2021 BMW 3-Series vs 2020 Tesla Model 3

2021 BMW 3-Series

#1 in Luxury Small Sedans

2020 Tesla Model 3

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330e Plug-In Hybrid

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
3 Series 330e Plug-In Hybrid	N/A	N/A	$41,930	$44,550
3 Series 330e Plug-In Hybrid North America	N/A	N/A	$41,930	$44,550
3 Series 330e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid	N/A	N/A	$43,790	$46,550
3 Series 330e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid North America	N/A	N/A	$43,790	$46,550
3 Series 330i Sedan	26	36	$38,865	$41,250
3 Series 330i Sedan North America	26	36	$38,865	$41,250
3 Series 330i xDrive Sedan	25	34	$40,725	$43,250
3 Series 330i xDrive Sedan North America	25	34	$40,725	$43,250
3 Series M340i Sedan	23	32	$51,370	$54,700
3 Series M340i Sedan North America	23	32	$51,370	$54,700
3 Series M340i xDrive Sedan	22	31	$53,230	$56,700
3 Series M340i xDrive Sedan North America	22	31	$53,230	$56,700
M3 Competition Sedan	16	23	$68,205	$72,800
M3 Sedan	16	23	$65,505	$69,900

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Long Range AWD

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Model 3 Long Range AWD	N/A	N/A	N/A	$46,990
Model 3 Performance AWD	N/A	N/A	N/A	$54,990
Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD	N/A	N/A	N/A	$37,990
Model 3 Standard Range RWD	N/A	N/A	N/A	$35,000

Show Only Differences

Pricing

Invoice Price

$41,930

Coming Soon

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price

$44,550

$46,990

Monthly Payment Estimate

$743 / month

$783 / month

The Car Connection's Take

TCC Rating

7.7

Read Our Full Review

7.5

Read Our Full Review

TCC’s Bottom Line

The flexible 2021 BMW 3-Series lineup offers something for everyone, so long as they’re not smitten with SUVs.

It’s not perfect, but the 2020 Tesla Model 3 has a devoted following and growing list of fans.

TCC Likes

Spectacular engines
Thrill-ride M3
Ride/handling balance

Responsive chassis, precise steering
Practical design
Minimalist styling inside and out

TCC Dislikes

No wagon version
No manual, except in M3
M3’s style an acquired taste, at best

Materials and assembly could be better
More road noise than we like
Overly dependent on the touchscreen

Fuel Economy

City

Coming Soon

Highway

Coming Soon

Vehicle

EPA Classification

Compact Cars

Midsize Cars

Interior Dimensions

Second Head Room (in)

37.6

37.7

Second Shoulder Room (in)

54.6

Front Head Room (in)

38.7

40.3

Front Shoulder Room (in)

56.3

Passenger Capacity

Second Leg Room (in)

35.2

Front Leg Room (in)

42.7

Second Hip Room (in)

52.4

Passenger Volume (ft³)

Front Hip Room (in)

53.4

Exterior Dimensions

Track Width, Front (in)

62.2

Length, Overall (in)

185.7

184.8

Height, Overall (in)

56.9

56.8

Track Width, Rear (in)

61.8

62.2

Wheelbase (in)

112.2

113.2

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)

71.9

72.8

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³)

13.2

Brakes

Drum - Rear (Yes or )

Brake ABS System

4-Wheel

Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Brake Type

4-Wheel Disc

Disc - Front (Yes or )

Yes

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

13.2

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

12.6

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)

10.6

Steering

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)

37.2

38.8

Steering Type

Rack-Pinion

Tires

Front Tire Size

P225/45HR18

P235/45WR18

Spare Tire Size

Front Tire Order Code

Spare Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Size

P225/45HR18

P235/45WR18

Rear Tire Order Code

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs)

4039

4031

Wheels

Spare Wheel Size (in)

Rear Wheel Material

Aluminum

Rear Wheel Size (in)

18 X 7.5

18 X 8.5

Front Wheel Material

Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material

Front Wheel Size (in)

18 X 7.5

18 X 8.5

Engine

Fuel System

Gasoline Direct Injection

SAE Net Torque @ RPM

310

Engine Order Code

Displacement

2.0 L/122

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM

288 @ 3800

Engine Type

Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4

Electric

Mileage

EPA MPG Equivalent - Combined

121

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)

Estimated Battery Range (mi)

353

EPA MPG Equivalent - Hwy

116

EPA MPG Equivalent - City

124

Transmission

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.67

Trans Description Cont.

Automatic w/OD

Automatic

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.00

First Gear Ratio (:1)

4.71

Drivetrain

Rear Wheel Drive

All Wheel Drive

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)

3.23

9.00

Third Gear Ratio (:1)

2.11

Trans Type

Eighth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.67

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.28

Trans Description Cont. Again

Reverse Ratio (:1)

3.32

Second Gear Ratio (:1)

3.14

Trans Order Code

2TB

Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)

0.84

Summary

Vehicle Name

BMW 3 Series

Tesla Model 3

Body Style

Sedan

Suspension

Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)

Strut

Double Wishbone

Suspension Type - Rear

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Front

Strut

Double Wishbone

Crash Test Ratings

Overall Rating

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger

Overall Side Crash Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Barrier Rating Driver

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Rear Seat

Rollover Rating

2021 BMW 3-Series

2021 BMW 3-Series available; 2022s arriving
Lease: From $429 for 36 months
Rebate: $1,000 college graduate
Financing: From 0.9% APR for 60 months

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2020 Tesla Model 3

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