Tesla Model 3 vs BMW i4: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $670 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (Model 3 Standard, 139 MPGe combined), against $780 for the BMW i4 (i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels), 118 MPGe combined). That is $110 a year, or $550 over five years.
A frequently cross-shopped pair of rivals. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Electric
- Midsize cars
Tesla Model 3
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Model 3 Standard
$4.47 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
321 mi EPA range · 24 kWh/100 mi
5 configurations in MY2026
- Electric
- Small cars
BMW i4
Lowest fuel cost configuration
i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels)
$5.20 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
333 mi EPA range · 29 kWh/100 mi
7 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Tesla Model 3$670 a year · $4.47 per 100 mi
- BMW i4$780 a year · $5.20 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$110
Tesla Model 3 costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$550
$110 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Tesla Model 3 | BMW i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Model 3 Standard | i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels) |
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Combined rating | 139 MPGe (better) | 118 MPGe |
| City rating | 147 MPGe (better) | 121 MPGe |
| Highway rating | 130 MPGe (better) | 115 MPGe |
| EPA range | 321 mi | 333 mi (better) |
| Electricity use | 24 kWh/100 mi (better) | 29 kWh/100 mi |
| Annual fuel cost | $670/yr (better) | $780/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $4.47 (better) | $5.20 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $670–$830 | $780–$1,140 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 5 | 7 |
| EPA class | Midsize cars | Small cars |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Tesla Model 3 | BMW i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 139 MPGe · $670/yr Model 3 Standard | 118 MPGe · $780/yr i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (18 inch wheels) |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
Tesla Model 3
- Lower annual fuel cost: $670 vs $780
- Higher combined rating: 139 MPGe vs 118 MPGe
- Higher city rating: 147 MPGe vs 121 MPGe
- Higher highway rating: 130 MPGe vs 115 MPGe
BMW i4
- Longer EPA range: 333 mi vs 321 mi
Year by year
| Model year | Tesla Model 3 | BMW i4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 111–139 MPGe | $670–$830 | 81–118 MPGe | $780–$1,140 |
| 2025 | 109–137 MPGe | $680–$850 | 80–116 MPGe | $800–$1,160 |
| 2024 | 112–137 MPGe | $680–$830 | 80–120 MPGe | $770–$1,160 |
| 2023 | 113–132 MPGe | $700–$820 | 80–113 MPGe | $820–$1,160 |
| 2022 | 113–132 MPGe | $700–$820 | 80–109 MPGe | $850–$1,160 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the Tesla Model 3 or the BMW i4?
The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper: about $670 a year against $780 for the BMW i4, a difference of $110 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the Tesla Model 3 save over five years?
About $550 ($110 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Tesla Model 3 or the BMW i4?
The Tesla Model 3 is rated 139 MPGe combined against 118 MPGe for the BMW i4. City: 147 MPGe vs 121 MPGe. Highway: 130 MPGe vs 115 MPGe. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4 in the same class?
The EPA classes the Tesla Model 3 as Midsize cars and the BMW i4 as Small cars, so they are listed as rivals.
Explore these cars
- Tesla Model 3: ratings, trims and every model year
- BMW i4: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Tesla Model 3: all configurations
- 2026 BMW i4: all configurations
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