Comparison of Tesla Model 3 and Its Five Biggest Rivals
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Overview of the Electric Vehicle Market
- Vehicle Specifications and Performance
- Detailed Vehicle Analysis
- Financial Comparison
- Comfort and Interior Features
- Driving Experience
- Safety and Reliability
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- Conclusion
- Source Documents
1. Introduction
This report provides a detailed comparison of the Tesla Model 3 against its five main electric vehicle competitors: BYD Seal, Volkswagen ID.7, BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
2. Overview of the Electric Vehicle Market
2-1. Transformation of the company car landscape
The company car landscape has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years. A prominent factor in this transformation is the rise of the electric car market. Where fleet managers once preferred brands like Ford or Vauxhall for three-box saloons, they now often turn to Tesla and BMW. This shift highlights how electric vehicles have become prime choices for company car users.
2-2. Rise of electric vehicles
The electric vehicle market has flourished with numerous new entrants and innovations. Tesla and BMW remain strong competitors with models like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4, which are considered among the best electric vehicles available. Newcomers such as Chinese brand BYD, with their BYD Seal, pose fresh competition to these established brands. Other significant entrants include Volkswagen’s ID.7, Polestar 2, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 6, each offering unique advantages and appealing features to electric vehicle buyers.
2-3. Shifts in fleet management preferences
Fleet management has also shifted towards incorporating more electric vehicles due to their low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates. Electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and others in the sector incur minimal BiK deductions, which makes them highly attractive for company car buyers. This trend reflects a broader adoption of electric vehicles in business fleets, driven by economic and environmental incentives.
3. Vehicle Specifications and Performance
3-1. Price comparison
The price comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and its five main electric vehicle competitors is as follows: BYD Seal Excellence AWD (£48,695), Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match (£51,550), Tesla Model 3 Long Range (£49,990), BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport (£52,255), Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor (£48,950), and Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD (£54,040).
3-2. Powertrain specifications
The powertrain specifications are detailed below for each vehicle: BYD Seal Excellence AWD is equipped with 2 electric motors, producing 523bhp and 494Nm of torque, with an 82.5kWh battery. Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match features 1 rear-mounted electric motor delivering 282bhp and 545Nm of torque with a 77kWh battery. Tesla Model 3 Long Range is powered by 2 electric motors, generating 491bhp and 494Nm of torque with a 75kWh battery. BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport has 1 electric motor which provides 282bhp and 400Nm of torque with a 70.2kWh battery. Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor includes 1 electric motor producing 295bhp and 490Nm of torque with an 82kWh battery. Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD comes with 2 electric motors, generating 321bhp and 605Nm of torque with a 77.4kWh battery.
3-3. Acceleration (0-62mph)
The acceleration statistics for 0-62mph are as follows: BYD Seal Excellence AWD - 3.8 seconds, Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match - 6.5 seconds, Tesla Model 3 Long Range - 4.2 seconds, BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport - 6.0 seconds, Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor - 5.9 seconds, Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD - 5.1 seconds.
3-4. Test efficiency
During the tests, the efficiency of each vehicle in miles per kilowatt-hour was found to be: BYD Seal Excellence AWD - 3.0mi/kWh, Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match - 3.4mi/kWh, Tesla Model 3 Long Range - 3.8mi/kWh, BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport - 3.6mi/kWh, Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor - 3.3mi/kWh, Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD - 3.1mi/kWh.
3-5. Official range
The official range figures according to WLTP for each electric vehicle are: BYD Seal Excellence AWD - 323 miles, Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match - 383 miles, Tesla Model 3 Long Range - 390 miles, BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport - 284 miles, Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor - 365 miles, Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD - 322 miles.
3-6. Annual Benefit-in-Kind
The Annual Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) for these models based on tax deductions are: BYD Seal Excellence AWD - £195, Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match - £206, Tesla Model 3 Long Range - £204, BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport - £209, Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor - £196, Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate L. Range AWD - £216.
4. Detailed Vehicle Analysis
4-1. BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is a newcomer to the electric vehicle market in the UK, having only been sold for about a year. The Seal Excellence AWD model features a twin-motor setup producing 523bhp and 494Nm of torque, with an 82.5kWh battery. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and has an official range of 323 miles. The vehicle's efficiency was noted at 3.0mi/kWh during tests. Despite being the most powerful car in this group, the Seal struggled with responsiveness and offered a less refined driving experience compared to its rivals. Its charging rate is officially 150kW, but tests showed it often failed to reach half of this speed. The wraparound dashboard and Dynaudio sound system were well-received, though other elements like the brakes and throttle response were less impressive. It was also noted for being one of the more expensive vehicles to finance.
4-2. Volkswagen ID.7
Volkswagen’s ID.7 Pro Match model is built on the MEB architecture and features a single rear-mounted motor producing 282bhp and 545Nm of torque, paired with a 77kWh battery. The vehicle is noted for its size, being the longest and tallest in the group, with a substantial boot capacity of 532 liters, expandable to 1,586 liters with the rear seats down. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and has an official range of 383 miles. It achieved an efficiency of 3.4mi/kWh during tests. The ID.7 was praised for its interior space, comfort, and practicality, with adaptive dampers providing a smooth ride. Some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the absence of manual air-vent control. Financially, it ranked third best for PCP pricing.
4-3. Tesla Model 3
The updated Tesla Model 3 Long Range offers a dual-motor setup producing 491bhp and 494Nm of torque from a 75kWh battery. It has an official range of 390 miles and achieved an efficiency of 3.8mi/kWh during tests. The Model 3 accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. Notable features include a 15.4-inch touchscreen that controls nearly all functions, new front seats, and a rear passenger screen. The Tesla Supercharger network offers superior public charging with 250kW capability, charging from 10-80% in 27 minutes. While performance and efficiency are best in class, the vehicle's monthly cost is the highest due to lack of PCP incentives.
4-4. BMW i4
The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport features a single rear-mounted motor producing 282bhp and 400Nm of torque with a 67kWh battery. It has an official range of 284 miles and achieved an efficiency of 3.6mi/kWh in tests. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds. The BMW’s interior quality and balance between physical and touchscreen controls were highly praised. While it is more expensive than the Volkswagen, it maintains the best ride and handling balance, with precise steering and excellent motorway stability. Notably, it has the strongest residual value, making its PCP pricing competitive.
4-5. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor has a rear-mounted motor producing 295bhp and 490Nm of torque with an 82kWh battery. It offers an official range of 365 miles and achieved an efficiency of 3.3mi/kWh. The vehicle accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. Following a recent update, it features improved motors and battery packs. The interior was praised for its sporty feel, although practicality took a hit due to its upright design and less refined ride. The Polestar 2 was noted for its cost-effective zero-per cent finance offer, presenting a great value for private buyers.
4-6. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate Long Range AWD features a dual-motor setup producing 321bhp and 605Nm of torque from a 77.4kWh battery. It has an official range of 322 miles and achieved an efficiency of 3.1mi/kWh. The vehicle accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. It is known for its streamlined design with a drag coefficient of 0.21Cd, the lowest of the group. Interior quality is good, though not up to the standards of the Polestar or BMW. Practical features include plenty of legroom and vehicle-to-load capability. Despite good braking and energy recovery systems, it was noted for its firm ride and underwhelming efficiency.
5. Financial Comparison
5-1. Manufacturer deposit contributions
The financial comparison between the Tesla Model 3 and its competitors reveals varying manufacturer deposit contributions. The Volkswagen ID.7 offers a significant manufacturer deposit contribution of £2,000. BMW i4 follows with a deposit contribution of £1,561. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, Polestar 2, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 do not offer any manufacturer deposit contributions.
5-2. Monthly cost
The monthly costs for a three-year PCP deal with a £5,000 deposit and a 10,000-mile annual limit are as follows: Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the most affordable at £621 per month, followed by Polestar 2 at £651 per month, Volkswagen ID.7 at £683 per month, BMW i4 at £760 per month, BYD Seal at £804 per month, and Tesla Model 3 at £853 per month, making it the most expensive in this comparison.
5-3. Optional final payment
Regarding optional final payments, the figures are: Hyundai Ioniq 6 - £26,670, BMW i4 - £26,082, Volkswagen ID.7 - £24,599, Tesla Model 3 - £23,495, BYD Seal - £21,533, and Polestar 2 - £20,520. Hyundai Ioniq 6 has the highest optional final payment while Polestar 2 has the lowest.
5-4. Representative APR
The representative APR rates vary among the competitors: Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 both offer 0% APR, Volkswagen ID.7 offers 3.90%, BMW i4 offers 5.90%, while BYD Seal has a 6.90% APR, and Tesla Model 3 has the highest APR at 9.00%.
5-5. Excess mileage charges
Excess mileage charges for the electric vehicles are: Hyundai Ioniq 6 at 9p per mile, Volkswagen ID.7 at 9.9p per mile, Polestar 2 at 14.9p per mile, Tesla Model 3 at 14p per mile, BYD Seal at 14.9p per mile, and BMW i4 at 15.8p per mile. Hyundai Ioniq 6 has the lowest excess mileage charge, while BMW i4 has the highest.
5-6. Other fees
In addition to the monthly costs, some vehicles have additional fees. Polestar 2 includes a £150 fee, BMW i4 and Volkswagen ID.7 both have a £10 fee each, while the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 do not have any other fees.
6. Comfort and Interior Features
6-1. Cabin quality
The cabin quality of each vehicle varies considerably. The Tesla Model 3 features an updated cabin with even fewer physical controls than before, giving it a cleaner look. The BMW i4 boasts impeccable cabin quality, the finest among the rivals, striking a balance between physical and touchscreen controls. The Volkswagen ID.7 has a well-built cabin with excellent storage, while the Polestar 2 features a sporty wraparound dashboard but is compromised by a lack of storage. The Hyundai Ioniq 6's cabin material quality isn't up to BMW or Polestar levels but still offers a highly finished design. The BYD Seal's interior feels sporty due to its wraparound dashboard, but some areas are less impressive, particularly the brakes and throttle.
6-2. Headroom and legroom
Regarding headroom and legroom, the Volkswagen ID.7 stands out as the most spacious vehicle in this area, especially in the rear where kneeroom is described as limo-like and headroom is the best among the group. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers the best rear legroom but tightest headroom. The BMW i4's rear seats are comfortable with good headroom, though kneeroom is the tightest in the category. The Polestar 2 also has compromised rearward visibility due to a small window. No specific details about headroom and legroom for the Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal are provided.
6-3. Boot capacity
When it comes to boot capacity, the Volkswagen ID.7 leads with a 532-liter boot that expands to 1,586 liters with the rear seats folded down. The BMW i4 has a 470-liter boot, practical due to its hatchback opening. The Polestar 2, with a 448-liter boot, is practical owing to its proper hatchback opening. The Hyundai Ioniq 6's 401-liter boot volume is underwhelming but its saloon-like opening is slightly larger than the Model 3's. The Tesla Model 3's boot capacity is 425 liters. The BYD Seal's boot capacity is not specified.
6-4. Material quality
Material quality varies among the cars. The BMW i4 features the highest quality materials among the six cars. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 showcases significant improvement over time, but does not reach the material standard of the BMW i4 or the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 blends light-colored leather with dark plastics and grey fabrics for a modern, understated feel. The Tesla Model 3 uses artificial leather upholstery that feels somewhat cheap. The BYD Seal's quality and power in certain areas like audio are superb due to a Danish hi-fi brand Dynaudio sound system, but other areas lack refinement.
6-5. Infotainment systems
The BMW i4 has the best infotainment system with a mix of input options, fast loading times, and sharp graphics. The Volkswagen ID.7's touchscreen system has improved over other ID models but introduces ergonomic complexities, such as manual air-vent control being replaced by a sub-menu in the infotainment system. The Tesla Model 3 relies almost exclusively on its 15.4-inch screen, which now includes functions for drive mode selection and rear-passenger entertainment. The Hyundai Ioniq 6's system features shortcuts for easy navigation despite its convoluted main menus. The Polestar 2 implements touchscreen controls for functions like regenerative braking settings, which adds to its driving complexity.
6-6. Special features
Each car features unique special elements. The Tesla Model 3 has newly designed front seats and a rear-passenger screen for heating control and streaming YouTube. The BMW i4 offers a blend of physical and touchscreen controls. The Volkswagen ID.7 focuses on comfort with adjustable adaptive dampers. The Polestar 2 updates its motors, battery packs, and control systems and boasts zero-per cent finance offers. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 includes vehicle-to-load capability with a three-pin plug socket, making it practical for using the drive battery to power electrical appliances. The BYD Seal features a top-spec Excellence version with an impressive sound system but lacks in charging speed and efficiency.
7. Driving Experience
7-1. Ride and Handling
Ride and handling characteristics vary significantly among the competitors. The Tesla Model 3 offers a balanced and comfortable ride, even over rough surfaces. BMW's i4 impresses with its sharp handling and dynamic responsiveness, making it the most agile in the group. The Volkswagen ID.7 focuses on comfort with adaptive dampers that provide a serene ride. The Polestar 2 has a firm ride but shows agility through turns, albeit with some body roll. The BYD Seal's ride is comfortable, though its handling is less responsive due to its mass. Lastly, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a firm ride similar to the Polestar 2 but can be crashy over uneven surfaces.
7-2. Throttle and Brake Response
Throttle and brake responses are crucial for driving experience. The Tesla Model 3 offers precise throttle control for smooth low-speed maneuvers and strong but non-adjustable brake regeneration. The BMW i4 boasts excellent throttle response and a well-weighted brake pedal, making it enjoyable to drive. The Volkswagen ID.7 has a keen throttle response but a soft brake pedal feel. The Polestar 2 offers smooth acceleration but has limited brake regeneration settings accessible only via touchscreen. The BYD Seal has the least responsive throttle, comparable to an old-school turbocharged car, and brakes that transition abruptly between energy recovery and mechanical friction. Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 delivers strong brake performance with adjustable energy recovery, though throttle response is slightly delayed.
7-3. Noise and Refinement
Noise and refinement levels are critical for comfort during driving. The Tesla Model 3 has improved wind noise reduction by 30% over its predecessor, thanks to insulated glass and sound-deadening materials. The BMW i4 is noted as the quietest at a cruise among the competitors, offering exceptional refinement. The Volkswagen ID.7 is incredibly quiet during a cruise, with a focus on comfort. The Polestar 2 struggles with pronounced road and wind noise, making it the least refined in the group. The BYD Seal, despite its powerful sound system, suffers from less finesse in refinement. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 provides good noise insulation, but its refinement doesn't match the class leaders.
7-4. Charging Convenience
Charging convenience is a major factor for EVs. The Tesla Model 3 stands out with its Supercharger network, providing fast 250kW charging that brings a 10-80% top-up in just 27 minutes. The Volkswagen ID.7 supports 175kW charging, offering a similar top-up in 28 minutes. The BMW i4 supports up to 170kW, allowing various charging times based on conditions. The Polestar 2 accepts 105kW, reaching 10-80% in around 28 minutes as well. Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts 220kW charging, the fastest in the group, with an 18-minute 10-80% top-up time. The BYD Seal trails with a maximum rate of 150kW, though real-world tests showed it didn't reach this peak and charging was significantly slower.
8. Safety and Reliability
8-1. NCAP ratings
According to the NCAP ratings data, the Tesla Model 3 received a score of 96% for adult occupants, 86% for child occupants, 74% for vulnerable road users, and 94% for safety assist, earning it a 5-star rating (2019). The BYD Seal scored 89%, 87%, 82%, and 76%, respectively, also achieving a 5-star rating (2023). The Volkswagen ID.7 secured a 5-star rating with scores of 95%, 88%, 83%, and 80% (2023). The BMW i4 received a 4-star rating with 87%, 87%, 71%, and 64% (2022). Polestar 2 obtained a 5-star rating by scoring 93%, 89%, 80%, and 83% (2021). Lastly, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was awarded a 5-star rating with 97%, 87%, 66%, and 90% (2022).
8-2. Airbags and Isofix points
The Model 3 and BMW i4 both feature eight airbags and two Isofix points. The ID.7 and Polestar 2 are equipped with eight airbags and two Isofix points as well. The BYD Seal includes nine airbags and two Isofix points, while the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers six airbags and two Isofix points.
8-3. Driver assistance systems
Each of the six vehicles mentioned in the report come equipped with an array of driver assistance systems, including lane-keep assist, blindspot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The Tesla Model 3 features superior safety assist scores thanks to its advanced capabilities in this realm.
8-4. Manufacturer warranty and recovery
Regarding warranties and recovery services, the BYD Seal provides a 6-year (94,000 miles) warranty with 4 years of recovery service. Tesla Model 3 offers a 4-year (50,000 miles) warranty with 4 years of recovery. BMW i4 comes with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty along with 3 years of recovery. The Volkswagen ID.7 includes a 3-year (60,000 miles) warranty with 3 years of recovery assistance. Polestar 2 has a 3-year (60,000 miles) warranty with 3 years of recovery, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 provides a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with 2 years of recovery.
9. Conclusion
9-1. Best in class for company cars
The updated Tesla Model 3 is considered the best choice for company cars in its segment. This conclusion is based on its outstanding performance, efficiency, and charging convenience. The Model 3's dual-motor Long Range model delivers 491bhp, an official range of 390 miles, and a test efficiency of 3.8 miles per kWh. It also beams through a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds. Despite the competition from other electric vehicles, no car in this review matches the Model 3 on these numerical factors that are crucial for company car users.
9-2. Subjective qualities and driving preference
For those who prioritize the driving experience and subjective qualities in a vehicle, the BMW i4 stands out. The BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport provides superior handling, refinement, and the best driving dynamics among the six vehicles compared. The car's balance between ride comfort and handling sharpness elevates the driving experience. Although it has a less powerful motor delivering 282bhp with an official range of 284 miles, the i4's efficiency rating of 3.6 miles per kWh and driving pleasure make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
9-3. Overall recommendation
In summary, the Tesla Model 3 is the preferred option based on tangible metrics such as performance, efficiency, and charging infrastructure, making it great for everyday use and cost-efficiency in a corporate setting. For those who value a superior driving experience and the subjective feel of the car, the BMW i4 is the ideal choice. Both cars excel in different aspects, providing strong options for buyers depending on their priorities.
10. Glossary
10-1. Tesla Model 3 [Vehicle]
A high-performance electric vehicle with excellent efficiency, charging convenience, and a significant recent update enhancing its aerodynamics and interior functions. It is considered the best choice based on numerical evaluations.
10-2. BYD Seal [Vehicle]
A newcomer from the Chinese manufacturer BYD, offering strong performance and luxury features. However, it lags behind competitors due to its efficiency and refinement.
10-3. Volkswagen ID.7 [Vehicle]
Volkswagen's most convincing electric saloon to date, focusing on comfort, practicality, and above-average efficiency. It's hailed for its spacious interior and serene ride.
10-4. BMW i4 [Vehicle]
Renowned for its sharp handling, interior quality, and driving precision. It positions itself as the best car to drive in this comparison, although it comes at a higher price point.
10-5. Polestar 2 [Vehicle]
Swedish EV with an emphasis on design and performance, providing a sporty driving experience with a strong emphasis on interior quality and practicality.
10-6. Hyundai Ioniq 6 [Vehicle]
Noteworthy for its unique design and tech features, offering strong performance and fast charging. It faces challenges in driving comfort and efficiency compared to rivals.