BMW i4 from Tesla owners perspective

[@socalviet1]

Previous Model X owner here just switched to the BMW iX. Build and ride quality is 1000% better than the X! iX has adequate power and so much more comfortable. The only thing Tesla is better at is with the autopilot, but BMW intelligent cruise control is not far behind. Overall I’m so happy with not dealing with the Model X anymore!

[@ClubXXXPoison]

While I’ve never driven either, my takeaway from the video is that the BMW is a driver’s car whereas the Tesla is an Elon car. Meaning that BMW has a far better comprehension of what a luxury sports car enthusiast/purchaser wants in a car whereas Elon just gives you what he wants in a car. My only question is how many electric vehicles can BMW produce each year? Tesla’s design simplicity gives it an edge as they seem to be able to crank out prolific quantities of their vehicles with their minimalist design.

[@PerfectorZY]

What year was your X? Cause ride quality has improved substantially this year. A 2018 Tesla and a 2022 don’t even feel like the same company.

[@noorghani5053]

@@PerfectorZY My uncle has the latest model x he bought a few months ago. After moving from an x7, he wants to move back to the x7 and I don't blame him. The doors are cool but thats about it. He ordered the BMW iX and should get it in September. Luckily cuz of pre owned car prices, he broke even for the model x.

[@PerfectorZY]

@@noorghani5053 That's fine, to each his own. I have a model Y and don't plan on going anywhere. Also, HEAVILY depends on what wheels you got. I went with the smallest wheels/largest tires and my ride quality is great. People with performance tires tend to complain about ride quality. We really need more EV's to push infrastructure to evolve so doesn't matter either way really.

[@currycel470]

@@PerfectorZY Elon is fake 🥥🥥

[@davidweston9799]

I’ve been bouncing around ideas for an EV. This and the Model 3 are big contenders. I think you nailed my driving perspective and what I care about. I don’t need movies, don’t want to pay a car connection subscription, want reasonable commuting range but won’t use it for long hauls, have kids, etc. This i4 screams high quality materials and tangible, everyday driving advantages over the Model 3. Tesla (which I’m still a fan of!) seems like a battery/tech company building cars. BMW is a car company going electric.

[@rono33]

BTW I just test drove the i4. Great job BMW did, but FYI you DO get charged connection fee per month by BMW too...

[@hjlee7058]

Absolutely right👍🙏

[@joemartino6976]

Thank you! Ordered my i4 (single motor) couple of weeks ago after consideration of the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai/Kia twins. The experience at the BMW dealer was surprising and great. No gimmicks, no markups, no unwanted options. Including the $7.5K tax incentive, the i4 came in at $53K plus tax and tags. Drove the Y and did not particularly care for the minimalist interior, the rougher ride or the $63K price tag. Drove the Kia EV6 and it was OK....but the $5K dealer markup + the required $4k package of useless dealer options completely knocked it off the list for me. Driving experience was the primary benefit of the BMW for me and the negatives of the other two vehicles made it an easy decision. Only reservation is that I didn't get the adaptive suspension because it wouldn't allow the Dravit Grey color option (wife insisted) or certain wheel choices. Great review! Again, thank you. On a separate note, I'm a retired ad guy and I used to work with the two creative guys who came up with BMW's "Ultimate Driving Machine" tag line many years ago. When I look to buy a car I always try to boil the choice down to a single, compelling reason. For the Tesla, it was cutting edge EV technology, for the Kia/Hyundai twins it was value. For the BMW, just as you said, it was the driving experience and that's what won the race.

[@E2_Hawkeye]

Did you try a Model 3? It is weird you put a sedan up against the crossover for your choice there. The 3 is much cheaper and performs much better. I'm not sure why people buy the Y at all. If the interior is a key point then you made the right choice though I enjoy it because I'm in tech and super adaptable. I find the vent system to be about 100x better than any other car and the delivery of heat/cooling via some of that minimalist interior. I do think it's a cop out to not have something behind the wheel in the 3 and y when they have it in the S and X- obviously they are saying the S and X are the best when you look at the price tag. Idk if you did get to drive a model 3 but if so let me know how the driving compared. I've found my 3 to crush my ICE BMW's that I've owned over the years and I never thought a car could handle better than a BMW until the 3. Again I'm not impressed with the Y so whatever that is worth.

[@PedroDVC]

The driving experience from a BMW is on another level...

[@ds1phonesystems293]

I didn’t think this qualified for the $7500 tax incentive, because it is not assembled in the USA. Did the dealer take it off of your invoice?

[@AyushK]

@@ds1phonesystems293 it did qualify until biden passed the new federal tax credit bill

[@mh0Ang95]

​@@E2_Hawkeye 3 is still not a cheap car... The few extra thousand you pay for BMW is well worth it for the superior quality and drive as many praise. Its tried and true, and executed the electric transition nicely. Most have said it has better range than TM3 with regards to the eDrive40

[@raymondwong2521]

The BMW has very great design for the trunk area too. One can easily use tie down anchors to secure things and bulky items in the trunk area. When my brother tries to put his doggie cart in the Model Y's trunk, the doggie cart just slide left and right and back and forth a lot making scratches in the Model Y's trunk area. The BMW has a lot of tie down anchors for securing items, hooks on the side panels for grocery bags, etc. The German company has been in the business long enough to know how important it is to tie down things in the trunk especially if you have a fast car for cornering and accelerating and stopping.

[@salcipres8556]

I was completely open minded in my pursuit of a full EV. I expected I would love the Tesla (Model 3) but I've also owned two BMW's (2007 530xi and 2010 135). When I went to test drive the model 3, I was not impressed with the fit-n-finish of the vehicle. Also, for me (as this gent points out) the minimalist interior was just not my preference. I wasn't keen to have to look at a center mounted display for my speed or other vehicle information. I've ordered the i4 e40 as I feel my transition to a full EV will be a better experience for driving. If you've ever driven in Germany on the Autobaun (I have) you would understand why the BMW (and Mercedes) vehicles are built so well. They have to be because driving at high speeds in varying terrain needs higher performance than what we typically experience in the USA driving environments. BMW's tag line "the ultimate driving machine" are not just words, they are the culture and DNA of the company as demontrated by the precision engineering and manufacturing maturity along with a brilliant systems integration of evolving technology. Loved this video from an owners perspective. You did a nice job of explaining your personal experience with both vehicles.

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

Ha ha you are in for a nasty surprise if you want to drive this thing at Autobahn speed. The battery will be drained in no time. But no problem, because then there is the supercharger network. Oh...

[@Osmosis909]

BMW has fanbois too I guess! Ultimate driving machine!! Plenty of vehicles are comparable to BMW”S, but it comes down to personal preference. Some people just like BMWs

[@BMWofFW]

@@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726 technically ANY car will be quickly drained at autobahn speeds. Gas and electric alike.

[@Aizman87]

@@Osmosis909 😂😂😂 joke of the week

[@Daniel-tx2vt]

@@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726 europe already has a comprehensive charging network though. Even tesla owners use them…

[@robp3431]

Great to hear from someone with real-world Tesla experience ! When 0-60 times wear-off, and you focus on comfort and usability, there may be better options......promising future !

[@adamf.8564]

0-60 seconds never get old, BUT your back and alertness definitely will thank you for the comfort on the long run.

[@wenshengding4394]

Well tbh the 0-60 in both the BMW and Tesla are equivalent so thats not even the reason but U have to take into consideration of the 20grand more for a bmw over the model 3 and of course if you pay 20k more u get better interior and better seats its like buying a 100 dollar sofa and a 2000 dollar sofa its different because the pricing is different

[@G82Watts]

​@@adamf.8564many people have said 0-60 times in eVs do get old. It's always people that also have other super fast sports cars that say it. The only people EVs impress are average Joe's that were never able to afford an actual fast car before. Speeding in an EV is like having sex with earplugs in. Only ur body feels it.(Except the terrible wind noise from poor sound isolation in teslas.) Real sports cars hit and fill ur entire senses. They excitement and feeling of a special occasion even when crusing and feeling the rumbling engine under u is just way more special. Plus tesla have 0 luxury. Nothing feels or looks expensive when ur in a tesla. Their boring exterior blob unaggresive designs don't turn any heads either.

[@noorghani678]

Same with me! I am a Tesla owner waiting for my lease to end so I can get into the i4 M50. IDK might order the i4 40 if I get transferred to San Francisco for work. But still 270 for the i4 M50 is easily enough from San Jose to San Francisco.

[@BMWofFW]

depending on how much is left on you lease, you might be grabbing an i4 around the LCI which should hopefully see the Digital Key + among it's upgrades.

[@rkgsd]

The lower trim eDrive40 is surprisingly quick considering it's rear wheel drive only. It would be interesting to get comparisons feedback from a comparable Tesla owner on that one too. The biggest difference is one having a dedicated EV chassis while the other is using the gas-powered chassis hence the transmission tunnel and extra weight.

[@BMWofFW]

I still have my 2019 Tesla and we have a stock eDrive40…. This is doable!

[@dvanurk]

I’m trading in my Model 3 for a 5 series Touring. I was so tired of the lack of quality in the interior..

[@bimmer100timc]

We have two m50’s on order. One should be in production really really soon

[@BMWofFW]

Congrats!

[@bimmer100timc]

@@BMWofFW ---- AWESOME NEWS! today is the birthdate of my wife's M50...just got notification it started production today and was assigned it's VIN code.

[@davegenet]

Greedy man. JK 😊

[@bimmer100timc]

@@davegenet totally. Sure….

[@bimmer100timc]

yesterday BMW said it was leaving the factory. surprised how quick that was.Will be the first one i've seen with FionaRed Full merino leather interior.

[@johnjohn3241]

As a MP3 owner, I agree with you on a couple things. Especially with the range, shit is not accurate. Musk did say that once the germans start making evs, they would be better.

[@BMWofFW]

Watch out you might piss off hardcore Tesla fanboys like I did just making the video

[@jnorm0075]

Thank you for this video. I am also a tesla guy and looking at the i4. Everything I wondered about is covered here, and a great perspective comparison. You are correct on things we never use in the tesla lol Great video. It may have just convinced me to be comfortable enough to order

[@anpou1129]

Ordered my i4 eDrive40 back in January. It’s in transit and should arrive at the dealer end of June to beginning of July. I was able to test drive one. Like you said, great and fun car to drive.

[@jakirus.whitley]

ordered mine in April , still no vin or nothing, I bought a 330 I in the meantime

[@macdiggs1638]

Still don’t have it I’ll bet

[@levifisk6401]

I have begun to debate this in my mind recently: Tesla or BMW. This video was very helpful. Still a ways from getting into either, but I'm convinced BMW > Tesla in the areas important to me: performance, driving dynamic, fit/finish, styling. Thanks for the vid.

[@BMWofFW]

glad it was helpful!

[@jerz8289]

Did you include wait times, dealer markup with BMW, the exxxtra costs associated with the BMW name, no glass roof, EVERYTHING is an option (Tesla has much better standard options) plus less range and no Supercharging network? I assume people like to travel... good luck finding 150-250kW chargers for any other EV on the route you are going! Tesla has implemented Supercharging almost everywhere.

[@RemoteSpeed007]

If you into performance the BM is the wrong choice, M3P is faster, much lighter (-1000LBS), modern interior, top tech, much more efficient, with longer range.

[@mh0Ang95]

@@jerz8289 BMW eDrive40 has better range than the M3 in real world performance from many different YT reviewers and even other site reviewers list its real world range greater. As of rn, the model 3 RWD vs BMW i4 eDrive40, both spec'd out ($62k vs $64k). BMW is smidge faster 0-60, more range, greater build quality fit/finish, better trunk utility with the hatch trunk, and overall has more trunk space. Its got heads up and 360-deg cam. Tesla's got their features but many are gimmicks.

[@hjlee7058]

Love this detailed video. I bought the i4 e40 yesterday after I checked almost all the evs. I love it. Thanks for the wonderful review on this car so I learned more. Happy holidays!👍🙏

[@pr4tn065]

Sir, this is probably the best review that I have seen when it comes to trying to explain the drivers perspective. I own a 335 that I just for the life of me cannot trade in for a Tesla. I just want a car that drives, Every single point you hit is why I have not made the plunge and bought a Tesla. Actually test drove another M3P, my 5th test drive and cant get over the fact that I want a car that is just as bad a$$ as my 335. I dont care about FSD, watch movies? nope, play games? never, I could care less about 0-60, I want the performance on the backroads like when I drive my 335 up the Dragon.....and the luxury! BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine for a reason, my 335 is my 4th BMW, pretty sure I am about to get a 5th. Anyways thanks for the review.

[@gothmog2441]

Test drove an i4 - liked it a lot, and have ordered one to replace my lease expired Tesla Model S (I don’t need something this large any more, do want a hatchback and instrument binnacle, and really liked how it handles) The BMW interface is beautiful - but something that really irritated me is that when you plug it in to charge it doesn’t show you how fast it’s charging. Instead it shows you what fraction of the (theoretical) max charge rate of 200kW you are achieving. Given there are umpteen thousand chargers in the UK and about a dozen that can deliver 200kW, none of which are less than 150miles from me, this is irritating as hell. Oddly the iX doesn’t have this bug, This is fixeable in software update - so please feed this back !

[@BMWofFW]

true it just shows you a bar of how much of the max 11kw it's taking in with no direct "I"M TAKING IN 8.9KW right now" however in your myBMW app you DO get the actual read out of how much charge is coming in under your charge data tab.

[@philipmacrae7435]

Just rented the i4 for 19 days touring California. The load length is about 2m. I slept in it for 2 nights at a festival. ❤❤

[@verynick]

Sick. Which festival lol

[@markuserbeldinger9674]

I think this is one of the best comparison video. Both M3 and i4 are great cars but ultimately is depends on everyone’s taste and needs. You pointed out very nicely the pros and cons of each car.

[@BMWofFW]

Thanks! 👍

[@jerz8289]

Its actually the worst. You cannot compare a 2022 i4 to an old Tesla Model 3.

[@mh0Ang95]

@@jerz8289 it’s a 2019 Model 3… they have constant over air updates for software. What’s improved about the hardware? Not much

[@RemoteSpeed007]

@@jerz8289 Especially the base model 3 vs the Top model I4.

[@edofina20104u]

Excellent video comparison. I have a i3, just waiting to see if a two-door EV BMW is for sale in the future.

[@BMWofFW]

There are plans to make every car in BMW's lineup[ by 2030 have an EV version... so definitely expect an EV 2 series, 4 series, 4 series convertible, and either 8 or 6 series in the near future.

[@edofina20104u]

@@BMWofFW Thank you for the information.

[@rosswilson7713]

This is going to be my next car. I'll be getting out of my 2011 328i in the near future, and going electric with the 4 series. I'll be a part of the test drives coming up this weekend at Citizen's Bank Park. Can't wait! So excited. I just hope that charging the vehicle is easy, and that there will be many charging stations available in the very near future. Thanks for the video! :)

[@BMWofFW]

there are a LOT more around than most people realize!

[@Electrified-py2hf]

Coming from the Model S I can subscribe many of your arguments. I’ve got my M50 two days ago and today I realized, that after these two days, I am more connected to the BMW than I ever was connected to the Model S. And yes there are a lot of fascinating things in the Tesla, but there are also a lot of things missed to make this Car the ultimate driving (and driver) machine. Thx for this video

[@BMWofFW]

Greatly appreciate your input friend!

[@robc7563]

Thank you for this great comparison review. I currently have a Tesla model three, but I’m really liking the looks of this beautiful I 4. I find getting in and out of the three a little cumbersome sometimes with the steering wheel not adjusting my enough. What are your thoughts on entry and exit of the two cars? One better than the other?

[@Duggo-]

I have a 540i and this is the only EV that could persuade me to change. My i4m50 is now on order, they are drivers cars.

[@profh9382]

I agree, we’ll done, that why I got an i7 instead of Lucid. The quality, precision and pure luxury and endless features blew me away. 💥💥

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Thank you for the great comparison, it's a very helpful decision help if you want to decide between this 2 cars or even brands.

[@motluv]

No Tesla has full self driving despite what Elon tells people to call the package they are paying $12k for. It is basically vapor ware at this point. The best feature of the FSD package that can be used right now is auto lane change while on auto pilot. The auto regen that was mentioned in the i4 sound interesting. One thing that wasn’t mentioned (I didn’t hear it anyway) is Tesla’s updates and that being one reason why there aren’t as many buttons.

[@ericg6084]

Talk about BMW precision pedal. I just watched Bjorn M4 50 test and it was over heating in the hot weather. It lost so much power even with the pedal pressed that a volvo wagon past it in the highway. Sad. Also, UI lag is so bad. Also, you can shut off sentry off in the Tesla, which BMW doesn’t have, does take power while parked. the heavier BMW does not take turn faster or stops less than a Tesla performance.

[@quboguo2360]

One thing to note that the Tesla in video is a pre-heat pump redesign from 2017-2020(ish) the newer 2021+ models all have much better cold weather range. i4 is a pretty interesting product. BMW seems to have an interesting mix of models at the moment.

[@BMWofFW]

very true... id love to find someone with the newer heat pump AND LiFeP battery to do my range/efficiency test on. if you know anyone in the philly area willing to lend their tesla for 24 hours i'd be able to update it with the latest models. RWD would be the ideal to put against the nearly identical battery sized i4 edrive35!

[@DES0MX0]

good review, but what you do forget to mention is that TM3 is available 1-3 months after ordering at your doorstep (or well pickup at Tesla factory). I am waiting for my i4 M50 9 moths already (!!) and still not seen the end of it yet. Meanwhile got a Tesla M3P and enjoying it a lot. Also 2022 Model 3 has many of the topics you mention completely fixed (powered tailgate as one example)

[@BMWofFW]

hahaha what i also didn't mention was i ordered a TM3P 6months ago, still haven't gotten it so i just canceled the order.

[@DES0MX0]

@@BMWofFW unlucky I guess. All EU orders come through really fast, especially on the P. But now hopefully in may my i4 M50 will be finally here

[@EnnoKirchner]

i am a tesla owner (m3 LR 2021) and yesterday i test drove the bmw i4 m40. The BMW i4 is a great car, but honestly, both cars have their advantages and disadvantages. BMW + The seats in the BMW are excellent + the exterior design + I really liked the head-up display. + Some assistance systems are better in the BMW (e.g. sign recognition). + Driving comfort is slightly better. + Trunk is more accessible Tesla + I like the steering wheel in the Tesla much better, + I also like the interior concept in the Tesla, + The navigation and the Operating System is slightly better in the Tesla, + The Tesla has better driving dynamics and more power, + The Tesla is more efficient. On my test route, the BMW consumed 20% more. The BMW has a larger battery, so the range is the same, but the cost is higher in the BMW, + The Tesla offers a frunk for charging cables, - The interior quality is very good in both cars. On the outside, the BMW is better finished. + Sound system is slightly better in the Tesla (especially the bass is richer, but both cars have very good sound systems). In Germany, the LR currently costs ~60k €. But it is already fully equipped. If I configure the BMW i4 to a comparable level, I end up with BMW at 77k €. In my opinion, the BMW does not justify this surcharge in any respect. It's a great car, but I'm definitely sticking with the Tesla.

[@EagleWolfSparrow]

Nice views. I do like hatchback on BMW, USA Las Vegas BMW I4 M5 full equit will be like 82000$ USD dollar out of door. I wonder why BMW range is so low :(

[@EnnoKirchner]

@@EagleWolfSparrow The BMW i4 m50 fully equipped costs over 90k (93k USD) in Germany. But here there is also an environmental bonus (government subsidy) of 7.5k. What do you mean by range? The price range or the driving range?

[@MrZoox04]

You can't compare the power of a car when there is a difference with more than 100hp from one to the other... and I drove Model 3 perf and I4 M50 (Yes you drove the e40 not M40). I can say that no one has a clear advantage on the other one. Sound system, the Harman Kardon one is cleary better than the tesla's one. Built quality is better for the BMW. Tesla is improving day after day, but, they are not at the same lvl of BMW. I have hesitated for the I4 and Model 3 for so long. I end up ordering the one I'll pay the less monthly because i couldn't really choose so I went for the I4. Yeah it's strange but professionnal financial services is cheaper in belgium for an I4 than a Tesla. (Model 3 LR and I4 e40 - I want more comfort and range as it will be a daily i have other cars for pleasure)

[@EnnoKirchner]

@@MrZoox04 I'm right there with you. The two cars are on par: each model has its advantages and disadvantages. You can't easily pin down a clear winner. But when I consider the price difference between the Model 3 LR and the BMW i4 eDrive 40, my decision goes to the Tesla M3. Our car is not leased, so I did not look at the lease rates, but at the actual acquisition costs. I compare cars that my budget allows. If the one has 100ps less, then I have to take that into account as well. I liked the Harman Kardon sound system a bit better in the midrange. With the Tesla, I found the bass to be richer. The sound systems are both very good in my opinion. I would differentiate between two things when it comes to quality: Quality of the materials used and how they are assembled. The material mix is on the same level in both cars. In terms of assembly, my Model 3 has no problems at all in the interior. However, the BMW is better in the exterior. But this is mainly about gaps. If perfection in the gaps is of extreme importance, you should go for the BMW. The Tesla's from China are already enormously well made, but still can't quite match BMW. But that is not a decisive advantage for me. More Range? I don't think so. The rear-wheel drive i4 consumed 20% more than our Long Range with Performance Boost on my 20 km test drive (same route, same weather conditions). Since the BMW has a larger net capacity, it gets the same range, but not further, and has higher operating costs. Can't believe the i4 M50 ist more efficient.

[@MrZoox04]

@@EnnoKirchner when I was saying more range it was for the choice of Model 3 LR and I4 e40 in place of perf and m50. And to be honest, with the price I got, the I4 e40 and model 3. There was a difference of 2100€. Thats not so crazy.

[@cskahn1]

I too am coming from a model 3 to an I4. Mine is at the port in Germany waiting for a ship. How does Driver Assistance Pro compare to Autopilot on highways?

[@BMWofFW]

pretty equivalent, what you will see as the main difference is the Adaptive Regen option in the i4, and how it manages the distance control. Where Tesla has the leg up is it's ability to read and suggest a different lane for upcoming turns/nav. BMW at this point doesn't do that and is more driver focused on it's lane change styling, (meaning it will change and recenter in the new lane but it won't suggest the change, you the driver have to.) So it is more of an assistant rather than FSD.

[@melly2400]

I would have stayed with Tesla but the seats suck , as an athlete I need comfort and Tesla could give a rats ass about that. I’ve owned BMW all my life but wanted an EV. I’m going back to BMW now. I have a dog too and agree with the scuffs . How is the sound ? Or do I need the Harmon Upgrade? Thanks !

[@BMWofFW]

sound is decent for base system... but definitely suggest getting the HK upgrade.

[@toreyholden3263]

I myself am looking at purchasing a i4. I like u how described everything from an everyday perspective

[@Novrat34]

This video just sold me. I have a new 228i and am looking to spoil myself

[@michaelrbodner]

Great video! I’ve had an 18 (LR RWD), 21 (Dual Motor), and 22 (Dual Motor) Model 3 and frankly I have reached the point where I am beyond bored with the Tesla and disappointed that 4 years later and they still can’t get “normal car stuff” right. I keep procrastinating test driving the i4 M50 but I think it’s time.

[@E2_Hawkeye]

What's up with the 22? I have a 21' and all the normal car stuff is totally fine so now I'm worried.

[@michaelrbodner]

@@E2_Hawkeye build and paint quality remains deplorable. Service is mediocre at best (as a whole). As for “normal car stuff” they’re missing blind spot indicators in the mirror, the auto wipers were horrible literally until the most recent update, the infotainment is stuck with its hubris of “we are a tech company and make great tech” leaving us with routinely buggy software and missing features because they can’t possibly build everything and won’t dare allow Apple/Android Auto, and then there is the lack of available options and configurations leading to every car looking the same. I could go, but like I said after over 4 years of ownership I am beyond bored and disappointed.

[@E2_Hawkeye]

@@michaelrbodner Perhaps that's the Tesla experience right now... your car was built on a Friday and mine a Tuesday. I have noticed one tiny chip in the paint that I cannot account for and no one competes with BMW paint either way. Considering they do not want to have a mirror at all I guess that doesn't shock me but your screen shows cars in your blind spot (even without the blinker camera) and to me it's a better idea since the car can just change lanes on its own so using the mirrors is simply a backup plan assuming the cameras activate when you hit the blinker as I still visually check my blind spot somehow. EAP is 6k now, lane changes done for you kind of negate that need but the car does have blind spot detection and won't let you just drive into someone. I haven't found the software to be all that buggy but it's certainly (on a 2021) not as smooth as Apple CarPlay, mostly because the CPU in the phone is just insane but the 2022 + Tesla's have a Playstation5 running the infotainment center (same hardware) so it's extremely snappy. I like the cars looking similar, it takes me back to the old BMW days where you either knew what an M badge was or you were an idiot. A performance Model 3 has a line under the Dual Motor badge along with the obvious brakes/calipers. I purchased a 1999 BMW 323i once and short of a face lift they tossed in around 2006 (I think) that car remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade. Now there are so many BMW's that it's just nonsense especially considering how close to each other many of them look. Let's not even talk about Porsche who was asleep at the design wheel for 60 years. Tesla is like a 1 year old child compared to a 100 year old in maturity. BMW has been here since WW2 and Tesla showed up on scene about 80 years later and managed to (from the ground up after the first roadster) build a pretty impressive auto, but if you don't liken a Tesla to an iPhone then you're doing it wrong. If you want the experience then you're buying a new car every 3-5 years no doubt. They really are just phones on wheels where the older ones aren't going to have the latest stuff and aren't built as well etc. All of these cars have pros and cons... after driving a Tesla the very thought of moving vents around with my hand is laughable (first world I know) but Tesla could hook a 20.00 kindle fire behind the steering wheel of the 3 and Y for a display and it wouldn't take anything from the car- it would give to it. I have scoliosis and the Model 3 seats are unparalleled by any other car yet they aren't cooled as the M50 is. When/if BMW battery tech and self drive tech is caught up you can bet I'll just be picking based on price at that point... and the seat because damn does my back hurt in any other car. GM was supposed to be the competition and I think BMW will be in the end and I do hope they build a new one from the ground up. These are exciting times indeed. I don't want to have to buy my car from a lunatic (Musk) if I can help it. :)

[@michaelrbodner]

@@E2_Hawkeye blind spot detection on the screen is useless. No one should be looking at the screen while changing lanes. The car can't change lanes on it's own unless you spend $12k for FSD or $6k for EAP ... 2 things I would never ever pay for again and of course only accounts for being in Autosteer anyway and I prefer driving. As for the vents... yeah it seemed cool in theory and was a wow factor 4 years ago, but now I'd rather just have vents that I could physically move exactly where I want them instead of guessing where the air will go. I guess I'm just over Tesla and I'm certainly over Elon Musk. I can't wait to not have anything that supports Elon directly.

[@E2_Hawkeye]

@@michaelrbodner It is simple adaptation, I find the screen to be far more useful than say my old Z4 and trying to see literally anything in my blind spot with the top up, I mean a purist wouldn't rely on blind spot detection on the mirror they would turn their head so at that point the arguments on that one are just useless. Trust tech here or trust tech there, either way you are trusting tech. Again though, the car will prevent a lane change. I've driven blind spot detecting cars and about the first thing I tune out (since it goes off when I'm not even trying to make a land change) is that system... damn thing is always flashing so as humans do, high level of alerts are ignored. If someone manages to get into an accident in a Tesla with blind spot safety measures engaged then we have another level of problems. The problem with the physical vents is that (for me) I'm always adjusting them depending on fan speed and how hot or cold my face might be and I've had many of those things break over the years when the Tesla system should probably break more but time will tell. It's a bar of air that runs the entire lengthy of the front of the car and with the heat pump is hyper efficient and doesn't need to be moved until you change seasons. I like cold air on my face in summer and warm air chest height in the winter which you can quickly set by creating a driver profile for seasons. It really isn't a "wow factor" as much as it is a better system of air flow, granted if you look at the Lucid and the fact they are using floor vents that fire in a straight line I think that's probably the best solution, I don't like cold feet in the winter and since the Tesla is doing a lot of the driving my feet don't live under the pedals and I've always thought that was a flawed design. Check out Bloomberg I think it is, they did a study of all car makers and their EV tech (focused on battery only), Tesla is theorized to be 10 years ahead of the next competitor which is GM for American car companies anyways- the Chinese are really good at this, something to actually worry about. The Model 3 is the most American made car in the world short of some custom order followed by the Y and as an American I like having a car company that FINALLY competes in the global market... dominates it to be more accurate. If you want a drivers car you want the performance 3, the ability to send 95% of the cars power to the back wheels or adjust which wheel gets what etc etc etc basically kills the M50. I think the BMW is great with how they've done the optional engine sound but even when you turn off all driver assists it is still assisting... I have 0 doubt that a Model 3 performance (which is the fair competitor at price) would destroy the BMW on track which is rather embarrassing. I am waiting for the ground up build, BMW is an amazing ICE car company but if an M badged car falls behind a Tesla 3 performance in 0-60 or top end speed (which is only like 130 lol) that isn't a reason for me to reward zee Germans with that purchase now matter how many ambient lights they stuff in there. I can link you a great review of the 2018 performance 3 vs the M50 and you can decide which one is better for being a drivers car or better yet, go out and do some test driving. BMW could slap some batteries in an E46 M3 and I doubt you could keep me away from it but so far they are IMO going to be in second place for a while- I should mention that GM is second for battery tech but I'm sure BMW will get there and get their prices under control as well. I'm with you on Musk but it is still an American company and as much as I love German cars (most of them) the fact I've found an American car that has a decisive advantage in driving enjoyment and everything that makes an EV great I have to differ to that option until BMW can make a similar claim or GM rolls an EV Vette. BMW also has "autopilot" it's just dangerous in testing and Tesla has the option to simply drive the car. Blind spot protection is on the base version in a system that intervenes assuming you couldn't be bothered to glance at your screen to see the blind spot camera show you that there is no car there.

[@BonanzaPilot]

70k miles on my performance 3 and my cost to operate is about 2 cents a mile + 4 cents a mile in energy. The overall quality might not be great on the Tesla, but fuctionally I have never had any big issues with it despite driving it like I stole it. The EV BMW might be different, but I've never heard of a BMW making it to 70k miles without big issues. All that being said, if my car were totalled, I would make a trip to the BMW dealer to take a close look at the i4 before just ordering a new Tesla.

[@tedeted12345678]

I have a 2020 M340i and ordered the I4 M50 last month. Looks like I was late to the party, so mine won't be in until around November. I gotta say, this is the best and most thorough video I've watched on the I4 M50 so far. Very happy with my choice now, as I've never ordered a car before.

[@BMWofFW]

Thank you... apologies for not being better thought out in how it's put together.

[@tedeted12345678]

@@BMWofFW I think that's what made your vid so good. Unscripted, just your honest thoughts on both. I was never really a big Tesla fan anyway. They are cool and all, but for me, not enough to compel me into seriously considering one. My M340i was my first beamer, so now I am hooked. The I4 M50 being electric was just icing on the cake for me 😅

[@smnwnwrght]

I hope you’re right on November, I ordered my i4 M50 in California last year (after reserving it months earlier) and I still haven’t been told it has gone into production.

[@tedeted12345678]

@@smnwnwrght well that's disappointing.. I definitely can't extend my lease that long.

[@markuserbeldinger9674]

That‘s actually the biggest problem with the i4 it is too good and way more successful than BMW was planning. If you walk into a BMW dealer today you have to wait for a year. I ordered mine June 1st last year and my car is currently waiting at port for a ride to the US. Many people who ordered on the same day when BMW started accepting pre orders are not so lucky and have no idea when their car will arrive.

[@Frosticus453]

My buddy was looking at getting the edrive40 version. But the base version is stripped out. To get any options it is like an $11k pkg and you can't get TACC. Can't imagine any modern car not having TACC. M50 is very nice though.

[@davegenet]

Looking at Driver Assistant Pro it seems like the only feature I really want is adaptive cruise control. Is the only way to get this to pay $1,700 for Driver Assistant Pro? Many of the rest of the features seem marginally useful to me who prefers to drive the car most of the time. I have used adaptive cruise on other brands and liked it.

[@BMWofFW]

Sadly no... it's only in the comprehensive package rather than a la cart.

[@williamsjayr]

Hi, I’m really enjoying your videos and unique point of view having owned a Model 3 for the last 3 years. I’m a current Model 3 Perf owner and am considering making the switch too. I test drove the i40 yesterday. The car has great lines, great seats, the tautness of build and quietness of cabin were absolutely top notch. I believe now that if I am serious I would need to look at the M option for the thicker steering wheel. All that being said I have a few questions and I can’t seem to find the answer and you may be the only one that would seem to know! 1. Is there an option that gives the I4 a power adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel? And… 2. I switched between Comfort and Sport Plus but neither seemed to make the steering more heavy in a sporting way. 3. I am used to Tesla and some other electric cars not moving if no pedal is being pressed, however with the i4 it would creep forward no matter what. I know there is the auto hold function, but is there a way to turn off creep more like a Tesla? Thanks again for the great content!

[@josefv-y8m]

Drove the i4 only for a short testdrive, but there is default a so called intelligent recuberation...it coasts if possible and brakes if there is a Car in Front of you automatically. But you can set it to one paddel driving, if you like, as indroduced with the i3...complete stop.

[@jahudini]

You can set the steering to sport if you want it heavy.....at least that's what I do in my M340xi and I believe they are on same platform.

[@sveng.167]

B mode activates non-paddle driving so the car does not creep (of you don't like the adaptive mode you could pick high too). Btw the Tesla steering is quite direct. Maybe the sport steering mode would satisfy your expectations - but I honestly doubt it ;-) That's the one thing where Tesla is superior in the driver’s experience.

[@davidmilbourne8289]

Great video. Hopefully be in my i4 M50 end of May and won't be sad to see the Tesla M3P go. Agree totally the i4 is a drivers car,

[@HuyNguyen31096]

How much do you have to pay for that car including taxes?

[@dunphyjp]

@@HuyNguyen31096 I’d add how much insurance is too… teslas are insane to insure.

[@nikhilkalra1530]

I’m sold on your narrative BMW vs Tesla. Love it!

[@pauldramos]

Lease return of my 2021 Tesla 3 Performance is this Oct 1… Already took delivery of a 2024 BMW i4 M50. The BMW is top notch!!!!

[@ERGMIAMI]

For a 300 mile range the average m/kWh needs to be 300/81 or 3.7m/kWh. What mileage do you get for your normal driving? How easy is it to get a 3.7 average?

[@philipmacrae7435]

I rented a i4 recently for 19 days touring California. Never used the cruise. My range was consistently over 300mi.

[@focus_driv3n440]

Fantastic full in depth video, i sold my M4 and had my eyes on the i4 before the m50 was a twinkle in bmw’s eye. I bought the Tesla Model 3 and am very happy with it but i still like to really drive and miss the custom drive modes, functions and performance. Ive had 3 BMW’s and currently have the BMW S1000rr motorcycle as i trust their engineering especially on 2 wheels going 165. I stand behind BMW and may soon get the M50 as well. Keep posting videos as this video reinforced my thoughts on purchasing the i4 M50 🤙🏼

[@BMWofFW]

nice! i'm personally looking forward to BMWs smaller bespoke electrics! REALLY curious about a i2 M :)

[@jhedin01]

I’ve ordered an i4 and I’m convinced I made the right decision. Long wait though. Thanks for a good comparison.

[@jellyd4889]

Appreciate you highlighting the differences. Thanks to YT for showing me your video

[@R56Cooper]

Model 3 paved the way- the BMW i4 is a more refined product! Also of benefit, do BMW EVs still qualify for thr $7500 federal EV credit? Another win is the shape-- the BMW has a more useful hatch-style form similar to SUVs. Is the adaptive cruise + lane centering tech of the BMW as reliable as autopilot? Thanks!

[@BMWofFW]

interesting thing about the usability of the hatch, the opening is significantly bigger yes, but the storage space it self is less wide but deeper, so depending on what you're putting in you might have better options with the tesla, but for me personally, i have longer items i need to fit in for my construction work, having the center pass through is a game changer for me so i can haul a few 2x4s with the kids still in the car.

[@BMWofFW]

oh and your second question, you'll need to get the Drivers Assistant Professional in the BMW to match the features of tesla's Autopilot (which is standard for tesla i might add) beyond that i would say it's slightly more efficient and reliable in comparison to tesla's FSD.... on the same stretch of highway i've had a handful of random brake hits in the tesla which seemed completely unwarranted where i've had zero issues with the BMW so far.

[@R56Cooper]

@@BMWofFW that's great news for the BMW! I just hope base model i4 40s will have that driver assistance pro package. I like the hatch design for car camping. Even though the vehicle is sporty, with the hatch, it will allow a great camping setup with the heat/ac in operation from the battery the whole night!

[@BMWofFW]

@@R56Cooper it is an option on the eDrive 40!

[@MichaelSchmittBEN]

Maybe a little bit to negativ towards Tesla, but overall i agree. On 1. of august i get my i4 eDrive40 hopefully. The Driving is fantastic in the i4. Thats the main reason to go for the BMW 😎😎

[@BjrnRuthberg]

I agree with most of what you're saying. I have an i4 M50 on order, and it's for a lot of the same reasons as you. However I don't think it's more future proof than any bespoke EV. There's too many compromises for that. Backseat space being the most obvious. But what really bothers me are two features that a luxury car really needs that the i4 doesn't have. Sentry mode to protect the car from damage when parked outside my garage. That should be standard on any car. And the ability to drive the car one car length forward or in reverse from outside the car to make it easier to get in or out of the car if parked too close to another car. Much cheaper cars than this has that feature, and it's something that would be very useful. It might not be much of a problem in the USA, but in Europe the parking spaces are much smaller than they need to be for modern cars.

[@dunphyjp]

Apologies, I wasn’t clear in what I was saying. I meant ID8’s 5G based system is more future proof than my current teslas 2/3/4G basis. And in terms of insurance it’s cheaper to insure the i4 because of multiple shared components with the ICE versions.

[@dunphyjp]

And 1000% agreed on sentry mode, the lack of digital key plus in the i4 is a big letdown in my book. I’m hoping the LCI will fix that. Also Tesla’s app functionality with the car itself is much more comprehensive than bmw’s at this point.

[@BjrnRuthberg]

@@dunphyjp That is a fair point.

[@manuelteixeira2311]

I think with the optional Parking Assistance Plus, you can forward and reverse from outside the car. Is that true BMW of Fort Washington?

[@BjrnRuthberg]

@@manuelteixeira2311 Nope, to get that functionality you'd have to go for a 5-series or bigger.

[@kvauto4956]

Here is my perspective. I've driven bummers for over 25 years. Actually ordered the i4 and waited forever. Pulled the plug and bought the model 3. I Ive this car have no regrets. If I pay over 50k for a car, I don't need anxiety driving long distance or looking for chargers. I drove 12 hrs with this car with no anxiety and complete comfort. The Tesla network is unbeatable and BMW has another 5-10 years before they can catch up. Long range is excellent. 350+ miles is great. One major thing missed by the sales guy is the rear space. Why make the electric in the I4 model and not the traditional 3? Big difference if you have kids. Yes. The 3 is minimalistic but you get used to it. You don't need 100 buttons to drive. You phone is your key. Quality wise..the BMW is more solid. But overall I love the 3.

[@BMWofFW]

Definitely agreed on the charging network superiority. I have two kids and haven’t had issues in either car for space, the i4 actually gave me a little more center room Than my model 3

[@stevehampton1130]

Great job on explaining the merits of each car! Tesla is a great car for what it is… However, I am with you, I prefer an actual driver focus car as well!

[@sosiehtesaus2652]

Anyone who has ever driven a BMW wants to drive a BMW again. The I4 is a driving machine with a great design and great quality. Nothing against Tesla, but it's in a different league.....Freude am Fahren.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Very comprehensive. Thanks. Not familiar with your channel. Did you try a Polestar 2 with Ohlins? It's somewhere between the Tesla and BMW in terms of design but definitely has the Euro feel and solid fit and finish. Maybe that's the other Model 3 competitor. Hyundai/Genesis may have one out soon as well. I think at some point the Model 3 needs an interior update like the S/X got. It also could use an exterior one but that's unlikely to happen anytime soon. I wish Tesla focused less on speed of construction and more on interior details and overall quality. BMW and Polestar could do better on efficiency. Polestar's ground-up EV is yet to come. Next year as the Polestar 3 is promised. BMW has one with the iX, absolutely superb but very expensive vehicle.

[@BMWofFW]

i haven't had the opportunity yet on my other channel, but i'm looking to! i do love the Polestar 2 design, wish the range was a little better and that you could get more storage from a full EV platform, BMW's i4 sharing a chassis with the 4 GC really hampered it's potential storage spaces. the iX definitely shows better space thinking. since it's ground up electric.

[@DirkHav]

I don't like the Chinese policy, how they think, treat visitors, scrupulous copy , cheating in every way they can, so I will not buy any Chinese brand even if they are as good as BMW. Like Donald Trump used to say : Europe first !

[@hardykornfeld1733]

We got an i4 e40 msport last October and put 11,000 miles on it so far. Over the period of ownership, which spanned more cold than warm months, average consumption has been 3.7 mi/kWh. I commute 150 miles once a week and the car can cover that while keeping battery SOC between 80% and 20%, even on 4 degree F cold days when efficiency drops by up to 25%. We love the car, though sadly when we needed to buy it, adaptive cruise and overhead video for parking where not available (wiring harnesses made in Ukraine - damn Putin!).

[@BMWofFW]

Thanks for the story of your ownership!!! yeah wiring harnesses were a real issue for a little there.

[@Wavy_wally]

Barely looking into electric vehicles so sorry for the lack of understanding. What does pre conditioning mean?

[@BMWofFW]

not a problem at all, So preconditioning is similar in concept to Remote Starting your engine to warm it up and/or warm up the cabin. with ICE engines the two go hand in hand, with Electric cars the two can be separate events. but Specifically with BMW PreConditioning is the act of warming up/or cooling down the battery to get it to it's optimal operating temperature to give you the best range, acceleration, and efficiency. Climatization is where it prewarms/cools the cabin to your personal optimal temperature. Hope that helps!

[@yusifamda]

Its not rocket science. I'm an avid BMW driver, my unbiased review of tesla against any BMW: Performance (speed): tesla have an edge, Quality (interior): BMW has miles difference, Features: Par, Overall, if you want a quality car that doesn't feel cheap when you sit in it, go with the BMW, if you want auto-driving feature, go with Tesla. i personally will go quality over self driving that isn't 100% reliable.

[@poisson12376]

Put down my order of an edrive40, not sure when it will arrive😗 I was once so sure I would get a model Y, but got very dizzy after a testdrive as a passenger… I went to the closet BMW dealership the next week to make preorder.

[@BMWofFW]

i've found that in a lot of passengers especially when there's next to no noise... so the sensations in the body seem to not correspond with the sounds being heard which makes them sick. the nice thing about the BMW is with the iconic sounds you're getting a sense of your speed which should lessen the sickness feeling.

[@StarryTemplar]

Please answer this for me, thanks. Will the DOG scratch BMW interior?

[@BMWofFW]

My dog doesn’t? The sensafin interior of my car is much more resilient than the vegan option in the Tesla I had. They might have updated their material since then tho

[@carl9729]

It’s nice to have choice, love my model x and would never trade it for any BMW. The most important thing I don’t have to deal with the dealership which is alway a nightmare.

[@haystackhider7158]

8:47 The "hump" on the back floor makes the car-body *much stronger.* Better to have it - than not have it.

[@russellhoguephd7925]

I just traded model Y for the i4. The BMW is so much nicer (quieter, smoother, better range). Just no comparison. Tesla has two advantages: 1. charging infrastructure 2. Full self-drive autopilot. As far as the car goes, it’s not close. I have done several cross country trips with the Tesla and I look forward to doing the same test with the BMW.

[@noah123466]

Great switch. I did the same. BMW is amazing

[@Skyking6976]

Saying goodbye to our leased i3 on September 11th. Wanted to see what my next lease will be and…wow…so nice and yes was considering a Tesla at the risk of divorce based on the wife’s hatred of EM. Living across the river from Philly it seems like there’s a decent inventory of i4’s but few of the 35’s…course I only need one. One place has 16 i4’s and thinking MAYBE they can get me out of the lease early🤔

[@BMWofFW]

If you don’t need an insane range you could stick with the i3 mentality and get a MINI SE… more fun, better tech, city loving car :)

[@CalmingAnxiety]

Ordered my i4 yesterday. Loved this review

[@germainehenderson8070]

Thank you for this video! I'm a manual Mini driver (F55) on the verge of going EV and everyone keeps saying Tesla but I don't want to drive a computer, and I don't need my car to make fart sounds, lol. I think the 2023 i4 (or is it the 2024?) will be built from the ground up as an EV so I'm gonna wait for that model. Appreciate all your insights!

[@BMWofFW]

If you like MINI i say keep yours till late 2023 and get the Countryman EV. It'll be based on the iX1, amazing platform!

[@georgepitropakis602]

I have ordered i4, it has a lot pros but it is too much to say: I did the root home to work, Tesla consumed 30% and for the same distance i4 consumed 7%. It is unreal.

[@BMWofFW]

something to keep in mind, the Tesla does have a 51kWh Battery where the i4 has 81kWh, part of that energy consumption discrepancy is the pack size. Drag Coefficient is almost the same between the two 0.23 for tesla 0.24 for i4.

[@ATerryB]

@@BMWofFW Thanks for the video. Can you please clarify if in your Tesla you had Sentry mode enabled.also if you have dash cam video recording while driving enabled. What I found in my Model 3 is that having all these nice features/options enabled are draining the battery. A lot. BMW or any other car MFG does not have these features even if you want to pay for it. In Tesla these comes standard. Thanks again.

[@ashtonmarrero7932]

I could not agree with you more , BMW is a drivers’ car, that extremely important to me! I truly appreciate your input!

[@AchilestheKing]

I am also switching now from M3 to an i4 🙈

[@markgold5408]

Don’t forget the heat pump making it more efficient

[@BMWofFW]

truth

[@blondebeautylush]

JP do you mind sharing how you spec’d your m50 that you have on order. I ordered a fully loaded Dravit Grey but I’m back and forth on interior color. Right now I’ve got carbon fiber trim with the blue contrast stitch but I really want merino leather which I’m told won’t be available for awhile as an individual order

[@BMWofFW]

that's unfortunately true at this point. my spec is a Tanzanite II with the Cerium Grey accents, black sensatec, Carbon fibre trim, and Midnight Grey Aero Wheels with all seasons. for packages i went with Drivers assistance pro, parking assistant plus, and premium packages. Options i went with Drive recorder, HUD, wireless charger, Lazer headlights, harmonKardon, and 50 years of M badges.

[@blondebeautylush]

@@BMWofFW I’ve heard that ventilated seats are more firm/uncomfortable than non ventilated is this true? I have Dakota leather currently in my X3 and it’s pretty hard I’ve also heard that Vernasca is harder than Dakota. While I’m not a fan of vinyl and prefer real leather over it I’ve heard good things about the upgraded sensatech.

[@BMWofFW]

@@blondebeautylush leather by its nature gets harder with age, and eventually cracks... i prefer sensatech because it gets softer with age :) but yes upon initial usage the leather will seem more firm.

[@madmax1631]

@@BMWofFW cant wait to see it I love bmw great choice

[@davegenet]

@@BMWofFW I can confirm this. Also, Sensatec ages well. I had a Z4 with Sensatec and one with leather and the Sensatec looked pretty much the same after $120K miles while the leather aged as you would expect. So, I suppose it depends on how much you like the feel of the leather.

[@johnmytroen6473]

Great video. We took delivery of our i40 last week and agree with your points especially fit and finish. We considered a M3 but after driving this BMW are glad we went this way. IONIC 5 gets great reviews but friends of ICE versions of Hyundai have had problems I just don't want to face with a high end vehicle.

[@BMWofFW]

Congratulations!

[@MegaDMan2323]

Just wait until you have problems on the BMW.

[@reidhester]

Hi John, Did you get the MSport pkg w/adaptive suspension? I've got an i4 on order and am on the fence about the Msport pkg as it's range is 30 mi less. Thanks for your reply.

[@johnmytroen6473]

@@reidhester it may sound strange but I don't think so. This Launch Edition has the ZOV-HEA Package which includes a lot of things but I'm not sure exactly what. It does have an M logo on the door sills and a couple places. I'll do some digging and see what's in this HEA package.

[@reidhester]

@@johnmytroen6473 If it's got the M logo then it's got the MSport pkg and 19" wheels.

[@kathyrivas2403]

I love your review of these 2 vehicles!! I am currently awaiting the arrival of my i4, within a week or 2. Every time I watch these types of reviews, I am quickly reminded that I made the right choice for ME!

[@F.A-TUBE]

Whatever Kathy no one cares.

[@aalberto4961]

Went car shopping last month to add a 3rd EV to my garage. Really liked the i4 M50 but ended up ordering a fully loaded iX M50 instead. I’ll be waiting a long while for it.

[@BMWofFW]

should have gone M60, Faster timeline :P

[@HKWINAPHSU]

Have you gotten it yet?

[@robyoungquist5803]

I just happened to come cross your review by surfing. I really like your unscripted review. Never apologize for it … it makes you come across as more authentic vs. a scripted advert. My neighbor has the Tesla 3 and has been driving me around until I decide which EV I’m going with (so far it’s Audi Q4). I sold my Camry (15 years and didn’t want to put $$ into her any longer). So back to neighbor’s TIN CAN TESLA. It’s ok I suppose but IMHO, it’s just a TIN CAN. It lacks fit/finish for sure. But hey for 30ish k and change, it will get my retiree neighbor to the grocery store and doctor appointments. Again, really like you style and pointing out the differences and also the fact that you qualified your opinions with “for me”. 😉👍🏻. I wish you could review Audi EV. I’d like your personal and BMW perspective

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Seeing these side by side makes me realise how awful looking the Tesla interior really is. Just ordered an i40 M Sport Pro eDrive 40 to replace my hybrid C Class.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

You wanted an interior and high quality construction?

[@BMWofFW]

yes... my steering wheel squeaking when i turn in my tesla is driving me nuts... even the techs can't find out why it does that. they and i have both taken the entire thing apart and back together, lubed and STILL it squeaks.

[@welsh2266]

One reason I think the eqs is better is the boot. I have a baby and a full size labrador so if I wanted to take the whole family on a road trip I would need a bigger trunk for the dog and all the family stuff to take. I have been thinking of the ix50 for ages but might go for the eqs just for the boot

[@BMWofFW]

you don't put your pup in the back seat with the kiddo?

[@welsh2266]

The child in the back and the dog in the boot/trunk with the luggage. That's why the bigger boot on the eqs looks better to me

[@jeffreyrecord3108]

Tesla's have better range, better acceleration and better options for charging networks (until tesla fully opens their network to anyone) but fit and finish is a problem. Tesla provides constant software updates and while not for everyone they seem to do a good job at redefining what a automobile should be. BMW is more expensive but fit and finish "should" be better based on BMW history, more of a traditional automobile in regards to features and cockpit layout. I would anticipate BMW software updates to be no different than they are now with ICE autos. Would be curious about actual range tests as people do report less than the "optimal" range as told by Tesla so curious about BMW's claim being more practical or are they "optimally" stated as well?

[@느낌표-t1l]

Actually in the real world i4 m50 has better acceleration than model 3 performance and i4 40e has better acceleration than model 3 rwd.

[@YattirSmith]

Did you watch the video??he clearly said he gets better range in the BMW

[@elcaro5140]

@@YattirSmith yes he said he used 30% of the battery on a 28 mile drive but his odometer said it was 64 miles so I don’t think this BMW salesman’s math is his strongest suite. I drive a Model Y and test drove i4 and he left out all the issues with BMW like no space in the back, low tech, low efficiency (BMW 2.4 miles per kilowatt where Tesla is 3.3 Miles per KWH) BMW is a 1000 lbs heavier it will cost more to charge and the battery is even less efficient in winter and will degrade faster due to poor battery management. Be careful listening to salesman on the internet.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I feel the real reasons Tesla are popular is they were the first to build a serious EV with real good range and charging stations . But they are so expensive especially body damage

[@BMWofFW]

i'd actually argue the charging station solution was their biggest win, and speed of manufacturing. although that tends to show through in a lack of options, pricing of the options there ARE, and the always mentioned build quality.

[@Nsx234]

Excellent Review... You have a new follower.

[@PhilT993]

Interesting comparison, but I think you should be comparing a NEW Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD to a new BMW, optioned up to contain all the features and performance that the Tesla includes in its base price. How would the delivered prices compare? How do ranges and charging speeds compare? How do required annual maintenance costs compare?

[@BMWofFW]

if i had access to one i would love to!

[@BMWofFW]

prices will be on average 6-10k higher in the BMW for an equivilently optioned i4 M30 vs a model 3 performance... if you add FSD the Model 3 Performance is more expensive than my personal nearly fully loaded i4... that includes laser headlights, premium paint, HUD, premium package, wireless charging , drivers assistance professional, parking assistance package, drive recorder and harmon-kardon system... looking at 74,270 for the BMW vs 78,440 for the Tesla... i'd put my money on BMW being better range than the tesla, Tesla would eek out BMW's charging speed because the newerones top out around 250kw where BMW tops at 200kw for fast charging.

[@PhilT993]

@@BMWofFW Yes, but that is why I specified comparing to a "base" Model 3 Long Range. That means not the Performance model which costs more and is way faster than the BMW. The Model 3 LR AWD does 0-60 in 4.2, EPA range of 358 Miles (I will agree that is very optimistic), includes 4 heated seats, heated steering wheel, power trunk, full glass roof, sentry mode, OTA updates, heat pump and battery preconditioning for cold weather performance and efficiency, full-time 5-camera dash cam monitoring, excellent adaptive cruise control and lane keeping auto-steer. Spending $12,000 extra for "FSD" is completely unnecessary. All that, out the door, for $57,440 (destination, delivery and doc fees included). I own this Tesla, but remain openminded and willing to change if another brand can do better down the road. Thanks

[@planb2504]

This video is definitely a must see for people who want to buy one of the two. The reason why bmw fit consumer better is bc bmw has been doing 'car' for almost a hundred year, where Telsa is so new in the market. I like this comment someone said Tesla makes 'electric car' where bmw make 'car' that is electric.

[@syenosis]

I do think it’s a little silly to buy a now $50K EV and then not pay for the connectivity. $10 a month is only $1200 over a ten year lifespan for connectivity. BMW charges for both traffic data and connectivity, they’re throwing in a few years at purchase but that’s like $400 worth even if you paid for it outright which is nothing on a car this price. Honestly you should just be factoring this into the price of both vehicles. I do think BMW’s Apple CarPlay integration is great, but a lot of it only works if you use Apple Map. For example, if you prefer Google Maps or Waze it doesn’t show on the driver cluster which is a bummer. I’ve driven both BMWs and Teslas long term and both systems are great but you really should not be skipping out on the connectivity on the Tesla, that’s a big part of why you like the BMW system more, you aren’t really getting the traffic and map data or using streaming radio on the Tesla. The BMW setup is best if someone actually likes Apple Maps but in my experience Apple Maps will often take me to the wrong entrance of wherever it is I’m going. Like it’ll navigate to a service road next to a mall without an entrance to the mall and tell me I’ve arrived. The Tesla navigation system is better at routing than Apple Maps. Also, not sure about your commute, but if you’re losing a lot of range when the Model 3 is parked it’s likely because Sentry Mode is turned on, it uses a ton of power. But of course the one time I turned it off to save battery power someone scraped my bumper in the parking lot 😂 Anyways, I do think the i4 is great if you like BMWs and BMW interiors and don’t need to go on road trips like you said. Personally I’m waiting on a larger three row EV since both the Model 3 and i4 are too cramped for my family now.

[@BMWofFW]

i'm just saying BMW gives the connectivity for 4 years with a new purchase. so instead of forking out 4800 over 4 years you save that and then on top of that get the 7500 tax credit. so that lowers the price of the BMW all together by $12,300 over 4 years... really tightens the gap wouldn't you say? on top of that, having apple carplay and android auto makes you have access to traffic information for free as well, regardless of your app of choice (Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze, or technically ABRP too for EVs)

[@aloksn4u]

@@BMWofFW $10 per month, per year $120 and for 4 years it's $480. I think you added one extra zero.

[@petejones8312]

I currently drive a petrol 3 series, thinking about upgrading to the ix3. I like the i4 but need room for a retriever in the back, not sure it would fit in an i4.

[@BMWofFW]

it's surprisingly big in the back... the only hinderance would be headroom because of the slope for your puppy.

[@willielarsson9651]

I love my ix3 but the downside is that its design was originally for an ICE car, and you have the drive train hump in the back etc

[@BMWofFW]

Extra battery capacity!

[@zacharywilliams5200]

Thanks for the comparison, and all of the great information in this video. I have been looking at the i4 and plan on ordering on this year. I'm sure it probably changes all the time, but do you know about how long the wait currently is after ordering for the vehicle to be delivered?

[@BMWofFW]

More allocations are coming, but the wait is based on model. M50 is the most popular but the 40 is faster and 35 is fastest

[@BMWofFW]

Honestly, unless you’re road tripping a lot the i4 eDrive35 and 40 will more than cover everyone’s typical driving needs. My personal opinion, if outright speed isn’t a necessity, consider the RWD and spend $1200 on a set of winter wheels/tires or simply put all seasons on stock rims if you need. You’ll save money and in my opinion get a more fun car!

[@zacharywilliams5200]

@@BMWofFW Yeah, I'm interested in the 40. I don't need the extra power, so it seems to be the best value and the perfect match for what I want. Thanks!

[@BMWofFW]

@@zacharywilliams5200 definitely! still a very fast and fun car, depending on wheel choice you can see more range as well than the M50, same charging speeds, it's the best bang for buck IMHO. i personally if given the "you have to take one" choice i'd go for the 35 just because i personally don't need the range :)

[@gregmarzett2978]

When you did your test, did you have sentry mode enabled on your Tesla? It looks like when you were showing your car, you had sentry alerts. Sentry mode eats up battery when enabled. Does the i4 have a sentry type, always recording, security system?

[@BMWofFW]

No, i specifically had it turned off since that was a major battery train in this comparison, and at this point since it's working off the older service pack 18 of the rest of the 4 series, the i4 does NOT have park mode... once it gets its LCI it will move to service pack 21 and THEN get it, unfortunately until then we're SOL...

[@EVRevolution]

I too just review the i4 and it’s a great BEV. my comment is on your battery usage comp. The SR+ Tesla has a much smaller battery pack than the i4, hence the big diff in battery usage You would need to compare the LR Tesla to be more fair and objective.

[@BMWofFW]

check out my most recent video, did the actual math on energy usage between the two.

[@ploughna]

How do the two compare in terms of road noise while freeway driving? I'm looking for the quietest possible EV

[@BMWofFW]

BMW's a little quieter over all, but at 75-85mph it's pretty even i'd say... Tesla has a piece of foam in the wheels to dampen sound a bit (not sure if they still do that) but BMW has more sound deadening.

[@KG-yp7ym]

Hi @bmwoffortwashington How is the routine maintenance in the I4 comparing to Model 3? Did your both convertible car seat fits nice in the i4 without losing space in the front? Does the i4 has something similar to the sentry mode in tesla?

[@BMWofFW]

maintenance routine is pretty much 1 for 1 between the two... the usual maintenance items are consumables like tires, if driven in max regen then you can get a good 90k miles out of your original brakes, every three years like tesla there is a recommended brake fluid flush but that's basically it. Yes both convertible seats fit no problem in the i4 for me. unfortunately no sentry mode is available at this time due to trying to keep battery capacity at a max while parked for long periods of time. sentry mode can take anywhere from .25-.75% battery per hour depending on outside temp.

[@KG-yp7ym]

@@BMWofFW Thank you so much! for your honest opinion!! and useful information! I hope you make another video in depth about The i4 tips and tricks, preconditioned the battery. What percentage do they recommend to charge the battery and keep it last longer.

[@DH-mp6fg]

I have the model Y 3 weeks later and it has to get fixed. Not starting off good.

[@pilotb18]

the only time i use the fronk in my model 3 is when i have food in i don’t what my car to smell

[@tiagoagm]

Thanks for your realistic video. Really appreciated.

[@YuiZARA]

Love BMW ❤️ I drive 535i GT right now and going to order i4 e drive 40 next week. I would love to have m50 but having a kid. I don’t think I need it lol

[@youtubuzr]

The i4 cockpit is head and shoulders superior to the Tesla. Basically, the Tesla was made to have as little as possible, with almost no consideration for driver usability. The BMW was made for the driver. What you need to see is right there in front of you, and you can configure it the way you want it.

[@petertownsend4209]

Agree with all the things you say in your video. I test drove the Tesla, polestar and the bmw. The Tesla just made me feel quite exposed compared to the bmw which cocoons you inside. I actually wasn’t a fan of the rear quarter on the polestar when I saw it in person. I still regard driving as an emotive and enjoyable experience and for that reason I went for the bmw. Can’t wait for my M50 to arrive in March 23

[@sungpark9720]

Thanks for putting this detailed review. I have a question regarding the heads up display. I am a primary google map users on my iphone. Does heads up display work with google map in apple car play? That would be a factor of getting that extra option or not. Thanks.

[@BMWofFW]

It does not. As of this moment just Apple Maps will do anything in the HUD. however, if you use BMW's maps instead you get significantly more functionality in the HUD, to the point where i'm planning to just do BMW iDrive for the first 4 years for navigation then use apple carplay as my text/call/podcast/music

[@manuelteixeira2311]

@@BMWofFW Is it possible to have BMW map on the left part of display and waze map from android auto on the right part of display, simultaneously?

[@RoyalCrane]

I guess someone has to prefer the BMW and it’s so surprising that a BMW salesman would be the one. I do not understand the part about the throttle being more controlled in the BMW because the Tesla throttle is so smooth and I’ve driven the iX and the i4. The range comparison is also not accurate compared to everyone else who has done testing of the range between the two. If you are spending over $60,000 the $10 extra per month to have all the extra things the premium connectivity gives is trivial

[@BMWofFW]

the reason i mention the $10/month is because for a LOT of people the tesla is their first electric car and they don't tend to factor in the monthly expense, just the expected savings. that's the only reason i mention that... and to say that BMW gives it for 4 years free rather than just 30 day trial is pretty big once you get to the price range. don't take my word for it... everyone who has driven multiple EVs not just two will tell you that BMW's throttle mapping is king. Go test drive a MINI SE and compare it to a Fiat 500e and tell me its not true. see certain things are subjective... but it's physically impossible to precisely control a permanent magnet motor vs an electrically fed motor, other benefits are heat control under hard driving (although the MINI in that arena still uses the i3 cooling so not so good on that front under track conditions, but that's why the i4 has such beefed up cooling.

[@russveith7871]

@@BMWofFW I have driven virtually every EV on the market in the US and I’m fortunate to currently own a 22 and a 23 BMW (X5 45E and X3 M40i) as well as 3 new Performance Teslas(S’s and Y). I had a i3 Rex as my first EV then switched over to Teslas. I hate the company but I can’t find a better EV. I had high hopes for the BMW’s. I’m pretty up on both BMW and Teslas. The all wheel drive 3 and Y use an induction motor and a permanent magnet motor but the base car like yours only has the permanent magnet in the rear. Not sure if you have driven or compared higher trim Teslas though to give a accurate comparison to the i4 all wheel drive.