The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has no direct competitors, just as earlier Teslas have pioneered new long-range electric-car segments.
It’s a small, sleek sedan sized to go up against the BMW 3-Series, but that car’s sole plug-in model has so little range it’s not relevant.
The BMW i3 electric car is a closer competitor, but its range is one-half to one-third that of the Model 3 and its small, oddly styled hatchback form may take it entirely out of contention.
The 238-mile Chevrolet Bolt EV and 151-mile Nissan Leaf are also both five-door hatchbacks, but they have longer ranges and compete around the price of the entry Model 3 that’s not yet available.
The Chevy and Nissan brands may be a turnoff, though.
Finally, Tesla has had some success in moving Model 3 shoppers into used (and even new) Model S sedans; it’s a larger car with more features, and may come with free use of the nationwide Supercharger network, which the Model 3 doesn’t.
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Tesla Model 3 promises Tesla chic at mass-market prices, at least when less expensive versions arrive, but build quality should be any buyer’s biggest worry. |
The 2018 BMW 3-Series makes its strongest case in performance for luxury compact buyers’ attentions. |
The BMW i3 is a wonder of technology, but it's already been surpasses by EVs with longer range. |
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV remains the only affordable, available electric car that offers more than 200 miles of range. |
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is improved in every way over its aged predecessor: it’s better-looking, nicer inside, and has more power and battery range, at a relatively affordable price. |
The 2018 Tesla Model S still delivers unequaled battery-electric performance, though its style and safety are beginning to show their age. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $46,000 | $34,900 | $44,450 | $36,620 | $29,990 | $78,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | |||||
| Engine | |||||
| Electric | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Large Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | - TBD - | Mid-Size Cars | Large Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| Mid Range Battery RWD | 320i Sedan | 94 Ah | 5-Door HB LT | S Hatchback | 75D AWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | NA | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2018 BMW 3-Series | 2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2018 BMW i3 | 2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2018 Nissan Leaf | 2018 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2018 Tesla Model S | |
