The BMW 3 series was once the best luxury sports sedan among cars. Car enthusiasts and critics ranked this model incredibly highly. However, things changed as time progressed. The biggest setback that the BMW 3 series faced was the introduction of the Tesla Model 3. For many critics, the Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling premium sedan in the world, surpassing the BMW 3 series.

The debate about Tesla vs. BMW is not that different from the debate about combustion engines vs. battery-powered cars. You can differentiate plenty between the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW 3 series, however, let’s start with the similarities.

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Similarities

Both the BMW 3 Series and the Tesla Model 3 cost more or less the same. Both are also roughly about the same size, which is about 180 inches long. They also generate about the same power and thrust on the road. After you take into account these familiarities, you’re likely to hear debates surrounding each vehicle's propulsion system and other features.

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Design and dynamics

In terms of design, the BMW looks aggressive with the air vents in the front and laser light headlights. On the other hand, Tesla offers a sleeker symmetrical, and minimalist design. Everything about the Tesla Model 3 and other models oozes minimalism and practicality, and this translates into their exterior design.

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The Tesla Model 3 only has LEDs, unlike the more powerful laser lights of the BMW. To many, the BMW's front design and mode are better than Tesla’s design as it appears more like a performance car.

The BMW wheelbase is only about an inch shorter at 112 inches, whereas Tesla’s Model 3 wheelbase is an inch longer.  

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Tail lights and rear

Both of these cars have LED tail lights. However, the differences in the rear-end are noticeable since Tesla does not have the “L” shaped tail lights like the BMW 3 series, nor does Tesla have the symmetrical exhausts since it does not need them. People that love the aesthetics that dual exhaust tips bring to a car will agree that BMW’s rear end is comparably better than the Tesla Model 3 in that regard.

When you open the trunk of these two cars, you will find that the BMW technically has more cubic meters of space. Nevertheless, Tesla has more space overall because of its front storage space. Both cars have the option to fold their rear seats to increase storage capacity.

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Interior

The interior design of the Tesla Model 3 is unique, minimal, and unlike anything that car owners have ever seen before. When you enter inside the driver's seat, you find a steering wheel, maybe two buttons, and a large infotainment screen. The large screen is the central system access through which you make all the adjustments inside the car.

For millennials, Tesla’s interior is most appealing and functional because they’re familiar with navigating a giant touch screen. Among other functions, the infotainment screen allows you to set your driver's profile in regard to the steering wheel and seat position.

Tesla owners especially enjoy the spaciousness that the Model 3 has to offer. Passengers have ample legroom and adequate window access for daytime sunlight and outside visibility. Tesla makes sure that users do not feel compact sitting inside the car.

Tesla’s standard panoramic sunroof infuses the passengers with an incredible feeling of an airy and spacious interior. Along with space, the Tesla Model 3 has loads of storage options as well, making it even more impressive. It also offers semi-autonomous driving features along with options to play video games using the steering wheel while parked.

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So how does the interior compare to the BMW 3 series? Some people like BMW’s interior system better because it comes with a rotary dial for navigation. These shortcut buttons and navigation options of the BMW make it presumably better than the Tesla Model 3 in terms of safety and distractions. However, the Model 3 comes with voice command options that can help you stay focused on the road while making driving adjustments, and, for many, the infotainment system has a logical and systematic layout.

Some argue that BMW’s infotainment system, despite being smaller and lacking in some features, is still better than Tesla. However, you will find others that would beg to differ.

Similar to the Tesla, the BMW Model 3 also allows drivers to have a good driving position, with plenty of leg space and high-quality leather cushioning on the seats. Many people admire how the BMW Model 3 seats hug the passengers into place as they drive across quick corners. In terms of rear space, the Tesla Model 3 is the better option since it provides more leg space and better comfort to the passengers sitting in the back.

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Which one drives better?

BMW 3 Series

When you try to compare the drive of the two cars, you must take into account that you have two very different thrust systems. With the BMW Model 3, you get to experience the classical sense of driving in which the internal combustion engine utilizes gas for kinetic energy. You also get to enjoy the transmissions with different levels of speed.

Moreover, some people also like to romanticize the sounds that emerge from a combustion engine. This is very different from the Tesla, which is eerily quiet even when you are reaching high speeds. When it comes to handling and stability, many will argue that the BMW is firm and does not match the drive quality of the Tesla.

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Even though the BMW 3 comes with adaptive dampers (hydraulic suspension components that keep a car's springs from bouncing), some drivers feel that they’re still a little too harsh and restrictive compared to the Tesla Model 3. However, the BMW 3 series has made improvements in its performance at low revs in its latest models.

The transmission on the BMW is very smooth, responsive, and quick, especially in sports mode. It also allows you to reach 60 in about 5.4 seconds with great torque and handling. Like the Tesla Model 3, you have the option of automatically staying in the lane while driving with the 3 series BMW. However, you cannot automatically switch between lanes as you can with the Tesla Model 3.

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Tesla Model 3

Comparing Tesla Model 3’s driving experience to any other car allows you to witness the “otherworldly” nature of the car. For some people, it can also put them at edge once they get inside the car. The ride quality of the Tesla Model 3 is surprisingly better than most other cars, let alone combustion engine vehicles.

The ride feels softer in the Tesla Model 3, which provides incredibly supportive seats that give you the impression that you’re levitating in the car when driving at high speeds. Since the hood is quite short, the visibility of the Tesla Model 3 is emphatically better than the BMW 3 series. When driving the Tesla, you have a 360 view of the surroundings.

When it comes to acceleration, since Tesla is all-electric, it offers 100 percent thrust energy without having to wait for the turbo to heat up or gasoline to burn. It manages to launch you from zero to 60 in about 4 seconds, and if you have the sports model, it can do it even faster. It provides a comfortable motorway cruise at high speeds without any engine noise, vibration, or turbulence.

Furthermore, Tesla’s automated autonomous handling features are much more stable and responsive compared to the BMW Model 3.

Finally, since Tesla has a much lower center of gravity due to the heavy battery packs underneath, the driving experience is predominantly more stable than the BMW 3 series. Both of the cars are rear-wheel drives, but the Tesla model gives more control to the driver.

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Safety

BMW 3 Series

Among the many driver-assist features of the BMW, many revolve around safety features. Some of these features include lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, automatic braking in the threat of potential collision, and others. All of these significantly contribute to the safety of the passengers inside the BMW.

BMW promises to make progress in their three series model in regards to safety features by introducing aspects such as traffic lights detection and better cruise control. Until it advances its technology, it has yet to match the security levels and features that Tesla offers.

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Tesla

Not only are Tesla’s active security features a force for the automotive industry to reckon with, but it also ranks the highest in their passive security aspects. Its autonomous driving features are more crisp and advanced than that of other cars.

In terms of passive features, Tesla has the highest ratings in collision tests. Its incredibly sturdy chassis and passenger side put you in a shield of thick aluminum steel. Moreover, Tesla’s Model 3’s low center of gravity keeps the car from flipping over. Hence, in the unfortunate face of an accident, the Tesla Model 3 is your safest bet.

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Verdict - BMW vs. Tesla 

Both the BMW 3 Series and the Tesla Model 3 offer superb driving experiences. Despite BMW making great efforts toward advancements, it still has a long way to go to match Tesla’s technological features.

Tesla offers a unique and distinctive driving experience and is much safer. Nevertheless, in terms of shape and design, the Tesla Model 3 may not be as sharp and sporty looking as the BMW 3 series. The flat-shaped and plain curves of the Tesla have much room for improvement.

Apart from that, Tesla offers drivers a modern and otherworldly interior, better tech and infotainment system, faster acceleration, and superior safety. Considering their completely different mechanisms and functionality, Tesla vs. BMW may not be a fair comparison.

Even after all the advantages that Tesla may have, it does not have the history and heritage of BMW. Ultimately, choosing between a BMW and Tesla depends solely on what kind of buyer you are. If you’re a modern buyer that wants to witness a glance into the future, then you will certainly choose a Tesla Model 3 over a BMW 3 series.

However, if you have been an admirer of BMW and yearn to stay loyal to the beauty of a combustion engine as long as it lasts, then a switch to a Tesla is not going to be your thing.

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