Tesla Model 3 Performance vs BMW M3 Competition: Take Cover!

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is the new ultra-sporty sedan on the market, but how does it compare to the reference for gasoline sedans?

It’s a clash of two worlds, even two eras. One makes noise through its exhausts against the one that makes noise through its performance. The revelation of the new Tesla Model 3 Performance is another nail in the coffin for thermal sports sedans. Why? Because the accelerations (what excites highway drivers the most), sensations, and range are already equivalent! As for price, we don’t even need to discuss it: the Tesla Model 3 Performance is 3 times cheaper than the market reference, the BMW M3 Competition. Yes, three times!

Prices: Tesla Victory

We can already compare the list prices: 55,990 euros for the electric American, against 109,950 euros for the Bavarian with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine. But in the latter case, you then have to add the 60,000 euros eco-tax in 2024, bringing it to at least 169,950 euros. That makes for an expensive supercharged family car. It’s mostly 113,960 euros more than the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Incredible. You could essentially outfit the whole family with Teslas for the price of a single BMW. Ouch.

Financially, there’s also no match if you choose the LOA (Lease with Purchase Option): 752 euros/month for the Tesla with a lower down payment than the BMW, whose monthly fee will be 1845 euros. The match is closed.

Performance: Tesla Victory

We enter the topic that polarizes opinions: yes, an electric car is already more performant than a thermal one. In acceleration as well as on a track lap. For some of them, at least. But that’s the case for the Tesla Model 3 Performance facing the BMW. Why? The weight!

The idea that an electric car is a heavyweight is outdated. Proof being, the Tesla weighs only 46 kilograms more than the BMW: 1851 kg against 1805 kg! And this despite having four-wheel drive compared to the rear-wheel drive for the German. So that, despite having lower power, the Tesla accelerates faster: -0.8 seconds on the 0 to 100 km/h exercise, an eternity at this level of performance.

Similarly, the top speed is higher, and the torque curve is completely flat from start to finish during acceleration. As for braking, regeneration helps relieve the Tesla’s steel brakes and recover some kilometers of range. This is no legend thanks to the 800-volt electric system that allows recovery of up to 250 kW of power during heavy decelerations.

TECHNICAL SHEETS

Everyday Budget: Tesla Victory

The official consumption figures validated by the WLTP mixed cycle are ludicrous. Everyone knows that. No BMW with 510 horsepower will ever consume less than 10 liters per 100 km for the simple reason that it invites you to always press the gas pedal. The same goes for the Tesla and its 16.7 kWh per 100 km.

Let’s assume a 30% increase, meaning 15 liters (at 1.9 euros per liter) for the BMW and 22 kWh (at 0.25 euros per kWh) for the Tesla. This leads to, for an annual mileage of 10,000 kilometers:

– 2850 euros for fuel for the BMW M3 Competition
– 550 euros for electricity for the Tesla Model 3 Performance

That’s a 2300 euro difference for every 10,000 kilometers. And we spare you the higher insurance premiums, maintenance costs, etc. Let’s not go any further…

Conclusion: Tesla Victory Without Appeal

We are witnessing a precise moment where it no longer makes sense to buy a thermal sports car. Certainly, there remains the question of sound, but after that? Price, performance, running costs, the shift is made between the world of yesterday and tomorrow. That’s how it is. The proof is that BMW is fine-tuning its first electric M3 with four motors.

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