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The Tesla Model 3 enjoys some serious popularity among electric vehicle (EV) shoppers. However, a couple of contenders would like nothing more than to dethrone the baby Tesla. Enter the Polestar 2 and the BMW i4. So, given a choice between the Model 3, the Polestar 2, and the BMW i4, which vehicle should you buy? 

Does the Model 3 have a longer range than the Polestar 2 and BMW i4?

The Tesla Model 3 has already made a name for itself on the grounds of range. Tesla says the long-range variant of the will cover an impressive 374 miles before it demands a charge. Further, the base trim has a claimed range of 305 miles, and the snappier Performance model has a range of 340 miles.

Polestar 2 Takes on BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3
A Tesla chassis | Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images

The BMW i4, however, doesn’t leave the Tesla much of a lead. BMW suggests that the eDrive40 i4 has a range of between 337 and 365 miles. Should an i4 driver be able to get the top end of that range, they’ll only miss nine miles compared to the Long Range. 

Finally, the Polestar 2 Long Range model with front-wheel drive (FWD) has a claimed range of 316 to 336 miles, just under the BMW i4 eDrive40’s low-end estimate. The Polestar, then, isn’t much of a competitor for the BMW or the Tesla in terms of range. 

Which EV is the cheapest? 

Polestar 2 Takes on BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3
The sculpted rear section of a Polestar concept | Matthias Balk, Getty Images

The Tesla Model 3 has a lower starting price than the BMW i4 and the Polestar 2. Specifically, the Model 3’s starting price is $48,190, keeping the entry-level EV below $50,000. However, things get a bit more expensive with the BMW. An i4 has an MSRP of $56,395 and a starting market average price of $57,837. However, for consumers who want beloved M qualities in their BMW, the range-topping M50 will set them back $66,895. 

The Polestar 2 is even pricier than the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3. According to TrueCar, EV shoppers who want a Polestar 2 will have to shell out around $61,200 to cover the starting MSRP. 

Which EV performs the best?

The Tesla Model 3 is quicker than the Polestar 2 and the BMW i4. Considering the base models, the BMW i4 eDrive40 will reach 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That isn’t sluggish, but it isn’t up to the Polestar’s 4.5 seconds. However, the Model 3 is in a league of its own. Tesla claims that the Long Range edition will hit sixty in just 4.2 seconds. 

However, things get even wilder once you get to the performance-oriented contenders. The i4 M50 will dash to sixty in 3.7 seconds. Although the M50 isn’t quite up to the Model 3 Performance’s specs. The Performance has a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds.  

Should you buy a Tesla Model 3 over the Polestar 2 or BMW i4?

Whether you’re looking for range, performance, or price, the Tesla Model 3 outshines the other two cars. However, in terms of which car you should buy, CarBuyer.co.uk concludes that the Model 3 no longer dominates the segment. The Polestar 2 and the BMW i4 are worthy competition for the Tesla. 

Scroll down to the following article to read about some things to consider when EV shopping. 
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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).