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Features Comparison: BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3
| Model Year | 2017 | 2018 |
| Model | i3 | Model 3 |
| Trim | Base | Base |
| Engines | ||
| Transmissions | ||
| Drivetrains | ||
| Tires | ||
| Audio Systems | ||
| Accessories | ||
| Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | ||
| Automatically maintains speed based on preceding car and speed limit signs. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | ||
| Change lanes by tapping turn signal. | ||
| Car enters and exits parking spaces and garages without a driver in the car. Controlled by key fob or remote app. | ||
| Tell the car where to go and it does the rest. Subject to future system validation and regulatory approval. | ||
| The car autonomously searches for a parking spot before parking itself. Subject to future system validation and regulatory approval. | ||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||
| Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | ||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||
| Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | ||
| The car steers itself with no requirement that the driver keep a hand on the steering wheel. Can require that the driver take over at any time. | ||
| Homelink. | ||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
| Rear disc brakes. | ||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||
| If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking. | ||
| Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions. | ||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||
| Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control. | ||
| Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | ||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | ||
| Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle. | ||
| Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | ||
| Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
| Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car. | ||
| Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | ||
| Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | ||
| Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | ||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||
| Cargo Management | ||
| Climate Control | ||
| Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | ||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
| Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
| Augments resistive electric heater. A much more efficient source of heat when the outside air is above freezing. | ||
| Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||
| Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | ||
| Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | ||
| Engine / Motor | ||
| Triple level charger, fastest charge times with 220V source. | ||
| Double level charger, faster charge times with 220V source. | ||
| Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system. | ||
| Allows for quick charging to 80 percent capacity at 440V charging stations. Using such chargers frequently might degrade the battery. | ||
| Exterior | ||
| Strong and light, but could be very expensive to repair. | ||
| One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed. | ||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | ||
| Gas Guzzler Tax | ||
| Infotainment | ||
| Higher speed Internet connection. Monthly fee after trial period. | ||
| Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | ||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | ||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||
| Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs. | ||
| High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | ||
| Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | ||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | ||
| Screen-based navigation system. | ||
| Alerts driver when the car is moving out of range of any quick charging station. | ||
| Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls. | ||
| XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | ||
| Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher. | ||
| In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter. | ||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | ||
| Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee. | ||
| Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||
| Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||
| Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | ||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
| High beams automatically turned on and off. | ||
| Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
| Standard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information. | ||
| LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | ||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
| Front row reading lights. | ||
| One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | ||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | ||
| Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability. | ||
| Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | ||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
| A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | ||
| Suede-like trim on the door panels. | ||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | ||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
| Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | ||
Option Package Contents
Mega World
Technology & Driver Assistance Package
Park Assistant Package
Tera World
Giga World
Enhanced Autopilot
Full Self-Driving Capability
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See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.
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1-speed automatic RWD