model 3

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, Tesla Model 3 is visibly lighter – 1,772 kg compared to 2,195 kg. The difference is around 423 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers a bit more boot space – 594 L compared to 490 L. That’s a difference of about 104 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i5 carries noticeably more – 545 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 168 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 holds a decisive overall lead 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
details

Frequently compared as well

Tesla Model 3
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BMW i5
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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.

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Reviews Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
Trex
13 May 2026, 14:34:19

Excellent traction, relatively low energy consumption, driver-assist systems that are in a class of their own. On top of that, a very responsive steering system.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
dino999
18 Nov 2025, 08:47:05

I wanted to give 0 stars but you can't — unfortunately, it sucks.

BMW i5

The BMW i5 swaps predictable executive-car manners for a confident electric vibe, marrying refined comfort with surprisingly engaging steering. It’s a practical choice that doesn’t feel dull, offering the kind of clean, premium experience that makes commuting feel like a small indulgence.

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Reviews BMW i5

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BMW i5

Costs and Consumption
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Price
60,800 - 85,900 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Electric Range
540 - 627 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Curb weight
2,195 - 2,370 kg
Trunk capacity
594 L
Trunk capacity
490 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,850 mm
Width
1,900 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
303 - 377 kg
Payload
525 - 545 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Power HP
340 - 601 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Torque
430 - 820 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Power kW
250 - 442 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Tesla
Brand
BMW
What drive types are available for the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

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.