Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Comparison Between BMW i4 and Tesla Electric Cars

GOOVER DAILY REPORT 6/7/2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction
  2. Tesla Model 3 Versus BMW i4
  3. Tesla Roadster
  4. Comparison Between Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y
  5. Tesla Sales, Revenue & Production Statistics
  6. Tesla Autopilot
  7. Glossary
  8. Conclusion
  9. Source Documents

1. Introduction

  • This report provides a comprehensive comparison between BMW i4 and Tesla electric cars, focusing on various aspects such as performance, technology, design, cost, and more.

2. Tesla Model 3 Versus BMW i4

  • 2-1. Overview of Platforms & Variants

  • The Tesla Model 3 is offered in three variations: Standard Range+, Long Range, and Performance. In contrast, the BMW i4 comes in two options: the eDrive40 and the M50. Tesla, dedicated to electric vehicles from inception, has no hybrid compromises, while BMW has adopted a more flexible platform that can support both combustion and electric engines.

  • 2-2. Design & Styling Differences

  • The BMW i4 maintains a design familiar to BMW fans, with the M50 variant featuring more aggressive styling compared to its combustion counterparts. The Tesla Model 3, designed with aerodynamics in mind, presents a simpler and cleaner exterior, with a minimalist interior featuring a rectangular screen and lack of buttons. In contrast, the BMW i4 offers a more traditional interior with a long curved screen and plusher materials.

  • 2-3. Dimensions Comparison

  • Both the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 exhibit low and sleek profiles with nearly identical dimensions in length, width, and height. However, the BMW's front and back ends appear slightly higher. The Model 3's bespoke EV platform offers a roomier back seat and more central console space, as well as a glass roof that enhances interior airiness.

  • 2-4. Battery, Range & Charging Capabilities

  • Tesla does not officially release battery sizes but the entry-level Model 3 is estimated to have a 57.5kWh battery offering around 250 miles range. The BMW i4 eDrive40 has an 80.7kWh battery, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range offers a 75kWh battery, both estimated to offer around 300 miles. In terms of charging, both brands support 11kW AC charging. On DC, the entry Model 3 achieves about 175kW while both BMW i4 variants peak at 200kW, and the Long Range and Performance Model 3 peak at 210kW.

  • 2-5. Performance Metrics

  • The Tesla Model 3 entry-level variant has 239kW of power and accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. The BMW i4 eDrive40, with 250kW, achieves this in 5.7 seconds but is outpaced by the Tesla Model 3 Long Range which does it in 4.4 seconds. The BMW i4 M50, with 400kW and 795Nm torque, accelerates to 62mph in 3.9 seconds, while the Tesla Model 3 Performance with 413kW and 660Nm torque achieves this in 3.3 seconds.

  • 2-6. Summary and Buying Considerations

  • While numerically the Tesla Model 3 has advantages in speed, range, efficiency, charging speed, and internal space, the BMW i4's familiar premium German brand and cabin feel may appeal more to some buyers. Price-wise, both cars are similarly matched depending on local incentives. Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to personal preference for technology, design, and brand legacy.

3. Tesla Roadster

  • 3-1. Introduction and Historical Context

  • Tesla launched the first-generation Roadster in 2008 as the company's flagship electric vehicle. Since then, Tesla has significantly expanded its product lineup, including models like the Cybertruck and Tesla Semi. The original Roadster was even famously sent into space in 2018. In 2017, Elon Musk announced the second-generation Tesla Roadster. After multiple delays, the new Roadster is now expected to be released in 2024 with a price tag of around $200,000.

  • 3-2. Performance Specs and Comparisons

  • The Tesla Roadster 2.0 is touted as a supercar with performance metrics that rival hypercars. It can complete a quarter-mile in 8.8 seconds, faster than the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. The car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, but competitors like the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 have surpassed this with a 0-60 mph time of 1.66 seconds. A potential 'SpaceX' package could further enhance the Roadster's performance, potentially achieving 0-60 mph in 1.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 7.95 seconds.

  • 3-3. Design and Unique Features

  • The Tesla Roadster 2.0 introduces a 2+2 seating configuration, unlike its predecessor, which was a two-seater based on the Lotus Elise chassis. This new model also features all-wheel drive with three electric motors, and a torque vectoring system for improved handling. The car also boasts a 200 kWh battery pack, providing up to 620 miles of range per charge. Additionally, it comes with a removable glass roof panel and advanced autonomous driving features.

  • 3-4. Cost and Market Position

  • The base model Tesla Roadster will cost $200,000, making it Tesla's most expensive car to date. A limited 'Founders Series' edition will cost $250,000 and require a $50,000 reservation fee. Despite its high cost, Tesla vehicles are known for holding their value, and the Roadster is expected to be a highly collectible model.

  • 3-5. Future Prospects and SpaceX Package

  • Tesla plans to offer a 'SpaceX' package for the Roadster, which includes cold gas thrusters that could potentially enable the car to hover and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 1.1 seconds. However, this package will likely increase the car's already high price and may sacrifice the rear seats. The exact differences between the standard and 'Founders Series' models remain unclear, but these limited editions are expected to appreciate in value over time.

4. Comparison Between Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y

  • 4-1. Overview of Models

  • Tesla Model X is one of the oldest models in Tesla's range, following the Tesla Model S and first unveiled in 2012 with initial production cars hitting the streets in 2015. Despite early glitches, especially with the Falcon Wing rear doors, it has become one of Tesla's biggest success stories. The Tesla Model Y is a newer model, first appearing in 2020, offering a slightly smaller, more refined option that shares many premium features with the Model X.

  • 4-2. Specifications Comparison

  • The Tesla Model X and Model Y both offer impressive specs, but there are key differences. The Model X starts at $79,990 with a range of 335 miles, charges at up to 250kW, a top speed of 149mph, and a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds. In contrast, the Model Y starts at $43,990 with a range of 310 miles, also charges at 250kW, has a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds. Both models include features like Autopilot, Sentry mode, and wireless charging.

  • 4-3. Price Differences

  • The Tesla Model X is priced significantly higher than the Model Y. The base price for the Model X is $79,990, with the Plaid version costing $94,990. The Model Y is more budget-friendly, starting at $43,990, with Long Range and Performance models priced at $48,990 and $52,490 respectively. Both cars can be customized with additional features which increase the final cost.

  • 4-4. Design and Interior Features

  • The Model X offers a more spacious interior with seating for up to seven people and a total cargo space of 91 cubic feet. It also features Falcon Wing doors, a panoramic glass roof, and a refreshed interior with a carbon fiber finish and a yoke steering wheel. The Model Y seats five standard, with an optional seven-seat configuration available for the Long Range model, and provides 68 cubic feet of cargo space. It has similar premium interior features to the Model X but includes newer touches like auto-dimming mirrors and a USB port in the glovebox.

  • 4-5. Power and Performance Metrics

  • Both Model X and Model Y provide impressive performance. The Model X Long Range has 670 horsepower, a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds. The Plaid edition boosts this to 1,020 horsepower, a top speed of 163mph, and a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds. The Model Y offers a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph in the Performance model, with a range of 303 miles. The Long Range AWD version has slightly lower performance but improved range.

  • 4-6. Battery and Range Comparison

  • The Tesla Model X comes in two variants: Long Range with a range of 335 miles and the Plaid edition with a range of 326 miles. The Model Y is available in standard range, long range, and performance models with ranges of 260 miles, 310 miles, and 285 miles respectively. Both models are equipped with 250kW charging capabilities which ensure rapid recharge times.

  • 4-7. Additional Features

  • Both Tesla models share many high-end features like Autopilot, Sentry mode, HEPA air filtration, and various driver aids. The Model X stands out with features like a 17-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen and an additional screen for rear-seat passengers. It also includes gaming capability for select triple-A titles. The Model Y, while slightly newer, is being updated regularly, and many of its features overlap with those of the Model X.

5. Tesla Sales, Revenue & Production Statistics

  • 5-1. Tesla's Sales Performance

  • Tesla sold a total of 1,438,992 electric cars in the first 10 months of 2023, ranking second worldwide after BYD. Tesla has sold over 4.97 million vehicles to date. In the first nine months of 2023, Tesla delivered 1,324,074 vehicles, with quarterly deliveries in Q3 2023 reaching 435,059, representing a 26.53% year-over-year change. From 2019 to 2022, Tesla's annual deliveries increased by 3.58 times.

  • 5-2. Production Metrics

  • In Q3 2023, Tesla produced 430,488 vehicles, with a total of 1,350,996 vehicles produced in the first nine months of 2023. Tesla's annual vehicle production has increased 3.75 times from 2019 to 2022. It took Tesla 50 days to manufacture 50,000 vehicles in 2019, a figure that the company can now achieve in under 14 days.

  • 5-3. Annual Revenue Figures

  • Tesla generated $71.6 billion in revenue in the first three quarters of 2023. In 2022, Tesla's annual revenue was $81.46 billion, marking an increase of 51.35% compared to 2021.

  • 5-4. Supercharger Network Statistics

  • As of December 2023, Tesla operates 5,878 Supercharger stations in 45 countries. The number of Supercharger locations has increased by 91.47% between December 2021 and December 2023. In the last three years alone, Tesla has added 3,898 new Supercharger stations. The US and China account for 68.12% of all Tesla Supercharger stations, with a combined total of 4,005 locations.

  • 5-5. Demographics and Employee Count

  • Worldwide, Tesla employs 127,855 full-time employees as of the latest data. Tesla's employee count has grown by 1.8 times since 2020, adding 57,098 new employees during that period. The median compensation package for software engineers at Tesla totals $195,000, and US-based employees on an H1-B visa receive a median base salary of $140,000.

6. Tesla Autopilot

  • 6-1. Introduction to Tesla Autopilot

  • Tesla’s Autopilot is an advanced assisted driving program that includes features like Autosteer, Autopark, and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC).

  • 6-2. Historical Development

  • The hardware suite for Tesla’s Autopilot was first introduced in the company’s vehicles in September 2014. Over time, Tesla released more advanced features through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The first significant 'Autopilot Update' was released in October 2015 with version 7.0 of the Tesla operating system.

  • 6-3. Hardware and Software Features

  • Tesla’s Autopilot includes a variety of hardware and software features. Notable among these are Autosteer, which helps keep the car in its lane; Autopark, which assists with parking maneuvers; and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC), which adjusts the car's speed in response to traffic. Tesla has also utilized driver monitoring cameras to record drivers’ behavior as part of these features.

  • 6-4. Current Issues and Investigations

  • Tesla Autopilot is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The effectiveness of last year’s recall involving 2 million vehicles is being questioned. Additionally, Tesla faces scrutiny over issues such as phantom braking and alleged deceptive self-driving claims. Tesla is also involved in a proposed class-action lawsuit over the phantom braking problem, a safety concern that persists.

  • 6-5. Comparison With Competitors

  • Tesla’s Autopilot faces strong competition from other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Consumer Reports have noted that Ford’s BlueCruise is now the industry leader, surpassing General Motors’ Super Cruise. Tesla’s Autopilot has been marked down in rankings, reflecting increased competition in the ADAS sector.

  • 6-6. Future Updates and Enhancements

  • Tesla has made continuous software updates to its Autopilot, including newly implemented features like the 'Autopilot nag' to address driver attentiveness. Recently, Tesla has increased the top speed limit for vehicles equipped with ‘Tesla Vision’ to 85 mph and introduced features like the Green Light Chime and rough road scanning to enhance user experience. Despite these updates, Tesla faces regulatory challenges, such as the investigation of its auto lane change feature in Europe.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Tesla Model 3 [Product]

  • The Tesla Model 3 is known for its cutting-edge technology, excellent range, and efficient performance. It offers three variants: Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance, catering to different preferences and budgets.

  • 7-2. Tesla Roadster [Product]

  • The Tesla Roadster is designed as a supercar with record-breaking speed and acceleration. Known for its futuristic SpaceX package, it aims to be the fastest production car with a 0-60 mph time under 2 seconds.

  • 7-3. BMW i4 [Product]

  • The BMW i4 offers luxurious cabin comfort coupled with strong performance. Designed based on BMW's long legacy in the auto industry, it provides a blend of traditional luxury and modern electric vehicle technology.

  • 7-4. Tesla Model X [Product]

  • A full-size electric SUV, the Tesla Model X is packed with features like Falcon Wing doors and a long range. It serves as a luxurious, spacious option for EV buyers looking for high performance and advanced tech.

  • 7-5. Tesla Model Y [Product]

  • The Tesla Model Y offers a more compact SUV option that is cost-effective while still maintaining premium features. It is designed for those who need less space but want the benefits of a high-performance electric vehicle.

  • 7-6. Tesla Autopilot [Technology]

  • Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system includes features like Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. Regularly updated over-the-air, it aims to improve driver safety and convenience, despite facing ongoing scrutiny.

8. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, both BMW i4 and Tesla offer compelling options in the electric car market with their unique sets of strengths and features. The choice between them largely depends on individual preferences for technology, design, performance, and brand legacy.

9. Source Documents