BMW 3 Series vs Tesla Model 3
Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper and quicker car here: RM147,600 versus RM265,800, 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds versus 7.4 seconds, with 534 km EV range and a 594-litre boot. The BMW 3 Series counters with a higher 235 km/h top speed, a 59-litre petrol tank and a conventional automatic driving the rear wheels. Both are compact executive sedans with five seats, rear-wheel drive and AEB, so the split is clear for Malaysia: Tesla gives more on-paper pace and cargo room for far less money; BMW keeps the petrol format.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want a 1,998 cc petrol sedan with a conventional automatic, rear-wheel drive and the higher 235 km/h top speed.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you want the lower price, quicker 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time, 534 km EV range and larger 594-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: BMW RM265,800; Tesla RM147,600
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 7.4 seconds; Tesla 6.2 seconds
- Top speed: BMW 235 km/h; Tesla 201 km/h
- Boot space: BMW 480 litres; Tesla 594 litres
- Warranty: BMW 2 years; Tesla 4 years
- Road tax: BMW RM379 a year; Tesla RM280 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 265,800 | RM 147,600✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | Electric |
| Power | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.4 s | 6.2 s✓ |
| Top speed | 235 km/h✓ | 201 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 62.5 kWh |
| EV range | — | 534 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | — |
| Boot space | 480 L | 594 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 379 | RM 280✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series
- Higher 235 km/h top speed
- Conventional automatic with rear-wheel drive
- 59-litre petrol tank
- RM118,200 dearer to buy
- Slower 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 480-litre boot
Model 3
- Lower RM147,600 price
- Quicker 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- 534 km EV range
- Lower 201 km/h top speed
- Much wider at 2,089 mm
- Charging access matters more than with petrol
3 Series vs Model 3 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or Tesla Model 3 better?
On paper, the Tesla Model 3 has the stronger case: it is RM118,200 cheaper, quicker to 100 km/h, has a larger boot and gets a longer 4-year warranty. The BMW 3 Series suits buyers who still want petrol and a higher top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series costs RM265,800, while the Tesla Model 3 costs RM147,600. That makes the BMW RM118,200 more expensive.
Which is more practical for luggage?
The Tesla Model 3 has the larger boot at 594 litres, compared with 480 litres in the BMW 3 Series. Both are five-seat compact executive sedans.