Premium Electric Sedan Face-Off | Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4

[@coder543]

7:09 Teslas do not use Google Maps for navigation. They use Google Maps to render the map itself and to find POIs, but Google does not allow anyone else to build a car navigation app on top of Google's mapping data, let alone using Google's navigation algorithms. Tesla has to use a third party (like MapBox or OpenStreetMap) to get a different set of maps, which are then used for navigation, and it is hilariously bad in many situations. As someone who has owned a Tesla Model 3 for nearly 6 years, I *really* want CarPlay in my next car. Tesla's refusal to support CarPlay is so annoying.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

CarPlay and Android Auto would simplify a lot of handshake frustrations. -Travis

[@nevco8774]

@@coder543 Tesla is not alone. GM recently decided to discontinue Apple car play and Android auto in EVs while keeping in non electric cars. The only one difference is the OS in the cars is increasingly based on Android itself. It was Geely with Volvo switching to Android among the first automakers, never looking back since. Almost all other automakers slowly but steadily do switch to Android OS. However, a third party solution for Android auto is available for Tesla and all other brands which is a annoying but a viable solution.

[@Hans-gb4mv]

@@nevco8774 Using Android Automotive is not necessarily a blocking factor. Volvo has actually started rolling out an update that supports Android Auto (not sure about CarPlay) to some models. Also, there is an important difference between Android and Android Automotive. The first one, which you can also find on phones for example, has been used for many years. Many in-car entertainment systems already use it.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

Yeah, I typically use Waze just to make sure Tesla isn't doing something stupid.

[@Mkvkuv]

i don't to plug in my phone or use wireless carplay. it burns your phone battery. tesla nav and UI is soo good, i don't want carplay or android auto

[@justinssebanenya1329]

BMW wins my points for a well sized sunroof. That is the maximum glass I can tolerate in the canopy. It seems it also has a sunshade. I will take another look when they increase the headroom. Thank you for the review!

[@jamespaul2587]

Aftermarket sun shades are available for Model 3

[@justinssebanenya1329]

@jamespaul2587 The corruption of options in the new house purchase is now getting normalized in the automotive market. It is very unfortunate that many people think it is okay to retrofit a brand new vehicle with a sunshade, steering wheels, etc. given the exorbitant prices at which new vehicles are selling. Why can't they just sell me a vehicle with a hard top if they can't provide me a sunshade to cover the sheet of glass over my head?

[@jamespaul2587]

@justinssebanenya1329 many people prefer glass roofs for the openness and brightness it brings. While I agree Tesla should include a shade like some other brands, the aftermarket product is a good solution for those that want a cover.

[@justinssebanenya1329]

@jamespaul2587 I agree with you 100% . What I don't want is the auto makers to cut a hole in the roof and put in it a plain glass I am not interested in and then tell me that there is a solution for it out there.

[@jamespaul2587]

@justinssebanenya1329 good point, many prefer glass roofs but it would be nice to have a metal roof option. When the Model 3 was first revealed, the base version was going to have a metal roof, however this was changed to streamline and simplify production.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Between these 2 I’m pretty sure I would pick the BMW. Cool video, BTW. Nice job.

[@stephkent2736]

Not a Tesla fanperson, but comparing a 3 and an i4 is like comparing a Carola and a 4 series. Comparing an S and a i4 is much more of a fair fight on price and features.

[@jamespaul2587]

​@@stephkent2736no, the Model 3 Performance is the closest vehicle to the BMW as Model S is significantly larger.

[@joetacchino4470]

Travis, you’ve really come a long way in your presentation since starting. Keep it up! As a former Model 3 owner and a current M3 owner, I think you really nailed the pluses and minuses. I really wish Tesla had stepped up,the interior quality in the new 3, added a small driver display, and not deleted the stalks! Would have beaten the i4 hands down. Tesla gets so much so right, and the things they get wrong are so, so badly missed.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

I am getting used to the no stalks. The auto-shift from park and now for low-speed maneuvers is really convenient.

[@joetacchino4470]

@@GetOutsideYourselfturn signals man. Turn signals. Yes, I have driven it.

[@georgelee4308]

Current owner of a Model Y for a year, and I say this as a general rule for people if they as me how I like it. 60% of of it is stuff that is amazing and either I wished I had it in previous cars are they gave me great quality of life features (red light chime, 1 pedal driving, driver profiles, optimized regenerative braking, great and fast OS, cameras etc), 20% of it is about the same as same, since often there's not much improvement, but 20% of it is like they were starting out with the Ford Model T again (no stalks, hidden manual release for rear doors, nested windshield wipers adjustment, misaligned headlights, panel gaps etc.). One way to look at it is, I probably will never buy a car that is perfect for me, or perfect for even most people. For any of it's compromises, I think they've done a great job.

[@daflipbizkit]

BMW i4 considering it’s quality and inclusion of stalks and much more physical buttons more of a safety issue to me. New gen car’s reliance (trend set by Tesla) on the stupid screen to change settting old-fashioned buttons used to have is much easier and faster to access than fumbling with numerous clicks on a damn screen. I excluded it from a personal purchase because it’s a tight car inside and the rear is cramped for 2 car seats.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Amen. Physical controls are much more intuitive than touch screen controls. And a dedicated screen on the driver is line of sight is so much better for your neck.

[@BogeyTheBear]

The comparative lack of tumblehome in the Tesla 3's greenhouse gives it a cartoonish look where there is more glass on top than there is sheet metal below the beltline. 4:17 ...and if you _don't_ have the HK subwoofer, what can you store there beside the tire kit? You can stow away the recharging cables and add in a folded floor mat, a basic toolset, and still have enough space to store the center headrest you'll want take off the back seat to improve your rearward visibility. I know that for sure because that's what's under my trunk tray.

[@nihilnobody3011]

How can a Tesla, let alone a 3, be considered Premium, and compared to a BMW, is beyond me.

[@ROBMACDUI]

In regards to the refreshed model 3 it is. So good in fact that if you drive both, you would be hard pressed to justify the price of the BMW let alone the lack of the charging infrastructure for a non Tesla EV. I won’t even get into the service side of things. Non EV only dealerships only employ a couple “EV” certified techs where as Tesla only employs EV specialists not to mention that they have mobile service for small stuff where they come to you instead of having to drive to a dealership.

[@crackersmacc180]

I have the i4 e40. It’s built with all the years of experience of BMW design and driver enagagement with the added tech upgrade you expect with electric. The best thing is that it is a tenth of the cost to run and maintain over the ICE version - and jeez, the acceleration is blistering 🚙⚡️

[@ralanham76]

The model 3 should have been a hatchback 😢

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Preach! -Travis

[@BHenryDMoron]

My main issue with the i4 interior is that it feels claustrophobic. I’ve taken it on a test drive and even sat in one again yesterday and I barely fit at 5’11 and 180 pounds. My shoulder is touching the B pillar when sitting in the seat with it being adjusted correctly. I sat in a 3 series right after and it definitely has more width than the i4.

[@stephkent2736]

I'm 6'4 and chonky and I found the i4 super comfortable - even more so than the i5.

[@BHenryDMoron]

Just different body types I guess. I had plenty of room in the i5.

[@Noah_E]

It comes down to what you're looking for. The Tesla is an economic car that pretends to be luxurious. The BMW is a premium product, and it shows. It has a nicer, more traditional interior with basic stuff like buttons, dials, and stalks that 'normal' people want, but Tesla omits to save money. The massive screen with zero attempt to integrate it into the dash instead of smaller horizontal ones is an immediate deal-breaker for me.

[@ROBMACDUI]

I’ve sat in both. The BMW appears nicer and has some more premium materials, especially the seats however it also has more hard plastic. The refreshed model 3 is drastically nicer than the outgoing model shown in the video and the stereo on the Tesla blows away the BMWs away with its 17 speakers that include 2 amps and 2 subwoofers. Then you add in available full self driving which is very good and it’s hard to justify the extra cash for the Beemer.

[@jenesuispasbavard]

I may be biased but I'd also add the Polestar 2 into this mix (and pick that one over these two...). I test drove all three back in 2023 and went with the Polestar 2 as the best driving experience.

[@lawren7615]

I have the BMW I4 x drive. Best car I have ever owned . Vegas Red Black interior just beautiful and a rocket to boot!

[@Rioichi4]

BMW FTW. I love buttons, switches, and stalks.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

And the HUD and the iDrive wheel! So useful when driving

[@oceanNmotoWoman]

i4. I'm getting old, I can't take the harshness like I used to

[@chuckiehappy6469]

The new model 3 rides better and is quieter.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

That's understandable, no shame in the age game. -Travis

[@nihilnobody3011]

Ps: what is “premium” then, if a Tesla 3 is put together in the same bin as a BMW i4…?

[@bikingmoments]

I own a 24’ M340i with adaptive damper and square setup tires (225 AS) and a 25’ model 3 base long range rwd. My friends all agree that the new model 3 is softer (while on the sporty end) than the M340i in its comfort mode.

[@jasonl5607]

"The differences are more few and far in-between than they are abundant" What? As someone who recently upgraded from a 2018 Model 3P to a 2024 M3P that couldn't be further from the truth. The interior is way more refined, quite, and includes amazing seats that are ventilated. The suspension is noticeably improved and the active dampened suspension on the 3P makes it a non compromise on the ride even with the 20" wheels which are forged, stock. Not to mention it does a 10.9 at 125 and the acceleration pulls much harder up top in the rpm band.

[@naveenthemachine]

Id probably get the i4 for its features but the model 3 for value performance

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It creates an interesting choice. -Travis

[@nevco8774]

American legacy companies gave up on sedans. On the contrary, Korean, Japanese, German legacy, as well as American start ups keep pushing sedans. At least some companies use liftback design instead of sedans. Today, there are no clear sedans. Instead all of them are coupefied, drastically reducing head room in the rear. It clearly appeals to single folks. One American start up, Rivian, historically started with designing a sedan, but switched to trucks/SUVs and never looked back.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'd love to see more traditional hatchbacks as well. -Travis

[@andreasu.3546]

Let the sedan die, I want a proper station wagon.

[@nevco8774]

@@andreasu.3546 I agree. However, station wagons are built on sedan platforms. One cannot have a pure station wagon without having the sedan. The closest to sedan we own is a liftback. We own a station wagon as well.

[@james2042]

Fun fact evs are NOT on the rise outside of tesla. Multiple brands have slowed down ev production and ram has swapped the release order of the phev and the bev due to "waning interest in the bev"

[@BogeyTheBear]

The question to ask here: Is BMW one of those brands that is slowing down? No.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

EV sales continue to climb even if production increases are slowing. Slowing doesn't mean stopping and it certainly doesn't mean declining. -Travis

[@james2042]

@EVBuyersGuide you're aware official numbers include hybrids, right? When you see them break down, consumer evs are falling off, and luxury evs are slightly rising. So it's about the same, except more models have been released, so sales are trending downwards per model as the market saturates. Of course, luxury buyers aren't as impacted due to full electric powertrains being ideal for pure luxury vehicles, quiet, smooth, powerful, and way less maintenance. Once again, the renewed focus on hybrids and phevs from manufacturers while evs are declining in production speak to what's actually going on, regardless of the politically skewed reports. Hybrids are healthily on the rise. Ford wants to powerboost the ranger, bronco, and expedition/navigator. Gm announced its developing hybrids again aimed for 2026 (after claiming they wanted to switch to all ev and skip hybrids when they dropped the volt). The ram ramcharger is the most anticipated truck of 25. Toyota, hyundai/kia, Honda, Volvo, and even Mazda are all focused on hybrids. I was recently in silicon valley California for work and every other car seemed to be an ev of some sort. Back home in New York, the third highest ev adopting state, I'd say there's one in every 100 cars is electric. Outside of the California bubble, there really isn't demand for evs, and manufacturers are noticing

[@MugatuJag]

Base model 3 is now the long range rear wheel drive and it is vastly different driving than the 2023 standard. I think car and driver or Edmunds got 4.6 seconds to 60, and then the range is over 360 mi, again reputable magazines got 370 plus. The 2023 was like 270 miles. Both are fantastic cars. I chose that Tesla because I can't charge at home sadly

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

Electric Midsize Sedan

[@EVBuyersGuide]

True enough. -Travis

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

@EVBuyersGuide It's Really That a Midsize Sedan

[@nevco8774]

The split here is clear: drivers looking for cushy ride will choose BMW. On the contrary, those looking for sporty ride, lots of tech might be enticed to go for a Tesla. Elon Musk aside, I feel that in a Tesla the driver has to accept too much compromise: poor ride, poor build quality, poor reliability of doors, handles, front suspension components, lack of display in front, lack of Android auto/Apple car play, disintegrating brakes on salty winter roads, lack of ventilated seats, uncomfortable seats, low profile tires, prone to flats in potholes, wheel design prone to curb rash.

[@sjwright2]

Some of those criticisms are valid. Some are out of date, at least with respect to the refreshed Model 3. The suspension and ride comfort is now excellent. The seats are ventilated. Reviewers describe the new seats as very comfortable. Build quality issues are very rare these days. Reliability issues with door handles, suspension among others, were fixed many years ago, and/or were only ever an issue with the older Model S.

[@nevco8774]

@sjwright2 TFL had issues with rear doors, door handles in both Model 3 and Y they owned. And that was somewhere 2 years ago. The low profile tires prone to flats are still there. Out of spec had to restomod Tesla Model 3 with an aftermarket kit suspension and non fading brakes. There no way BMW brakes fade the way Tesla ones do. The front suspension parts are lasting 1.5 years as in Model 3, as in Model Y, as in Cybertruck. Cybertruck will have to recall its flimsy front suspension parts. Especially poor quality of front suspension is in Model S.

[@sjwright2]

@@nevco8774 The discussion here is about the Model 3 only, I agree there are issues with other models. I watch TFL and OOS and know about the issues they've raised. The advice to not buy low profile tyres applies to all brands, not just Tesla. Brake fade is only a relevant concern if you track your car, in which case I'd agree that you shouldn't buy a Tesla. The claim that the suspension only lasts 1.5 years is ridiculous - most people are seeing bushings wear out after around 100k miles, which is not ideal but also not unreasonable for a wear part on a car which encourages its owners to drive fast because of its effortless performance.

[@Noah_E]

Tesla relying on a massive aftermarket looking screen (poorly integrated into the dash) and voice commands is the only thing keeping me from buying one. It was done to save cost on switch gear and nothing else. I want REAL buttons and dials for basic controls

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

I’ve driven both multiple times, and I ended with a pre-owned BMW i4 (not M50). Teslas aire efficient and minimalistic go-carts, but they’re not sporty. Unless by “sporty” you mean “torque”, which any electric cars have high torque. I’ll take a BMW for sporty (tight suspensions, well balanced chassis, tighter steering) and spirited driving any time on any road. And Tesla has taken minimalism a couple notches too high. Actual physical controls are better on a car. Including an actual display in front of the driver, plus the HUD, give the win to BMW.

[@PauloSantos-rm1mt]

It is unfair to compare old model 3 with new BMW i4. 2024 model 3 is by far much better than previous version...

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

Well the Model 3 came out in 2017 and hasn’t changed too much. Considering that it’s doubt great! Why did you not get the new refreshed model to do your comparison?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Tesla doesn't have cars available for media access the way other manufacturers do and I happen to have the previous generation which is similar in most ways. -Travis

[@tahiyetkamal5017]

You can just request one through the app. Demo drive.

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

@@EVBuyersGuide You did an excellent job with the video. I just thought it was a missed opportunity. I have a model Y the one in my channel and although it’s good I am sure the refresh coming out will be improved quite a bit. I felt like the ride of the new Model 3 got better and more quiet.

[@johnmac609]

dude the 2024 model 3 is so much better... build quality, noise, design, heat pump? keep me honest.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

For me, the choice was between the BMW i5 M60 and Lucid Air Touring. I chose the Lucid because it won on many categories that were most important to me.

[@PetrusB83]

I went from BMW X3 to the 2024 LR AWD. As someone that is into tech I am very happy with the Tesla. It’s 20k Euro cheaper than the equivalent BMW i4 in Germany and while the finishing in BMW might be better, it is not 20k Euro better. I still think the Tesla Model 3 is the best value for money EV in this segment.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

I’d take the premium over the Tesla

[@TheSkyline5467]

I have to give Alex credit for not changing the plan. I subscribed to all this shit because of his personalit and perspective on cars but, at least he's not flighry

[@disla25]

Why were you comparing to the older Model 3? Highland is definitely better

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Because I don't own the Highland nor do I have easy access to go borrow one for a day. -Travis

[@JosefaVelvet]

Thanks for the breakdown! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How can I transfer them to Binance?

[@WJYK]

Its an outdated comparison. The new Highland version is so much better than the current version and if you compare the new Performance version, its magnitudes better than the i4 and the old Model 3. The new adaptive suspension transforms the car...makes my old Model 3 Performance seem generations behind.

[@mijas-rus2715]

I was choosing between the two. While the i4 is definitely more fun to drive, it has better handling and allegedly a better build, this is pretty much it. The M3 has more room (you can actually put two adults at the back, while the i4 is essentially a 2-person car), more cargo space, better efficiency (resulting in a longer range), better app, better OTA updates, more support from a wider user base, superior infrastructure (you can actually go on road trips with it) and is way less expensive. The i4 with equivalent options would be almost 50% more expensive

[@Wawalsh1234]

With all due respect, this may have or I think this is larger doesn’t cut it. All of the specs are available and you can provide facts. Not a very good effort here.

[@Molishious]

Seems very odd to do this video without using the refreshed version. Even though they do look very similar I’d expect this channel to do it right and get the correct car. Clever to use the word “premium” instead of “luxury” to allow the Tesla to be used in the comparison.

[@Mkvkuv]

tesla > bmw, anyday

[@kevinn1158]

Tesla Model 3 AWD is 60-2k CAD. here in Canada. BMW i4 Xdrive 40 M sport starts at 78k CAD. 18k more than the Tesla. The Model 3 just feels like a cheap Econo car inside while the BMW feels much more refined. Is it worth 18k more? Hummmm not sure. BMW has discounts and a much lower APR up here so that offsets the lease costs quite a bit if you are leasing. And how tall are you? My daughter who is 5'10" just sat in the back of the i4 and didn't have an issue.

[@Noah_E]

The Model 3 has over an inch more rear headroom (37.8 vs 36.6). That can be the difference between feeling tight and touching the roof

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'm 6' and have a tall torso, there are a lot of scans I don't fit in the back seat of but the i4 is particularly cramped for me. -Travis

[@kevinn1158]

@@EVBuyersGuide Ah ok, thanks. I'm about 6" and sat in the back and I could feel my hair touching the roof. I do wonder when the new BMW Neue Klasse SUV is coming this yr. Maybe I can wait for that.

[@kubi0461]

Assuming I fit, the BMW easily. Tesla has removed so many buttons and such to where I’d consider it unsafe. Personally, I feel that due to the need to be focused on the road/driving, a certain number of functions should not only be physical buttons but they should be single function buttons so that pressing it always does the same thing. And I cringe asking for regulations, but having a speedometer in front of the driver’s view should be required by regulation.

[@BogeyTheBear]

I have an i4 (no HUD) and of the various front instrument screen modes to choose from, I started out with having the minimap display. I figured having the map up constantly would be useful, even if this meant the speedometer got tucked into a corner of the instrument panel... ...then I did my first canyon drive and _immediately_ set the front display to show the speedometer front and center because that info was far more important to take in at a fraction of a glance. I shudder at the thought of taking my eyes off the road in that situation and having to look over at the corner of a centrally mounted iPad to see how fast I'm going.