Tesla Model 3 to BMW i4 - anyone done it?
Discussion
I've had my Tesla 3 long range for almost four years and 50,000+ miles now. All good, no problems but I am getting itchy feet and wondered what I might want to replace it with.
I use superchargers around 1-3 times a month and charge from home the rest of the time. Has anyone gone to an i4 from a model 3 and what did you think? Or even the other way.
I have had a few BMWs over the years and that, or maybe an Audi, is on the list as a potential replacement. Or I could well end up just sticking with the tesla and running it for another 50k
Thanks
I use superchargers around 1-3 times a month and charge from home the rest of the time. Has anyone gone to an i4 from a model 3 and what did you think? Or even the other way.
I have had a few BMWs over the years and that, or maybe an Audi, is on the list as a potential replacement. Or I could well end up just sticking with the tesla and running it for another 50k
Thanks
It depends which i4 really...
Imo the edrive 40 is underpowered, you're probably better with the m3LR overall. I have the i4 M50 which is an absolute beast and comes as standard with spec/tech that elevate it above the Tesla in a number of ways. All i4's will drive and feel a little more premium, not a dig at the Tesla, but they are simply a more premium car.
Screen/nav etc, BMW is as good as it gets, as are Merc. I would put both ahead of the Tesla system in terms of general useability as both have a proper controller and buttons etc.
The none Tesla charging network now actually has more high speed chargers per none Tesla car on the road than the Tesla network, but is a bit more expensive. In terms of useability virtually all high speed chargers now accept tap to pay, and most are on the Octopus card which bills at a mildly discounted rate direct to my home energy account. I would say that the network is now more than good enough to not be a factor in car choice - if you happen to like a car that isn't a Tesla, you'll cope just fine charging it. The i4 will find available chargers en-route just as the Tesla does.
As a car itself, the i4 is essentially a 4 series Grand Coupe, so is sporty and extremely practical - it's a proper hatchback with flat folding rear seats, also the latest generation are extremely comfortable - especially the M50 which gets air suspension and adaptive damping.
If you can only get the e40 i4, it's RWD and actually let's you play with rear wheel slip in sport mode. In terms of cost price (rrp) it's often said to be the best spec - but if you can get a decent lease/SS deal on the M50, it's worth the extra.
hth
Imo the edrive 40 is underpowered, you're probably better with the m3LR overall. I have the i4 M50 which is an absolute beast and comes as standard with spec/tech that elevate it above the Tesla in a number of ways. All i4's will drive and feel a little more premium, not a dig at the Tesla, but they are simply a more premium car.
Screen/nav etc, BMW is as good as it gets, as are Merc. I would put both ahead of the Tesla system in terms of general useability as both have a proper controller and buttons etc.
The none Tesla charging network now actually has more high speed chargers per none Tesla car on the road than the Tesla network, but is a bit more expensive. In terms of useability virtually all high speed chargers now accept tap to pay, and most are on the Octopus card which bills at a mildly discounted rate direct to my home energy account. I would say that the network is now more than good enough to not be a factor in car choice - if you happen to like a car that isn't a Tesla, you'll cope just fine charging it. The i4 will find available chargers en-route just as the Tesla does.
As a car itself, the i4 is essentially a 4 series Grand Coupe, so is sporty and extremely practical - it's a proper hatchback with flat folding rear seats, also the latest generation are extremely comfortable - especially the M50 which gets air suspension and adaptive damping.
If you can only get the e40 i4, it's RWD and actually let's you play with rear wheel slip in sport mode. In terms of cost price (rrp) it's often said to be the best spec - but if you can get a decent lease/SS deal on the M50, it's worth the extra.
hth
I had my Model 3SR for 4 years, I looked at the P*2 SM LR and i4 e40 as replacements. I wanted to keep to the same monthly cost with my work lease, and felt like a change.
Both the P*2 and i4 felt cramped in comparison and you could feel the weight of both on test drives. The infotainment on both were good, but I'd got used to the Tesla so no buttons/dials etc weren't much of a an issue. The supercharger network is so easy in the Tesla, just rocking up and plugging in, I've never found them lacking in power delivery, especially since the V3s came on line. The Electroverse app/card has made charge charging on non Tesla SuCs really easy though.
In the end I went for a Model 3 RWD, plenty fast enough (although slower than my 2020 SR), incredibly efficient and on a par with the other two with build quality. The ride, handling and uplift in quality over the previous model is noticeable. Although only the ~60kWh battery, the summer motorway range is 280, so more than enough for me. The negatives of the Model 3 for me are that is doesn't have a hatch and the adaptive headlights are too slow to react so I have to use the button which is a pain. I don't find the on screen gear selector or indicator buttons an issue, it took about a week for it to become 'normal'
EDIT spelling
Both the P*2 and i4 felt cramped in comparison and you could feel the weight of both on test drives. The infotainment on both were good, but I'd got used to the Tesla so no buttons/dials etc weren't much of a an issue. The supercharger network is so easy in the Tesla, just rocking up and plugging in, I've never found them lacking in power delivery, especially since the V3s came on line. The Electroverse app/card has made charge charging on non Tesla SuCs really easy though.
In the end I went for a Model 3 RWD, plenty fast enough (although slower than my 2020 SR), incredibly efficient and on a par with the other two with build quality. The ride, handling and uplift in quality over the previous model is noticeable. Although only the ~60kWh battery, the summer motorway range is 280, so more than enough for me. The negatives of the Model 3 for me are that is doesn't have a hatch and the adaptive headlights are too slow to react so I have to use the button which is a pain. I don't find the on screen gear selector or indicator buttons an issue, it took about a week for it to become 'normal'
EDIT spelling
Edited by Maracus on Friday 8th November 10:50
I had an M3 LR for a few years, then changed jobs and got an i4 40.
My thoughts:
I went for the i4 mostly for the hatchback, to get my bike in. The letter box that is the boot on the Tesla was a real faff.
I tend to do long days in the car and whilst I had the option of the M50, the extra 50 or so miles range helps plus I pocketed the difference in the car allowance as cash.
It is plenty fast enough, once you've done a few Santa Pods off the lights in the M3 it gets a bit boring, plus the BMW is nicer to drive than the more inert M3.
The interior is a much nicer place. The tech seems much more up to date- I think the Tesla was starting to date. The ICE is not as good as the Tesla - that had superb sound quality. The way the BMW uses the sat nav (assuming you set a destination) to modulate the power on a trip is clever- eeeks out a bit more battery.
The seats are a lot more comfortable than the Tesla.
Top tip - with the BMW Charge account (which I think is free) you can use Gridserve chargers at 45p.
Top tip 2 - get a Tesla supercharger account for £8 a month and you have access to about 40 chargers around the country. I charged on the M1 last night for 34p. They are pretty evenly spread so you should be able to pick one up, especially on a long run.
Overall, while the Tesla had the superior range, I prefer the i4. It's a compromise due to using the 4 series shell, so has a transmission tunnel in the rear but I rarely carry rear seat passengers.
It's a better looking car and handles very well (I have the M sport pack which has the adjustable damping).
My thoughts:
I went for the i4 mostly for the hatchback, to get my bike in. The letter box that is the boot on the Tesla was a real faff.
I tend to do long days in the car and whilst I had the option of the M50, the extra 50 or so miles range helps plus I pocketed the difference in the car allowance as cash.
It is plenty fast enough, once you've done a few Santa Pods off the lights in the M3 it gets a bit boring, plus the BMW is nicer to drive than the more inert M3.
The interior is a much nicer place. The tech seems much more up to date- I think the Tesla was starting to date. The ICE is not as good as the Tesla - that had superb sound quality. The way the BMW uses the sat nav (assuming you set a destination) to modulate the power on a trip is clever- eeeks out a bit more battery.
The seats are a lot more comfortable than the Tesla.
Top tip - with the BMW Charge account (which I think is free) you can use Gridserve chargers at 45p.
Top tip 2 - get a Tesla supercharger account for £8 a month and you have access to about 40 chargers around the country. I charged on the M1 last night for 34p. They are pretty evenly spread so you should be able to pick one up, especially on a long run.
Overall, while the Tesla had the superior range, I prefer the i4. It's a compromise due to using the 4 series shell, so has a transmission tunnel in the rear but I rarely carry rear seat passengers.
It's a better looking car and handles very well (I have the M sport pack which has the adjustable damping).
Thanks for all the comments. I will have to go and look at one and see but based on the above, perhaps not that compellign a reason to change just yet. I would be buying second hand not new.
My other possible option is to keep the Tesla and buy an Abarth 595! I used to have one and quite fancy another. I will keep thinking - thanks for all the comments again.
My other possible option is to keep the Tesla and buy an Abarth 595! I used to have one and quite fancy another. I will keep thinking - thanks for all the comments again.
Frankychops said:
I had a look at the i4 as a replacement for my model 3 LR, i thought the i4 felt 'cheaper'.
I thought the complete opposite. When I initially got in the Model 3 for a test drive it took be seconds to say nope, no way could I sit in that interior and feel any sense of luxury, quality or useability. It's all subjective and goes to show we all think differently. So to the OP you will need to make your own mind up on that one.
I have the i4 M50 and as EVs go it's pretty good.
limpsfield said:
Thanks for all the comments. I will have to go and look at one and see but based on the above, perhaps not that compellign a reason to change just yet. I would be buying second hand not new.
My other possible option is to keep the Tesla and buy an Abarth 595! I used to have one and quite fancy another. I will keep thinking - thanks for all the comments again.
This all day long. Keep the EV for dull days and the 595 for fun days, that's what I do (XKR for fun), Best of all worlds. My other possible option is to keep the Tesla and buy an Abarth 595! I used to have one and quite fancy another. I will keep thinking - thanks for all the comments again.
stumpage said:
Frankychops said:
I had a look at the i4 as a replacement for my model 3 LR, i thought the i4 felt 'cheaper'.
I thought the complete opposite. When I initially got in the Model 3 for a test drive it took be seconds to say nope, no way could I sit in that interior and feel any sense of luxury, quality or useability. It's all subjective and goes to show we all think differently. So to the OP you will need to make your own mind up on that one.
I have the i4 M50 and as EVs go it's pretty good.
TheDeuce said:
It is all subjective but I can't help think that some people confuse quality with personal taste for a particular style. If someone likes the airy minimalism of the Tesla then of course they'll prefer to be in the Tesla - but in terms of material quality and fit etc, the BMW is the superior product.
I'm just coming out of a Tesla M3 (3yrs and 65k miles), initailly I was impressed by the quality but frankly it's not lasted well. It's never let me down but it's starting to show it's age with interior creaks, obvious wear on carpets, rattles and things starting not to occasionally not work (powered boot)TheDeuce said:
stumpage said:
Frankychops said:
I had a look at the i4 as a replacement for my model 3 LR, i thought the i4 felt 'cheaper'.
I thought the complete opposite. When I initially got in the Model 3 for a test drive it took be seconds to say nope, no way could I sit in that interior and feel any sense of luxury, quality or useability. It's all subjective and goes to show we all think differently. So to the OP you will need to make your own mind up on that one.
I have the i4 M50 and as EVs go it's pretty good.
Watching this with interest. My Polestar 2 long range dual motor goes back in June (co car), after what will be 4 years and close to 120,000 miles (its on 95k now). Its been faultless and I love it.
New Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like s
t to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.
Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
New Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like s
t to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
grumpy_dave said:
Watching this with interest. My Polestar 2 long range dual motor goes back in June (co car), after what will be 4 years and close to 120,000 miles (its on 95k now). Its been faultless and I love it.
New Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like st to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.
Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
I agree totally, once you've got used to casually tapping the throttle and the car just fNew Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like s
t to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
ks off down the road... It's so hard to give up. Going back feels like walking through custard, you just want to... go.It runs counter to the 'boring one trick pony' theory that I was guilty of sharing when the early Tesla's first came out. Obviously we're not actually doing 3.something second 0-60 runs each time the lights turn green, but the ability to get going so effortlessly or power out of a corner simply doesn't get old.
TheDeuce said:
I agree totally, once you've got used to casually tapping the throttle and the car just fks off down the road... It's so hard to give up. Going back feels like walking through custard, you just want to... go.
It runs counter to the 'boring one trick pony' theory that I was guilty of sharing when the early Tesla's first came out. Obviously we're not actually doing 3.something second 0-60 runs each time the lights turn green, but the ability to get going so effortlessly or power out of a corner simply doesn't get old.
I'd agree with all of that. I never get bored of flooring mine, the regen braking - and the handling is not bad at all. I do think if some of the anit-Ev posters on here actually drove one for a day their minds would be changed - but there are enough threads on here to have that arguement ad infinitum.ks off down the road... It's so hard to give up. Going back feels like walking through custard, you just want to... go.It runs counter to the 'boring one trick pony' theory that I was guilty of sharing when the early Tesla's first came out. Obviously we're not actually doing 3.something second 0-60 runs each time the lights turn green, but the ability to get going so effortlessly or power out of a corner simply doesn't get old.
I sat in one of the new Teslas the other week when mine was in getting the wheels balanced. The quality does feel a step up from my 2020 one. I think I am probably going to end up stickign with it for a bit longer.
grumpy_dave said:
Watching this with interest. My Polestar 2 long range dual motor goes back in June (co car), after what will be 4 years and close to 120,000 miles (its on 95k now). Its been faultless and I love it.
New Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like st to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.
Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
polestar 4 AWD?New Tesla Model 3, RWD, Long Range with 425+ miles (so 325 - 350 for me) to be honest is hard to ignore. Love the Polestar, but adding at least 100 miles to the real range is a draw.
I am worried I'll miss the AWD EV performance though. My PS2 goes like a rocket, its unhinged and grips like s
t to a blanket. Haven't got bored of launching it everywhere all the time. Maybe the Tesla with AWD, at 375ish miles is the compromise. But its a saloon, not a hatch.Then the new ID7 Match Pro S and GTX are also on the list as is a load of other dull stuff, but the Pro S is also 425+ miles of range.
In my ideal world, the Volvo EX30 (3.2s to 60) with a decent 400+ miles range would be perfect, compact(ish), practical (hatch), looks like an EV should (not a 3 series) and properly quick. Lovely thing, had one as a courtesy car whilst the PS2 was being serviced. But the range is in the 200's. Damn it.
I do struggle to deal with Audi / BMW / Merc EV offerings, as I do Volvo (apart from the new EX30), they just look like a traditional car.
Maybe I just need to grow up and consider slower things to 60, but once you've been there
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