

Model Year | 2017 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 |
Model | Model 3 | X5 | X5 | X5 | X5 | X5 | X5 |
Trim | Base | xDrive35i | xDrive35i Premium | xDrive35i Sport Activity | xDrive35d | xDrive50i | M |
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. | |||||||
Pulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | |||||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | |||||||
Pulls decklid / liftgate tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof 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. | |||||||
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. | |||||||
Homelink. | |||||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||
Rear disc brakes. | |||||||
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | |||||||
If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking. | |||||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||
Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | |||||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||
Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. | |||||||
Cargo Management | |||||||
No crossbars. | |||||||
Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops. | |||||||
Do not have to open entire tailgate to access the cargo area. | |||||||
No crossbars. | |||||||
Sack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior. | |||||||
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | |||||||
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents. | |||||||
Requires and does not include the value of rear air vents. | |||||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | |||||||
Drivetrain | |||||||
Actively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling. | |||||||
Engine / Motor | |||||||
Triple level charger, fastest charge times with 220V source. | |||||||
Tesla only providing range: 310 miles. Also quickens 0-60 time from 5.6 to 5.1 seconds. | |||||||
Allows for quick charging to 80 percent capacity at 440V charging stations. Using such chargers frequently might degrade the battery. | |||||||
Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in. | |||||||
Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | |||||||
Exterior | |||||||
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | |||||||
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. Not body color. | |||||||
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | |||||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||
One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed. | |||||||
Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof. | |||||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player. | |||||||
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs. | |||||||
A DVD player and screen mounted at the rear of the center console. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | |||||||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||
Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||
Alerts driver when the car is moving out of range of any quick charging station. | |||||||
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | |||||||
Converts text messages to speech. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. 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. | |||||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | |||||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | |||||||
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 engine speed. | |||||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||
Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | |||||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||
Leather trim, sometimes woven, in place of the more usual aluminum or wood trim. | |||||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||
Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||
Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area. | |||||||
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||
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 adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||||
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||
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. | |||||||
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part. | |||||||
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | |||||||
Suede-like trim on the door panels. | |||||||
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | |||||||
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||
Motors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning. | |||||||
The steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors. | |||||||
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | |||||||
Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | |||||||
Air springs maintain the rear ride height. | |||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||
Transmission | |||||||
Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | |||||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2017 Tesla Model 3
1-speed automatic RWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 BMW X5
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD