Tesla Model 3 Vs BMW i4: Can BMW Gain Some EV Market Share?

While the Model 3 is a dedicated electric car, the i4 is essentially an electrified 4 Series. Each may appeal to different shoppers.

Steven Loveday

By: Steven Loveday

Feb 1, 2022 at 9:57am ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

The BMW i4 electric car may be a true Tesla Model 3 rival. And, there's a good chance it may appeal to a group of buyers who are not necessarily interested in buying a Tesla. For example, EV shoppers who aren't Tesla fans, or who are lifelong BMW fans.

The i4 is essentially a BMW 4 Series that's been electrified, so it may also appeal to gas-car shoppers who are considering making the switch to an EV. Meanwhile, the Model 3 was built as an electric car from the ground up, so it's arguably more futuristic, and less conventional.

YouTube channel Electrifying admits that its favorite EV, and that of many shoppers in the UK, is the Polestar 2. However, it also makes it clear that the Model 3 is the true leader in the space, and it has been for years. The channel also suggests that market dominance could begin to change going forward, and it may just be the BMW i4 that leads the charge. Electrifying writes:

"That market dominance might now change, though, has BMW has rolled up its sleeves and launched the i4. It's more conventional than the Tesla as it shares a lot of its architecture with the petrol/diesel-powered 4 Series, but it promises to go and handle like a BMW."

"Should Tesla be worried?"

Remember, when the Model 3 first came to market, it was compared to cars like the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series, as well as similar luxury small car rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A3 and A4. The Model 3 went on to outsell these rivals and eventually became the first EV to actually dominate in the space.

What do you think?

View

Comments

More recently, reports confirmed that Tesla actually topped BMW as the best-selling luxury brand in the US. Can the BMW i4 work to change that?

Check out the video at the top of the page to see how the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 stack up. If you'd like to learn about opinions from a few different comparison reviews, click on the related articles above. Once you've had a chance to watch, let us know if you think the i4 will be successful. Could it top the Model 3?

Source: Electrifying