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If you have your eye on a spacious and affordable electric vehicle, you’re probably trying to decide between the BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4. Since you’re reading this particular SUV review and comparison, however, you’re probably interested in how the new VW ID.4 makes its mark on the EV world – and you’re right to be interested. The VW ID.4 is a true game changer.
This new all-electric Volkswagen SUV boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 291 miles1 and can go from 10% to 80% charged in as little as 28 minutes at a public DC fast-charging station.2
Evaluate the BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 with our EV comparison below, then visit us at Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw to test-drive a VW ID.4 when you’re ready.
Let’s start with BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 pricing. When it comes to starting price, new BMW i3 models are the most expensive of the three – even pre-owned BMW i3 models tend to still be rather pricey.
The Tesla Model 3 and VW ID.4 price points start within three figures of each other, but the Model 3 very quickly becomes the more expensive vehicle as you factor in different models and features.
Now that we know the basics of the showdown between the BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4, let’s look at what you get for your money. That starts with performance. All three vehicles are motivated by an electric motor that propels an RWD powertrain. The VW ID.4 and Tesla Model 3 can be upgraded to a dual-motor AWD setup, but the BMW i3 is limited to RWD.
The Volkswagen ID.4 starts with 201 horsepower, but these specs surge to 335 horsepower in the top trim. The Tesla Model 3 has an unknown standard horsepower output because the Tesla brand likes to create an air of mystery around their vehicles. That gimmick has been stale for quite some time now. The dead-and-gone BMW i3 brings up the rear with 170 standard horsepower.
As far as 0-60 times go, there’s no denying that the Tesla Model 3 can be configured to be the fastest – its quickest configuration can take you from zero to 60 mph in a nauseating 2.9 seconds. That speed is only available in the pricey, top-of-the-line Performance trim.
It must be said that the Model 3 sedan is not designed for sporty handling, and according to Tesla’s published specs, it does not receive larger brakes in its faster trims. Mixing supercar-level speed with commuter-car-level handling and braking is a recipe for danger, and tellingly, the 2024 Model 3 doesn’t share the previous year’s status as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.7
The base trim Tesla Model 3, for comparison, goes from zero to 60 mph in a more responsibly fun 5.8 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds off-pace from the peppy VW ID.4 Pro. The BMW i3 runs the 0-60 sprint in 6.8 seconds.
However, the VW ID.4 AWD Pro S can outpace the Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive with a 0-60 time of 5 seconds.
When it comes to BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 reliability, the VW ID.4 is backed by the VW Carefree Coverage suite of products and services – most notably, a new vehicle limited warranty that covers the first four years or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first).8 Talk to our sales team to learn more.
Beyond just having a great range estimate, a great electric vehicle needs to be supported by a powerful charging network. Luckily, every model in the BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 comparison offers precisely that. Each of these EVs can tap into Level 2 AC charging or Level 3 DC Fast Charging.
With the Volkswagen electric SUV ID.4, you’ll have access to over 45,000 chargers across the USA.9 The Tesla Model 3 provides access to over 50,000 Supercharger stations, but Tesla includes worldwide stations in that figure, which makes the ID.4 come out on top for charging convenience.
To further the point, your new VW ID.4 will include a three-year Electrify America Pass+ membership and 500 kWh of free charging.6 The Tesla Model 3 previously included three months of free Supercharger station usage,5 but Tesla dropped this benefit for the redesigned 2024 Model 3 with little explanation, making the VW ID.4 the winner here.
Now we know the Volkswagen electric SUV 2024 model lineup offers more than Tesla, but how about the BMW i3 models? Since they’re only available as pre-owned vehicles now, any BMW i3 will most likely not include complimentary charging.
As with the BMW i3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model 3 specs, the first thing to note is that the BMW i3 was discontinued in 2021 and did not see a meaningful update to its interior design over its seven-year production run. It has an out-there design with all sorts of cues that make it feel like a mini sci-fi spaceship. “Mini” is an apt term, as the BMW i3 has the smallest, most cramped cockpit among these three EVs. Count it out for the rest of this section.
The VW ID.4 and Tesla Model 3 place a focus on clean minimalism that gives you room to breathe and unwind, with the pinnacle of modern tech taking center stage. However, it can be said that the Model 3 takes minimalism a bit too seriously, stripping away everything that a dashboard would normally have and placing all vehicle controls, data readouts, and functions in its touch screen – there isn’t even a gauge cluster to look at. This can be rather dangerous because, obviously, needing to look away from the road to see essential data is far from ideal.
The VW ID.4 remembers that a great driving experience is intuitive, tactile, and immersive. It has more design elements to enjoy and actual buttons to press as you sit inside, yet still offers the ultra-advanced technology you want from your next EV.
Comparing VW ID.4 vs. Model 3 screen size sees the Model 3 offer a 15.4-inch touch screen. The VW ID.4 has a 12.9-inch touchscreen but also offers what the Tesla model doesn’t: a digital gauge cluster. You won’t have to look over at the center screen to see driving data in a VW ID.4, as the Volkswagen ID.Cockpit digital instrument display puts it all in the perfect spot.
As for your view outside of the cabin, both the Tesla Model 3 and VW ID.4 offer you a panoramic glass roof. Both models have wireless smartphone charging and available heated rear seats, but the VW ID.4 offers more amenities, including multicolor ambient lighting. With an available hands-free power liftgate, 12-way power front seats with heating/ventilation and a massage function, and much more, the VW ID.4 proves that you can find comprehensive satisfaction for a satisfying price.
The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, tries to distract you with gimmicks like built-in video games and a theater mode. Impressive, until you remember that we are comparing cars, not home entertainment systems.
Now that you know more about the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW i3 performance specs and who beats who, let’s look at which new electric SUV provides the best interior space and usability. The VW ID.4 five-seat SUV boasts a cargo capacity of 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, as well as an overall passenger volume of 101.2 cubic feet.
The Tesla Model 3 also offers five total seats but comes up short with only 24.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Like the horsepower, passenger volume is not listed by Tesla. Headroom, however, is, and if you have taller passengers or prefer a roomier driver’s seat yourself, the taller VW ID.4 significantly exceeds the Tesla Model 3 in this regard.
The BMW i3 size comparison shows that this model offers less across most categories. It has four seats, but it does offer slightly more cargo capacity than the Model 3. The BMW i3 gives you 15.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up, 36.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats down, and 99.1 cubic feet of interior volume.
The VW ID.4 isn’t just more spacious but also more agile than the Tesla Model 3. It measures 180.5 inches long vs. the Model 3’s 185.8-inch length, letting you better handle tight city streets. With comparable legroom, shoulder room, and other key measurements, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 vs. 2024 Tesla Model 3 interior comparison favors the agile Volkswagen EV. As mentioned prior, the BMW i3 is the least spacious of the three models by a wide margin.
Now that you’ve read our BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 comparison, you’ll want to head over to our VW dealership and learn about our current lease deals for the new VW ID.4 for sale. Our finance team is standing by to help you secure an affordable lease deal. You can get started with our free online credit application or by calling our finance department.
Get in touch to learn how you can lease a VW ID.4 today and go at least three years without having to fill up at a gas station. Be sure to check on current tax rebates and incentives you might be eligible for with your EV purchase. Our dealership is here to help you find ways to save on new cars.
If you’re comparing the cost of these EVs, the BMW i3, discontinued in 2021, had a higher starting price than the Tesla Model 3. In fact, the BMW i3 originally cost several thousand dollars more than the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.4. Pricing for the BMW i3 will vary now, since it can only be bought as a pre-owned electric car.
In terms of EPA-estimated range, the Tesla Model 3 and VW ID.4 are similar in equivalent trims, and the BMW i3 is dead last. The Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive delivers an EPA-estimated range of 272,4 while the similarly priced Volkswagen ID.4 Pro provides an EPA-estimated range of 291 miles.1 The BMW i3 has an EPA-estimated range of 153 miles.3
In a BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV comparison, the VW ID.4 has the most confirmed horsepower. The electric motors in the VW ID.4 produce up to 335 horsepower, and the BMW i3 can only muster 170 horsepower. Meanwhile, Tesla has hidden the horsepower specs for the base Model 3 trims, which does not inspire much confidence.
Electric vehicles like the VW ID.4 offer plenty of ways to save. When you drive an all-new electric VW, you never have to schedule an oil change appointment again – because there is no oil. The days of paying for a wider range of engine repairs and dropping heaps of your hard-earned cash at gas stations are over. Now, you can charge at home at your convenience. Start saving today with the new VW ID.4.
Now that you know more about how the BMW i3 vs. Tesla Model 3 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 compare, you’ll want to take a spin in the new VW ID.4 and experience the performance and comfort for yourself. Take the short drive to our Volkswagen dealership, talk to our team about EV tax incentives and further ways to save, and go for a ride in your next VW ID.4 today.
12024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro EPA estimated total range is 291 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.
2Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.
3Estimated ranges are attainable when fully charged under ideal driving conditions. Actual range will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to: vehicle model, tire and wheel selection, driving style, traffic conditions, and outside temperatures. Some vehicles may not be fully certified by the EPA and US Department of Energy. In this case, the range is an estimate according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards. For EPA certification status and additional information about specific models, visit www.fueleconomy.gov.
4Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
5Customers who order and take delivery of a new Inventory Model 3 between June 14, 2023 and June 30, 2023, are eligible for 3 months of unlimited free Supercharging on their new vehicle. Free Supercharging is tied to your Tesla account and cannot be transferred to another vehicle or person in case of an ownership transfer. Tesla does not guarantee vehicle availability or delivery by June 30, 2023 and will not grant exceptions. Used vehicles, business orders and vehicles used for commercial purposes are excluded from this promotion. Promotion is subject to change and cannot be combined with other promotions. Applicable to Model 3 vehicles listed on the Inventory page only.
6The 2024 ID.4 Charging Plan is included with new model year 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles purchased from an authorized U.S.-based Volkswagen dealer. Thirty-six (36) months of Pass+ membership and 500 kWh of complimentary DC Fast and L2 charging begins upon vehicle purchase. Complimentary charging does not include any idle fees and their associated or applicable taxes assessed at the charging station. You will be responsible for paying such fees through your account if you incur them during a charging session. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ride-hailing and ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, acceptance of Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Promotion Terms and Conditions, enrollment in 2024 VW ID.4 Charging Plan, and $10 deposit to pre-fund idle fees, which may be automatically reloaded. See Terms of Use for details. Unused idle fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. After the 2024 ID.4 Charging Plan benefits terminate or expire, your account will convert to a basic Electrify America “Pass” account.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Tesla/model-3-4-door-sedan/2024.
84 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY24 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
9Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center.
