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BMW IX3 vs Tesla Model Y

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BMW IX3
BMW IX3

$76,990 - $99,247

2024 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $82,900

2025 price

Summary

2024 BMW IX3
2025 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
0.0L

Fuel Type
Electric

-
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

-
Seating
5

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Dislikes
  • Limited driving range
  • Some flimsy interior parts
  • No AWD model available

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
2024 BMW IX3 Summary

BMW added a new iX3 base model in September last year as a crafty way to navigate the government's increased luxury car tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Bavarian carmaker now has six electric cars under the $91,387 threshold with major benefits for those looking to purchase a car on a novated lease program – not to mention less strain on the hip pocket for others.

This particular iX3 M Sport being made in China helps the pricing equation, but it remains a complete specification with plenty of gadgets, features and luxury touches.

A new X3 is due in 2025 but an electric replacement for the iX3 isn't expected until 2026 when it will sit on the Neue Klasse platform and be a very different beast.

That means if you're after an electric mid-sizer from a German brand, this iX3 is what BMW has to offer. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at BMW's most affordable mid-size electric SUV to see if it's a good deal.

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2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

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Interested in a Tesla Model Y?

Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW IX3 2025 Tesla Model Y

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