BMW i4 vs Tesla Model Y

BMW's cheap electric sedan, the i4, is better than a Tesla Model Y, in 5 important aspects. First, is the price. In the UK, the i4, e-drive 35 is cheaper than a Model Y, by three thousand dollars. But only if you don't compare it to the long range Model Y, not the base model.

The base Model Y is a thousand quid cheaper than the beemer. But don't let some irritating facts dissuade you, from your belief, that the BMW must be better, than a car made by an EV start-up, right? After all, BMW is known as the ultimate driving machine.

So it must be faster and better handling than Eelon Musk's electric appliance. Well, it isn't. Better handling, maybe. But faster, it ain't. The long range model Y, can decimate the i4 in a drag race, since it is a second and a half quicker to a hundred k-p-h.

Not surprising, given the 162 extra horsepower it has, over the beemer. The reason for comparing the e-drive 35, to the long range model y, is the pricing. In Australia, the cheapest i4, is a jaw dropping, 17 thousand dollars more expensive, than the long range tesla.

Coming back to the topic of handling, the rear-wheel drive i4 here, might be a bit more precise and agile than the tesla, but the Tesla is a dual motor, all wheel drive vehicle, giving way better grip and control, on icy roads.

The Model Y is also a slightly bigger vehicle than the i4, giving significantly better interior space, and almost twice as much boot-space as the beemer. Not to forget, even in the U-S, the long range model Y is a thousand bucks cheaper than the i4.

And finally, coming to the much debated topic of technology, is where, the BMW crumbles. It has a smaller battery than the Tesla, giving it just two third's of the range of the Model Y, as tested over the NEDC cycle.

What makes it worse is the i4's disappointing charging speed, which is almost half of that of the Tesla. The difference in the features is just hilarious.

BMW obviously wanting the buyers to pay through their noses for options, while the long range model Y almost has every option ticked, as part of it's price. Check out the pinned comment for a detailed comparison of tech and equipment.

Last but not the least, is the insane difference between the self-driving ability of both these vehicles. BMW won't even give you lane centring as standard. While the tesla, is already blowing people's minds with the latest FSD 13 demo, in china, recently followed by one in Amsterdam.

This might soon become the single most important parameter while choosing our next vehicle. What do you think?

BMW i4 eDrive 35 Standard Features:

14.9-inch central touch screen has wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

18-inch alloy wheels

LED head and tail lamps

keyless entry with proximity function

powered tailgate with hands-free function

head-up display

active cruise control

Sensatec artificial leather upholstery

powered front seats

BMW’s connected telemetry capability

Options:

Heated front seats

Metallic paint

Electric tilt-slide glass sunroof