Will a 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Outlast a BMW i4?
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range is an EV that pushes the boundaries of range on a single charge. However, it’s not alone in the luxury EV market, and vehicles like the BMW i4 are gunning for its crown. So, will the aptly-named Long Range take you further than a BMW i4? Or should the baby Tesla bow out to the Bavarian luxury model?
How far can Tesla Model 3 go on the highway?
The Tesla Model 3 RWD has a range of around 272 miles for the 2022 model year. That figure is up from the 263 mile-range of the 2021 model. However, the Long Range trim bumps that figure up to 353 miles. As a result, the Model 3 Long Range is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with day trip credentials.
Moreover, potential owners who want a shockingly-swift Model 3 will opt for the Performance trim at the expense of some range. Specifically, the Model 3 Performance has a range of around 315 miles on a single charge. Of course, TrueCar says these mileage and range figures are based on ideal driving conditions; if you have a heavy right foot, you won’t recreate these ranges.
How does a BMW i4 compare to a Tesla?
The 2023 BMW i4 has multiple trim levels, with the eDrive40 returning an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate of 301 miles on a single charge compared to the Model 3’s 353 miles. However, the i4 eDrive40’s range drops to 282 miles with its larger 19-inch wheel option.
The 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 starts at around $56,895, or $8,700 more than a comparable Model 3 base. However, the Long Range trim starts at $59,190, making it a closer competitor to the BMW EV.
Is it better to get a Long Range Tesla?
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range is a better choice than the RWD and Performance trims for daily use. For instance, the Long Range trim offers the most driving distance on a single charge of the lineup and faster Level 2 charging times than the entry-level Model 3. Moreover, with standard AWD, the Long Range trim promises more sure-footed grip than the i4 eDrive40.
In terms of performance, the range-topping $68,295 BMW i4 M50 will outsprint the Long Range to 60 mph, but the i4 eDrive40 will not. Specifically, the eDrive40 requires 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, while Tesla says the Long Range trim will do it in 4.2 seconds.
Can you take a Tesla on a long road trip?
Thanks to Long Range trims like that on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, drivers can take their Teslas on long road trips. However, owners should know where they can recharge and plan accordingly. For instance, Tesla’s network of DC fast-charging superchargers will replenish 80% or 200 miles of the Model 3’s range in 15 minutes. However, a Level 2 charger will require six hours to recharge the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
However, a Model 3 could be a road trip option if owners plan accordingly. Have you ever taken your Tesla on a road trip? Tell us about it in the comments below!
