1.5× More Tesla Model 3 Sales Than BMW 3/4 Series Sales In 2018 In USA (So Far)

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Earlier today, I highlighted the Tesla Model 3’s solid sales launch compared to the iconic Ford Mustang, which the Model 3 is outselling by ~1.5× this year so far. But the Mustang has never been seen as the car the Model 3 is really trying to retire — or at least humble a bit. That car is, of course, the BMW 3 Series (+ 4 Series).

Interestingly, BMW 3/4 Series sales have been just a couple of thousand sales lower than Ford Mustang sales this year, which means that Tesla Model 3 sales have again been ~1.5× higher. In other words, the Model 3 is winning. Below are a handful of charts to visualize it all.

So, is this proof the Model 3 competes well against the BMW 3/4 Series? Well, we don’t really need more proof for that — just specs and independent reviews.

The Tesla Model 3 is much safer, according to NHTSA scores.

The Model 3 is quicker.

The Model 3 has better handling, torque, and one-pedal driving.

The Model 3 has more cargo space.

The Model 3 offers more headroom and legroom, and a tremendously nicer view through the glass roof.

The Model 3 is far, far, far more efficient and offers zero emissions.

The Model 3 has a better autonomous driving suite.

Wait a second — why is anyone buying a BMW 3/4 Series?

That is the question BMW probably doesn’t want to ask.

As noted in the Ford Mustang article, there’s a question about how much steady-state consumer demand there will be for the Model 3, but there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic about the car’s demand going forward. The more affordable Model 3 Mid Range is just getting out there and the much more affordable Model 3 Standard Range will be on the market sometime next year, roping in many more buyers.

Also, while hundreds of thousands of reservation holders were happy to learn about the Model 3 ahead of time and get in line for one, normal Americans don’t read CleanTechnica every day and know very little about Tesla. As they experience the Model 3 more via friends, family members, coworkers, and simply walking into a store in a mall and checking one out, they will learn why exactly the Model 3 is so popular.

With previous Tesla models, annual demand has stabilized at a higher rate than initial reservations. The Model 3 is a different game, so we’ll have to wait to see if that holds true for Tesla’s mass-market model, but there’s a strong hint from Tesla and CEO Elon Musk that they are bullish that global demand will steadily be 500,000 to one million cars per year.

If you’re looking to buy a Tesla, appreciate my work, and need a referral code, here you go: http://ts.la/tomasz7234

Related:

Tesla Model 3 = #1 Top Selling Luxury Car in USA in October

Tesla Model 3 = 18% of Small + Midsize Luxury Car Sales in First 10 Months of 2018 (USA)


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Zachary Shahan

Zach is tryin' to help society help itself one word at a time. He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as its director, chief editor, and CEO. Zach is recognized globally as an electric vehicle, solar energy, and energy storage expert. He has presented about cleantech at conferences in India, the UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Curaçao. Zach has long-term investments in Tesla [TSLA], NIO [NIO], Xpeng [XPEV], Ford [F], ChargePoint [CHPT], Amazon [AMZN], Piedmont Lithium [PLL], Lithium Americas [LAC], Albemarle Corporation [ALB], Nouveau Monde Graphite [NMGRF], Talon Metals [TLOFF], Arclight Clean Transition Corp [ACTC], and Starbucks [SBUX]. But he does not offer (explicitly or implicitly) investment advice of any sort.

Zachary Shahan has 7317 posts and counting. See all posts by Zachary Shahan