The BMW i5 offers a blend of luxury and performance with a traditional infotainment system, while the Tesla Model 3 (2025 Refresh) provides a more tech-focused experience with a strong charging infrastructure and quicker acceleration at a lower price point. The best choice depends on individual priorities, such as budget, preferred features, and brand loyalty.
| Attribute | BMW i5 | Tesla Model 3 (2025 Refresh) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Around $67,100. Prices can range from $67,100 to $85,275 depending on the trim and options. | $44,130 - $56,630 (USD), $59,990 - $79,990 (CAD) |
| Electric Range (EPA) | 239-310 miles depending on the model. i5 eDrive40: 270-310 miles. BMW estimates 278-310 miles. EPA estimates up to 295 miles. i5 xDrive40: 259-278 miles. i5 M60: 239-278 miles. EPA estimates 256 miles. With 21-inch wheels, the EPA estimates 240 miles. | 303–363 miles (estimated), Long Range: 363 miles (RWD) or 346 miles (AWD) |
| Battery Capacity | 81.2 kWh usable (84.3 kWh gross) | Model 3 RWD: 62.5 kWh (other sources mention 57.5 kWh and 82 kWh) |
| Charging Time (0-80% at DC Fast Charger) | Around 30 minutes. Adding 100 miles of range takes about 11 minutes at a 350kW DC Fast Charger. | Approximately 15-20 minutes with a V3 Supercharger (250 kW), adds up to 200 miles of range |
| Horsepower | i5 eDrive40: 335 hp. i5 xDrive40: 389 hp. i5 M60 xDrive: 593 hp. | Performance: 510 hp (estimated), Long Range RWD: 335 hp |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | i5 eDrive40: 5.1-5.7 seconds. i5 xDrive40: 5.2 seconds. i5 M60 xDrive: 3.3-3.7 seconds. | Performance: 2.8 seconds (claimed), Long Range AWD: 4.2 seconds, Long Range RWD: 4.6 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (eDrive40) or All-wheel drive (xDrive40, M60 xDrive) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Infotainment System and Features | BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It uses BMW's iDrive 8.5 interface. Includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, wireless smartphone charging, Harman/Kardon stereo. | 15.4-inch central touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, USB, internet streaming radio, Netflix, YouTube, arcade games. Lacks AM radio, SiriusXM, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Long Range and Performance models have a 17-speaker premium audio system. |
| Driver-Assistance Features (e.g., Autopilot, Driving Assistant Professional) | Standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode and Active Driving Assistant Pro. Driving Assistant Professional. | Automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, Tesla's Autopilot system (traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot warning) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 5 |
| Cargo Space | 17 cubic feet | 21 cubic feet (other sources mention 24 cu ft) |
| Warranty (Battery and Powertrain) | 4 years/50,000 miles. Includes three years/36,000 miles of maintenance. | Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles. Powertrain warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles. Long Range: additional coverage up to 120,000 miles for the battery and drive components |
| Pros | Upscale and comfortable interior, Blends comfort and sport, Modern design, Includes three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations, Features a brake energy recuperation system | Strong Supercharger network, Strong regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, Refreshed exterior design with a sleeker look, Improved interior materials, Quieter cabin due to added sound-deadening materials and double-pane glass, Updated suspension provides a more comfortable ride, Accurate and well-weighted steering with adjustable settings, Over-the-air software updates for some maintenance tasks |
| Cons | Lacks AM radio, Lacks SiriusXM satellite radio, Lacks Android Auto, Lacks Apple CarPlay, Real-world highway range may fall short of EPA estimates |