Data shown is approximate and based on publicly available specifications and real-world estimates. Actual performance varies with driving conditions, temperature, state of charge, and charger hardware. Always check your vehicle's manual for official specifications. EVcourse is not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer.
Quick verdict
The Tesla Model S has a higher peak charging speed at 250 kW DC, but the BMW i4 eDrive35 actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster (26 min vs 30 min) thanks to its smaller battery. The BMW i4 eDrive35 is more efficient at 154 Wh/km. The Tesla Model S offers more WLTP rated range at 649 km.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | BMW i4 eDrive35 | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (approx.) | ~67.1 kWh | ~95 kWh |
| WLTP range (rated) | ~500 km | ~649 km |
| Efficiency (approx.) | ~154 Wh/km | ~165 Wh/km |
| Max DC charging | up to 180 kW | up to 250 kW |
| 10-80% charge time (approx.) | ~26 min | ~30 min |
| Max AC charging | up to 11 kW | up to 11 kW |
| DC connector | CCS2 | CCS2 |
Charging Speed
The Tesla Model S has a peak DC charging speed of 250 kW, which is roughly 39% faster than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at 180 kW. In practice, peak speed only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.
For the 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the BMW i4 eDrive35 finishes in about 26 minutes, which is 4 minutes quicker than the Tesla Model S at 30 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.
Range and Efficiency
The Tesla Model S has a WLTP rated range of approximately 649 km, which is roughly 149 km more than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at approximately 500 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.
Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The BMW i4 eDrive35 consumes 154 Wh/km, compared to 165 Wh/km for the Tesla Model S. That means the BMW i4 eDrive35 uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.
A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Tesla Model S has approximately 95 kWh of useable battery , while the BMW i4 eDrive35 has approximately 67.1 kWh.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Tesla Model S has the higher peak DC speed at up to 250 kW, but the BMW i4 eDrive35 actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster at approximately 26 minutes versus approximately 30 minutes. That is because the BMW i4 eDrive35 has a smaller battery to fill. On road trips, time at the plug matters more than peak power.
Both cars support 11 kW AC charging, so home and workplace charging speeds will be similar.
If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the BMW i4 eDrive35 is the more efficient choice at 154 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.
For maximum range between charges, the Tesla Model S has a WLTP rated range of approximately 649 km, which is roughly 149 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.
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From Finn, engineer: Charging specs alone do not tell the full story. Real-world charging speed depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the charger itself. These comparisons use manufacturer-published data. Approximate values only.
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