Electric vehicles: Tesla Model Y vs. BMW iX
Quick Verdict
The Tesla Model Y is a more affordable option with a longer battery warranty and access to the Supercharger network, making it suitable for those prioritizing value and long-distance travel. The BMW iX offers a more luxurious experience with higher performance and advanced technology features, justifying its higher price for buyers seeking premium comfort and driving dynamics.
- The BMW iX generally offers more horsepower and a higher price point compared to the Tesla Model Y.
- The Tesla Model Y boasts access to the Tesla Supercharger network, a significant advantage for long-distance travel.
- Both vehicles offer advanced driver-assistance features, but the BMW iX has an optional Highway Assistant for hands-free driving (on certain models).
- The BMW iX has a more customizable and feature-rich infotainment system, while the Tesla Model Y includes entertainment options like Netflix and YouTube.
- The Tesla Model Y has a longer battery and drive unit warranty (8 years/120,000 miles) compared to the BMW iX (8 years/100,000 miles).
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Tesla Model Y | BMW iX |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Tesla Model Y | BMW iX |
| Price | $46,630 | xDrive45: $76,325, xDrive50: $87,100 (2024 model), $88,425 (2025 model), xDrive60: $89,675, $93,205, M60: $111,500 (2024 model), $112,675, M70: $112,675 |
| Range (miles) | RWD: 357 (EPA est.), 344 (20-inch wheels), AWD: 327 (19-inch wheels), 303 (20-inch wheels), Long Range: 295 | xDrive45: 290-312, xDrive50: Up to 324, xDrive60: 318-364, M60: Up to 349, M70: Up to 364 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | Standard Range RWD: ~60, Long Range RWD & AWD: ~75, Long Range AWD (Juniper): 75.0 (usable) | xDrive40: 76.6 (Usable), xDrive45: 94.8, xDrive50: 105.2 (Usable), 109.5, xDrive60: 109.1, M60: 108.9 |
| Charging Time (0-100% at 240V) | 8-9 hours | Level 2: Approximately 11 hours. With a 7kW charger, it can take up to 16 hours and 15 minutes., Level 2 (9.6kW): ~4-5 hours for 100 miles, Level 2 (11kW): ~3 hours 15 mins – 4 hours for 100 miles |
| Horsepower | RWD: 295 hp, AWD: 375 hp, Performance: 455 hp | xDrive40: 322 hp, 402 hp, xDrive50: 516 hp, xDrive60: 536 hp, M60: 610 hp, 619 hp, 650 hp |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration (seconds) | Long Range AWD: 3.9, RWD: 5.4, Performance: 3.5 (real-world as low as 3.3) | xDrive40: 6.1, xDrive50: 4.0, 4.4, xDrive60: 4.6, M60: 3.2, under 4, 3.6 |
| Cargo Space (cubic feet) | Rear seats up: 33.1, Rear seats folded: 76 | 35.5 (behind rear seats) / 77.9 (seats folded) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 passengers |
| Technology Features | Autopilot: Standard (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer), Full Self-Driving (Supervised): Optional (driver attention required), 15.4-inch touchscreen, Entertainment: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, video games | iDrive 8.5 Infotainment System: Customizable menus, voice-activated assistant, 14.9-inch Infotainment Display & 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot, Optional 18-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo or 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup, Wireless device charging |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA/IIHS) | Visit NHTSA and IIHS websites | Not available |
| Warranty (Battery and Powertrain) | Basic Vehicle: 4 years/50,000 miles, Battery & Drive Unit: 8 years/120,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles, 8-year/100,000 mile battery warranty |
| Driver Assistance Features | Standard: Automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, Optional: Auto Lane Change, Navigate on Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Autopark, Summon | Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus, Cruise Control with brake function, Active Guard Plus, and Parking Assistant (from 03/2025), Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking, Highway Assistant: Hands-free driving on highways at speeds up to 85 mph (requires specific hardware and is available on certain models) |
| Pros | Convenient access to Tesla Supercharger network for long-distance driving, Regenerative braking system is generally easy to use with linear operation, Cabin is quieter compared to previous models, Front seats are generally comfortable with good support and adjustability, Rear seats offer generous legroom, Useful driver-assistance features for reducing fatigue on long highway drives | Spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, Smooth and comfortable ride due to adjustable air suspension, Good handling and power delivery, especially in bad weather, Quiet interior with very little road noise, Tunable regenerative braking system allowing for one-pedal driving, Intuitive and responsive iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, Highway Assistant for hands-free driving on highways (on certain models) |
| Cons | Real-world range varies based on driving conditions, weather, and speed, Ride quality may be firm for some, Driver-assistance features require driver attention | Not available |
Overall Comparison
Tesla Model Y: Starting at $46,630, up to 357 miles range, BMW iX: Starting at $76,325, up to 364 miles range.
Pros and Cons
Tesla Model Y
Pros:
- Convenient access to Tesla Supercharger network for long-distance driving
- Regenerative braking system is generally easy to use with linear operation
- Cabin is quieter compared to previous models
- Front seats are generally comfortable with good support and adjustability
- Rear seats offer generous legroom
- Useful driver-assistance features for reducing fatigue on long highway drives
Cons:
- Real-world range varies based on driving conditions, weather, and speed
- Ride quality may be firm for some
- Driver-assistance features require driver attention
BMW iX
Pros:
- Spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom
- Smooth and comfortable ride due to adjustable air suspension
- Good handling and power delivery, especially in bad weather
- Quiet interior with very little road noise
- Tunable regenerative braking system allowing for one-pedal driving
- Intuitive and responsive iDrive 8.5 infotainment system
- Highway Assistant for hands-free driving on highways (on certain models)
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
Tesla Model Y
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
BMW iX
What Users Love
- Achieves close to EPA-estimated range in real-world conditions
- DC Fast Charging can add approximately 80 miles in 10 minutes
- iDrive 8.5 infotainment interface allows for customization and has a voice-activated assistant
- Front seats are heated and can be upgraded with massage and memory functions
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- In one test, it achieved 290 miles of range on a 75-mph highway test.
- Recharging from 10% to 80% can take as little as 31-35 minutes with a 200kW connection.
- Considered one of the top infotainment systems, with good resolution and responsiveness.