Thoughts from anyone owned BMW 5 series or Mercedes Benz E class and Tesla model 3

dinneenp

Hi,

If anyone has owned a BMW 5 series or MB E Class and a Telsa model 3; what are you thoughts, which do you prefer & why?

I'm looking 2018/19/20, want very nice interior (which each has in their own way)

Thanks in advance!

Gumbo

3 different cars.

Can you clarify what version of each?

ELM327

The Model 3 is a segment below the E Klasse and 5er

kirving

I'm currently in the market for a second car, likely an EV, and a Model 3 is the obvious choice in California where I now live.

I'd been in them before, and looking back I was maybe a bit distracted by the novelty of it all, but I got into a Taxi the other day and I was seriously put off. Terribly harsh ride, loud, sparse interior and poor material qualities. In terms of overall ownership, the best fast charging network, price point, and infotainment do all come into play, but it really isn't somewhere I could sit every day for my commute.

All tech aside, when doing a commute daily, I want quiet cabin, comfortable seats and simple ergonomic controls. I've owned a W212 E-Class and F30 3-Series and both easily beat the Model 3 in all of those areas.

frank730

If you live in California you should ask on us Internet forums , their standard versions normally have higher spec than here due to market competition

Theboinkmaster

A Tesla and BMW 5 series are not comparable at all - the 5 would be vastly superior especially for interior quality etc

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121731573#Comment_121731573

You would think that……..But..

Ive a 2020 Model 3 here that the interior hasn’t work in the slightest compared to a 2019 G30 5 series which has trim peeling and worn steering wheel.

I think BMW’s “premium” status is long gone.

Buddy Bubs

Really boils down to whether you want an EV or not, then the choice is very simple between taking Tesla or taking one of the Germans. That's your first thing to figure out, should be straightforward enough decision.

kirving

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121731630#Comment_121731630

It really depends on your definition of quality too. By almost any measure, Toyota quality far exceeds Mercedes, but I know where I'd prefer to sit for (potentially) hours every day.

As for the Model 3, I find the seats very hard and plasticky, and that I slide around them way too easily, but I've no doubt that they would last a very long time compared to something softer which would be subject to more fatigue IMO.

Theboinkmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121731630#Comment_121731630

Maybe it's subjective but I couldn't sit in any Tesla for longer than 30 seconds they're all nasty - cheap plastic interior.

Sit in a new g60 and IMO it's a massive step up from the Tesla. Although i do agree BMW are going backwards - the g60 interior has a lot of cost cutting measures compared to the g30.

My favourite interior is still Porsche - definitely a step up again from BMW.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121735653#Comment_121735653

I've no doubt a G60 should feel better than a Tesla that's near half its price. I was in the i5 and the 520i in Duffy's. They are a step backwards and full of plastic now. But that's the way the world is going, less rare earth materials, less leather, fake leather etc

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121735541#Comment_121735541

Of course, completely depends on the person. I've done round country trips in a Tesla, BMW and Mercedes. Not much between them to be honest. Other the the massive price increase on the German cars. In fact, the Tesla was a lot more focused considering it was a Performance Model.

User1998

Having experienced all of these cars, I would put the interior of a Tesla Model 3 higher than a C Class or 3 series, but not as luxurious as an E Class or 5 series. That being said I’d still have a Tesla any day of the week

Core6

I have an E Class estate and a Tesla Model 3.

The E Class is definitely a significant step above the Model 3 in terms of quality feel even though the E Class is almost 12 year old.

That isn't a fair comparison though as the E Class Estate starts at nearly €86,000 new now compared to less than half that for a Model 3 new.

We prefer driving the Model 3 primarily for the tech but also for the way it drives.

A major consideration in favour of the Model 3 (or any EV) is the running costs which are dramatically lower than the E Class (or any ICE car).

Woodie40

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058335003/thoughts-from-anyone-owned-bmw-5-series-or-mercedes-benz-e-class-and-tesla-model-3

The Tesla is not comparable with BMW or Mercedes, the Tesla has a cheap harsh interior and the newer version with the tacky Tesla sign on the back is even worse.

GPoint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121760171#Comment_121760171

You will be dismissed by Tesla fan boys soon

sh81722

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121760384#Comment_121760384

Yep.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121760171#Comment_121760171

Right. So the new interior is an improvement on the tactile front but a model 3/Y is not trying to be a premium vehicle. And how can you call T E S L A lettering tacky and in the same sentence say that BMW's design choices like the lit grille on 7 is somehow not tacky. One of them is easy to remove if you don't like it. And in general I think many, if not most, of the new cars are getting very tacky with all the weird design additions that serve no purpose. Simplicity is where it's all at as far as I am concerned.

dinneenp

After considerable consideration, I'm going for a......Tesla model 3, 2021 with low mileage.

Why? Many people say it's more fun to drive, the immediate acceleration is fantastic for overtaking etc., lower running & maintenance cost, the large screen. And for the same money I'd be looking at a 2019 BMW 5 series with much higher mileage.

If I don't like it after X time, I'll go for a BMW probably.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121822997#Comment_121822997

You’ll be dismissed by the German fanboys soon.

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121823349#Comment_121823349

We'll have to buy a BMW as the 2nd household car and then am covered.... 😂

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121823825#Comment_121823825

That’s what I done 😂