Audi e-tron GT VS. Tesla Model S: How Do They Compare?

Tesla is no longer the only game in town.

Tesla has had the all-electric luxury sedan and crossover market to itself for too many years now, at least that’s how automakers like Audi feel. At this year’s LA Auto Show, Audi unveiled its e-tron GT concept, which heavily previews the production version set to arrive for the 2021 model year. Assuming the production version will closely mirror the specs of the concept, then the Tesla Model S have something to worry about? Well, let’s compare some numbers. But first off, we’re using the Model S 75D version because there’s a greater chance e-tron GT buyers will cross shop with that variant. So let’s get started.

Range

The 2021 Audi e-tron GT will come with a 90 kWh battery good for a range of 248.5 miles under WLTP rules. The Model S has a 75 kWh battery with an EPA-rated 259 miles. Believe it or not, EPA range testing is said to be a bit more accurate than the European method. Therefore, the Model S has the advantage here, but remember: both Audi and Tesla will continue to improve their respective range-related technologies by the time the production-spec e-tron GT arrives.

Charging Times

The e-tron GT concept can reportedly charge to 80 percent in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the Model S can recharge to a 170-mile range in 30 minutes with a DC fast charger, but using a Supercharger will likely better than time. It's also important to bear in mind that by the time the Audi goes on sale, Tesla will no almost surely improve its batteries and Supercharging network even more. As for home charging, the Model S comes with a 11.5 kW onboard AC charger that needs to be plugged in, while the e-tron GT has an 11 kW wireless charging system.

Performance

Without question, the Audi has the advantage. It will go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and tops off at 149 mph. The Model S 75D does the same deed in 4.2 seconds and 140 mph. Audi also notes its EV can continue to perform at its peak without the driver having to make driving concessions (meaning to take it easy). The Tesla, meanwhile, automatically begins to cut back power following hard usage.

Seating And Styling

There’s no question with this one. The Tesla Model S can seat five comfortably and also has those optional rear jump seats. The Audi e-tron GT, however, has seating for four. But remember, this is the concept version. The production e-tron GT may gain a fifth seat.

As far as everything else goes, namely styling inside and out, it’s purely one’s personal tastes. To us, the Audi is the better-looking vehicle, but we need to bear in mind it’s still a concept and styling is always toned down somewhat for production. Also, the Tesla Model S is six years old, so it’s okay to say the design might be somewhat dated, but we still think it looks great today.

Why Buy The Performance Tesla Model 3 When There's The Model S?

The Latest Model 3 Performance version may need a rethink.

Tesla has been struggling to make production targets for the much-publicized Model 3. Tings have slowly improved over the past few months, but as kinks in the manufacturing process are ironed out one would assume that a period of consolidation would be high on the agenda. But this is Tesla, and Elon Musk is not known for standing still. His latest announcement of the performance variant of the Model 3 is surely to put additional strain on the production line but he maintains that selling higher-spec models is key to Tesla’s long-term survival.

This strategy is borne out in the estimated delivery times for the Model 3: order a base-spec version at the $35,000 starting price and a 6-12 month waiting time is projected. Add a long-range battery, all-wheel drive or opt for the new Performance model and that time shrinks to between 6 to 9 months. The price however goes the other way, a dual motor Model 3 can be around $54,000 while the Performance version is an even steeper $78,000. This pricing does include most options except the Autopilot feature but makes the top model not only a fair bit steeper than the base M3 sedan that Elon has been comparing it to. It also brings it uncomfortably close to the Model S.

The $97,300 (before options or incentives) Model S 100D may be half a second slower to 60-mph at 4.1-seconds vs. 3.5, but it offers an additional 25-miles of range and Model S owners do get access to things that aren’t available on the Model 3s. Firstly there is the smart air-suspension system which is standard on the larger cars but as of writing is not even an option on the Model 3. This situation is likely to change in 2019 but for now it is not available. Secondly, the Model S comes with a larger 17-inch digital touchscreen and a driver display as opposed to the 15-inch unit in the smaller car.

The combined front and rear trunk cargo volume is twice that of the Model 3 too and the power liftgate is another feature that is standard on the Model S but not even an option on the Model 3. Both cars can seat five adults in comfort but the rear facing seat option is reserved for the Model S. All-wheel-drive, 12-way power front seats and LED foglights are part of every Model S but are extra cost options on the Model 3. Not deal-breakers clearly, but worth a thought especially when you are looking at the highly-specced Model 3s and want to do a like for like comparison. Something that may also sway buyers towards the Model S is the fact that Supercharging is totally free for the life of ownership.

Model 3 owners will have to pay for the service, depending on your mileage this may also erode the price difference between the two cars over time. The warranty on the batteries differs too, Model S owners get an 8-year unlimited mile cover while Model 3 owners get the same time span but only 100,000-miles on standard batteries or 120,000-miles on long range ones. Now you may point out that the Model S 100D is still a good $20,000 more expensive than the Performance Model 3 and it would take a whole lot of miles to recoup those costs, but there is also the Model S 75D to consider.

It may only have a 259-mile range, but at $77,800 before any incentives or offers it actually undercuts the top-spec Model 3 making an even stronger case for itself. It is hardly slower than the 100D, giving up just 0.1 of a second to the 60-mph sprint and its 140 mph top speed matches that of any Model 3. It also comes with all the aforementioned features of the Model S range and even with the Premium Upgrade Package, which includes a whole host of extras, is still only $82,800. A well-specced Model 3 may come in at around $20,000 less than that but you would still have a slower car. Non-Performance Model 3’s do the 0-60 mph run in the low 5-second range, and you would still have to wait up to half a year for your car.

Resale values are a tricky thing to predict but with many more Model 3s planning to be built, the larger car may even depreciate at a slower rate. Essentially, as with all such things, it comes down to individual preferences. If you don’t need the extra space, are not fussed about the lack of air-suspension and are happy to wait a while, then the Model 3 still makes sense. If you want your car now, plan to do longer trips and are not bothered by slightly lower performance (compared to the Performance Model 3 that is) then either a well-specced 75D or 100D would be the better bet. The M3 may be the car that Elon wants us to compare his new Model 3 to but in reality, it may just be so that we don’t look at the even fiercer competitor within Tesla’s own walls.

BMW Confirms: Convertible SUV And A Sub-X1 Model Aren't Happening

Is the king of niche vehicles finally done with niche vehicles?

BMW had a lot to show off at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show - the all-electric Vision iNext Concept, the three-row X7 SAV, the potent M340i and M340i xDrive, and the elegant M850i Convertible. We had the chance to sit down with Ralph Mahler, BMW's Head of US Product Planning & Strategy to discuss some of these new additions to the lineup as well as the potential for future models.

One topic we quickly wanted to discuss was the idea of a convertible SUV. BMW has been rumored for a while now to be working on a drop-top version of either the X2 or the X4 as a rival for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, we may be able to put those rumors to bed.

A new Range Rover Evoque has just arrived and a convertible model seems unlikely. When asked about a convertible SUV from BMW, Mahler said "when you discuss something like that, you have to look at how big of a market there is. It is not big." He went on to say "what is basically a limiting factor for growing market segment of this kind of concept is a perception of safety. You have an elevated seating position, for example, and when you open up the whole roof, you lose some kind of protection in the perception of the customer. Therefore, I think the segment is small and will stay small."

Essentially, BMW doesn't seem interesting in entering such a niche segment. Even though BMW has been the king of creating new market segments recently, the convertible SUV segment is one BMW will stay away from for now.

This doesn't mean BMW is done growing its SUV lineup despite already have models ranging from X1 up to X7. When we asked about which segments BMW has left to fill, it seems like the company has only left room to build up rather than down. "There's always room to grow. No problem," Mahler said. "The question is how big is the market potential and what direction you have to develop." If there were to be something above the X7, Mahler pondered whether "it would be just a bigger car or a sportier car. Is there room for something like this in the market? Can we open up a new segment?"

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the X1 and X2 are BMW's smallest models, so we asked about the potential of something smaller, perhaps called the X0. When asked if BMW could possibly build something below the X1, Mahler answered with a resounding no. "When you look at the SUV market, what is the minimum expectation in terms of size," he asked. Looking at the X1, "that is a small car. I think that basically, in terms of size, you won't see a smaller car in this market."

Why The Best Model In The Range Is Never The Range-Topper

Range-toppers may be a tempting option but even one step down the trim hierarchy can yield big savings.

Range-topping models tend to get all the attention in car magazines. After all, big numbers and big price tags are what gets people interested. But when it comes to sales figures, they represent just a fraction of the other models in the range. Sure, a halo model can get shoppers interested in the rest of the manufacturers’ offerings, but are they really that much better in the real world? We take a look at some top-end models and their closest stablemates to find out.

The BMW M760i xDrive is currently one of the fastest accelerating BMWs you can buy. In fact, only the brand new all-wheel-drive M5 can best its 3.6-seconds to 60 mph. This ferocious speed is thanks to the 601-hp 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that resides under that long hood. The interior is a symphony of technology and expensive materials. The base price is perhaps unsurprisingly a steep $156,700, and that is before you add the $5,750 Executive rear seating package or the $1,700 driving assist plus package. Tick the very exclusive BMW Individual Composition package, and you can choose from the very finest paints, interior trims and leather upholstery. Yours for $5,600. A fully loaded M760i can get close to $180,000.

Now a BMW 750i xDrive retails for two-thirds less than the M760i’s base price. At $99,400 it is still not exactly cheap but other than slightly slower acceleration (4.3-seconds to 60 mph is still super quick) you still get a lot of standard kit and can spec it up to very nearly M760i levels too. The 445-hp 4.4-liter V8 sounds great and you will rarely want for more power. Adding the Executive and Interior design package enhances the luxury levels while the M Sport and Autobahn packages add some sporty visual touches as well as a sports exhaust and active steering. The whole lot adds $16,000 to the price which is still well short of the V12 models base figure.

The S-Class is another huge German luxury barge that pushes the boundaries of what is technologically possible with a huge four-door sedan. The Mercedes-AMG S65 presides over the rest of the range with its 621-bhp 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12. Its rear-wheel-drive only layout means that it struggles for grip a bit when all those horses are called upon and takes 4.2-seconds to get to 60 mph. Grip is not an issue at higher velocities where the massive torque launches the S65 down the road with undiminished force. Twin digital instrument clusters, Nappa leather, active safety assists and even heated armrests are all standard, as they should be. The base price is $229,500.

Of course, an Executive rear seat package and self-tinting sunroof are among the options list but you do get just about everything else included in the price. The S65 AMG has precious little competition save from its very own stablemate, the AMG S63. It may give up four-cylinders to the range-topper but the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 is a more modern design and is almost as powerful with 603-hp on offer. The standard all-wheel-drive system allows it to launch to 60 mph 0.8-seconds quicker too. The 9-speed automatic transmission is newer too and you get practically all of the equipment that comes with the S65. At $147,500, the choice seems like a no-brainer.

Closer to home we have the Corvette Z06, a 650-hp supercharged exotic car beater that has been honed to provide the very best lap times. The 0-60 mph time of 2.95-seconds sure is quick enough to see off some much pricier European machinery and when you are not in the mood to blast lesser cars into the weeds, the big 6.2-liter V8 is perfectly happy idling along in the traffic. The convertible 3LZ starts at $94,530 though, and that is before you add the Z07 performance package for $7,995 which includes adaptive dampers and carbon ceramic brakes. The Carbon 65 Edition package is an even steeper $15,000. That could mean a $117,525 final price tag.

Equipped with an LT1 6.2-liter V8 that makes an impressive 460-hp, the Grand Sport can’t quite match the Z06 in a straight line but it will still take something very special to match its 3.6-second 0-60 mph time. It does feature some of the Z06’s aerodynamic components though and can also be had with the Z07 performance package. At a base price of $66,590 for the coupe, you will be getting a car that offers more performance than you can realistically deploy outside of a racetrack while boasting looks and specification levels that are very similar to the far more expensive Z06.

Let’s take a look at a car that is far more attainable and see whether the same rules apply. The Camry regularly tops the sedan sales charts in the US and its combination of refinement and solid build quality are tough to match. The top XSE V6 is $34,950 before options. You do get a panoramic sunroof, 10-inch color head up display and 19-inch wheels as standard though. The 301-hp 3.5-litre V6 is a peach too and provides effortless performance. A driver assist package includes navigation and a $1,990 price tag and you can even have illuminated door sills for $299. That is a lot of money to outlay for a mid-sized sedan.

The benefits of owning a car such as a Camry tend to focus on their efficiency, spaciousness and value proposition. All of these traits can be found further down the trim range, the gap between the most expensive Camry and the base L trim is a big one but you don’t have to step into the cheapest one to realize significant financial savings. The Camry SE is fitted with a 203-hp 2.5-liter motor that may not offer the straight-line punch of the V6 model but it is far more fuel efficient and provides smooth progress in most situations. The base price of $25,200 provides a big saving over the XLE V6 and while you forego some luxuries, many can be added back.

Even with the available sunroof, additional safety features and keyless entry you will only add $2,125 to the base price. So, the range-toppers may be a tempting option with their powerful engines and comprehensive standard specifications but in many cases, even one step down the trim hierarchy can yield big savings. Many features can be added on too (some tend to be gimmicks anyway) and in real-world driving conditions the lower power outputs are not as noticeable as you might think. What you will notice is the improved fuel economy and lower running costs, a win-win scenario then for those willing to find the sweet spot in a model range.

BMW Will Electrify The 4 Series GT Because Of The Tesla Model 3

And it won't be an "i" model.

BMW is fully aware it has to alter its long-terms plans regarding vehicle electrification. Its i sub-brand hasn’t been as successful as hoped, mainly because EVs are going mainstream much faster than originally thought. Therefore, according to Autocar, BMW is planning to launch a 4 Series GT in 2019 as a replacement for both the slow-selling 3 Series GT and 4 Series Gran Coupe, and for 2020 it’ll be offered as a pure EV as well. Specifically, the 4 Series GT EV will be a direct rival to the upcoming Tesla Model 3.

Based on the also upcoming next generation 3 Series, the 4 Series GT will initially be sold with a conventional gasoline engine and an optional plug-in hybrid variant. The EV version will arrive later in the year, and BMW is aiming for it to have a 311-mile driving range and a base price similar to that of the Model 3. Like Tesla, BMW may offer buyers a choice of electric powertrain options, one of which will have all-wheel drive, and extended range and power based on price. BMW will also have a rear-wheel-drive option that, in turn, would give the 4 GT a weight balance and driving personality similar to that of regular BMWs.

What’s for certain is that the i sub-brand nomenclature won’t be applied to the 4 GT. BMW has come to realize that it needs to properly integrate EVs into its regular, mainstream lineup as opposed to separating them into a more quirky lineup, as it’s currently doing. Does this mean the i3 and i8 won’t have direct replacements? More than likely they will, at least the i8. In any case, big changes are happening at BMW these days and we’ll start to see the fruits of its labor beginning to emerge in a few years’ time.

BMW Killing Off Last V12 Model?

The German automaker reportedly won’t build another V12 model when the 7 Series is refreshed.

Bad news for fans of silky-smooth 12-cylinder engines. BMW will reportedly drop its 6.6-liter N74 turbocharged V12 from the M760Li xDrive when the automaker debuts a refreshed 7 Series, expected to launch sometime in 2019. That means you have a year, give or take a few months, to get your hands on what will likely be the last 12-cylinder BMW ever produced. Fan site BMWBlog reports the engine in the 7 Series isn’t long for this world as new emissions regulations in Europe make it increasingly difficult and cost prohibitive for BMW to keep the engine compliant.

The report made no mention of whether the M760Li model itself would continue with another engine or if the N74 V12 would continue to power BMW Group’s Rolls-Royce models—Ghost, Wraith, Dawn, and the new Phantom VIII. We’ll assume they’re safe for the time being. The N74 engine is BMW’s first-ever turbocharged V12—and likely its last. BMW launched the 6.0-liter N74 in the 2009 BMW 760i and 760Li as a replacement for the non-turbo N73. In the Bimmer, it produced 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. At around the same time, Rolls-Royce offered a 6.6-liter version of the same engine that produced 563 hp.

In 2016, BMW gave the latest M760Li a bump in displacement to 6.6 liters, good for 602 hp, 590 lb-ft of torque, and a sprint to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The largest N74 variant is used by the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII; measuring in at 6.8 liters, the Roller twists its wheels with 664 lb-ft of torque. Those wanting to buy the last V12-powered BMW will indeed pay for the privilege. The M760Li is the most costly model in the 7 Series range with a sticker of $156,700 before delivery, taxes, and fees.

Here's Some Hard Proof Of The BMW M8 Competition Model

Like the M2 and M5, the M8 will get its own hardcore version.

Ever since BMW revealed the 8 Series Coupe in M805i xDrive trim, speculation has begun on what the full M version will be like. Even BMW teased an M8 Gran Coupe Concept and has already confirmed that an M8 Coupe is on its way. Powertrain details are still unknown but it is expected to borrow the M5's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out over 615 horsepower, which is a bit more than the standard M5's 600 hp figure.

While a 615-hp M8 would be more powerful than the standard M5, it would actually be less powerful than the M5 Competition, which has 625 hp. The M8 should be BMW's flagship M car, so it seems likely that a more powerful version is also in the works.

A leaked document on Bimmerpost appears to show various trim levels of the 8 Series Coupe, including the 840i and 840d, the M8, as well as the M8 Competition. Like the recent M2 and M5 Competition, it seems BMW will reveal a more hardcore version to go along with the M8.

The M2 Competition acts as a replacement for the M2, while the M5 Competition will be sold alongside the standard M5. According to this document, the M8 Competition will likely be offered alongside the M8.

If we had to guess, the M8 Competition will likely gain an additional 25 hp over the standard M8, putting the figure at around 635 hp. BMW will also sell a base 840i version, which will likely receive the latest turbocharged straight-six from the 340i producing at least 382 hp. There will also be a diesel version, though we doubt it will be sold in the US market. So if you're already on the waiting list for an M8, you may want to wait for the M8 Competition.

Fully Electric BMW 3 Series Preparing To Take On The Tesla Model 3

Don’t let those fake exhaust pipes deceive you.

It’s no secret that BMW is planning to electrify its existing models. Earlier this year, a BMW X3 electric prototype SUV was spotted, and now our spies have caught a fully electric version of the Bavarian automaker’s most popular model undergoing testing: the 3 Series.

A plug-in hybrid version of the new BMW 3 Series was expected to go on sale, and now it seems an all-electric version will also be joining it as part of BMW’s ambitious plan to launch 12 new electric vehicles between 2019 and 2025. At first glance, this appears to be just another regular BMW 3 Series prototype that we’ve seen before, but the “electric test vehicle” stickers on the front door and rear bumper confirm we’re looking at an all-electric version of BMW’s popular sedan.

Also notice how the grille has been closed off since the EV obviously doesn’t need any cooling. And don’t be deceived by the exhaust pipes, because they’re fake - BMW is trying to pull off the same trick Porsche did with the Taycan prototype. If it wasn’t already obvious the BMW BMW 3 Series Electric is targetting, the prototype was being benchmarked against a Tesla Model 3.

Technical specifications are unknown at this point, but sources suggest it will have a range of around 300 miles to compete with the Tesla Model 3. BMW is expected to unveil the new 3 Series at the Paris Auto Show in October before it goes on sale next year, so it will probably be a few years before the electric version joins the line-up.

BMW Confirms: Convertible SUV And A Sub-X1 Model Aren't Happening

Is the king of niche vehicles finally done with niche vehicles?

BMW had a lot to show off at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show - the all-electric Vision iNext Concept, the three-row X7 SAV, the potent M340i and M340i xDrive, and the elegant M850i Convertible. We had the chance to sit down with Ralph Mahler, BMW's Head of US Product Planning & Strategy to discuss some of these new additions to the lineup as well as the potential for future models.

One topic we quickly wanted to discuss was the idea of a convertible SUV. BMW has been rumored for a while now to be working on a drop-top version of either the X2 or the X4 as a rival for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, we may be able to put those rumors to bed.

A new Range Rover Evoque has just arrived and a convertible model seems unlikely. When asked about a convertible SUV from BMW, Mahler said "when you discuss something like that, you have to look at how big of a market there is. It is not big." He went on to say "what is basically a limiting factor for growing market segment of this kind of concept is a perception of safety. You have an elevated seating position, for example, and when you open up the whole roof, you lose some kind of protection in the perception of the customer. Therefore, I think the segment is small and will stay small."

Essentially, BMW doesn't seem interesting in entering such a niche segment. Even though BMW has been the king of creating new market segments recently, the convertible SUV segment is one BMW will stay away from for now.

This doesn't mean BMW is done growing its SUV lineup despite already have models ranging from X1 up to X7. When we asked about which segments BMW has left to fill, it seems like the company has only left room to build up rather than down. "There's always room to grow. No problem," Mahler said. "The question is how big is the market potential and what direction you have to develop." If there were to be something above the X7, Mahler pondered whether "it would be just a bigger car or a sportier car. Is there room for something like this in the market? Can we open up a new segment?"

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the X1 and X2 are BMW's smallest models, so we asked about the potential of something smaller, perhaps called the X0. When asked if BMW could possibly build something below the X1, Mahler answered with a resounding no. "When you look at the SUV market, what is the minimum expectation in terms of size," he asked. Looking at the X1, "that is a small car. I think that basically, in terms of size, you won't see a smaller car in this market."

We Finally Know What The Next BMW i Model Will Be Called

Although BMW didn't make a very big deal about it.

The i models were interesting entries in the BMW lineup, but the i3 and i8 were both strange in their own ways. The i3 looked a bit odd and the i8 was too expensive for most people. What the i Division needs is a conventional model to appeal to average car buyers. BMW has previewed the i Vision Dynamics Concept, which will evolve to be the next i model. We knew the i Vision Dynamics would eventually enter production, but we did not know what its production name would be. At BMW's 2018 Geneva Motor Show press conference, we finally found out.

Almost as if it wasn't even important to note, BMW CEO Harald Kruger used the name i4 when describing BMW's electric future. Kruger said “By 2025, our global vehicle portfolio will include 25 fully or part-electric models. At last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, we unveiled our take on the future of e-mobility with the BMW i Vision Dynamics. This vehicle will become reality: we will build it in Munich as the BMW i4.” This was a huge piece of news to reveal so casually at the end of a press statement. This name may not be set in stone, but for now we can expect the next BMW i model to be called the i4, not the i5 as we previously expected.

It is also important to note the i4 will be built in BMW's Munich headquarters, which indicates the automaker's dedication to build its most important models in Germany. BMW could use the i4 Gran Coupe name and the model could potential replace the 4 Series Gran Coupe, although this is all speculation. When the i Vision Dynamics was revealed at Frankfurt, BMW promised a driving range of over 370 miles and a 0-62 mph time of around four seconds. The i4 sounds like the conventional model we have been waiting for from the BMW i Division.

Why Wait For A $35,000 Tesla Model 3? Get A Cheap Used EV Right Now

Thanks to increasing battery range, used EVs are now hilariously cheap.

Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone, the one you have instantly loses a ton of value. Electric vehicles work much the same way. Automakers are striving to improve (even double) their EV range with each new generation, making the previous generation appear antiquated by comparison. As range continues to improve and battery production gets cheaper, the original EVs will continue to plummet in price.

Tesla has been promising its "base" Model 3 for years now, with an affordable starting price of $35,000 and a range of 220 miles. Unfortunately, the base car has yet to enter production. If you don't feel like waiting for the Tesla or are one of the many people asking when $35,000 became "affordable," we have found eight used EVs that may be perfect for you.

While none match the Tesla on driving range or available technology, these used EVs can be purchased starting at just one-seventh of the Tesla's price. So if you have a short commute and need a cheap means of transportation, these cars may be perfect for you.

2011-2012 Nissan Leaf (Under $5,000)

The Nissan Leaf was one of the first mainstream EVs to get people interested in electric cars at an affordable price. However, with a range of just 84 miles, the first generation Leaf cannot match the current crop of electric cars. Couple this with some funky looks and the Leaf is now a used bargain. We found several used examples for less than $5,000 with relatively low mileage (50,000 to 100,000). If your commute is less than 84 miles round trip, a used Leaf may be one of the most affordable means of transportation available right now.

2012-2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Under $6,000)

If you'd like to be unique, take a look at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, was also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citro?n C-Zero. Only around 1,800 of them were sold in the US, likely because of its odd design and lackluster range of just 62 miles. The i-MiEV was pretty affordable when it was new, less than $23,000. Now, used examples can be found for less than $6,000 with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer.

2013-2015 Fiat 500e (Under $7,000)

Many automakers were "forced" to build EVs in order to pass California's Zero Emission Mandate. The Fiat 500e was one of these cars, sold only in California (and Oregon) at a significant loss for parent company, FCA. Even though it was only made to keep California happy, the 500e is one of our favorite options on this list. An electric Fiat just makes so much sense. The car is small and nimble and the 111-horsepower electric motor gives it a 30-50 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

Even though it was initially sold in California and Oregon, used models are now finding their way to other parts of the US at hilariously low prices. We found used examples with less than 40,000 miles for less than $7,000. The 500e only has a range of 84 miles, which isn't the worst on this list.

2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric (Under $8,000)

Many consumers shy away from EVs because of their strange design. If you want an EV that looks like a normal car, the Ford Focus Electric may be perfect. Aside from the wheels, grille, and a few badges, the Focus Electric looks pretty much like a normal Focus, even on the interior. The Focus Electric packs 143 hp and a 76-mile driving range. The cheapest used example we found was less than $8,000 and most examples are less than $10,000.

2015-2016 Volkswagen e-Golf (Under $11,000)

While we are on the subject of EVs that look normal, the Volkswagen e-Golf also fits the bill. From a distance, it would be difficult to tell this is anything but a normal Golf. Even though the e-Golf only has 115 hp, it has almost as much torque as a GTI. Amazingly, the e-Golf is actually quicker than the GTI from 0-30 mph, which is much more useful than 0-60 mph in the real world. The e-Golf has an electric driving range of 83 miles and we found used examples starting below $11,000.

2015-2017 Kia Soul EV (Under $12,000)

If you aren't a fan of the Kia Soul's exterior design you probably won't enjoy the Soul EV. Just remember, a box is the best shape for storing lots of stuff, so the Soul's boxy shape allows it to be one of the roomiest cars in its class. The Soul EV only has 109 hp, but it does have over 200 lb-ft of torque. The driving range is a decent 90 miles, and with nearly 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat, the Soul EV is one of the most practical cars on this list. We found used examples with low mileage for less than $12,000.

2014-2015 BMW i3 (Under $14,000)

BMW's first electric car, the i3, is a bit of an odd duck. It doesn't really look like other models in the BMW range, which may be one of the reasons why it didn't sell in massive numbers. So long as you can get over the i3's funky looks, a used model is now an incredible bargain. We found used 2014 and 2015 model year i3s for less than $14,000. These aren't even high mileage examples either - some had less than 30,000 on the odometer.

The i3's range isn't great, just 72 miles of electric driving. However, we also found a few range extender models for around the same price, which house a tiny motorcycle engine in the back. The i3 range extender has a much more useable range of around 150 miles. Like most BMWs, the i3 is actually fairly quick with a sub-seven second 0-60 time and a rear-wheel-drive layout.

2014-2015 Mercedes B-Class (Under$17,000)

Let's be honest, you probably forgot about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive - we certainly did. Mercedes stopped selling this electric hatchback model after the 2017 model year. With used prices starting at under $17,000, the B-Class is the most expensive car on our list. It does, however, have the longest electric driving range of around 100 miles. It may not be as sleek as other Mercedes cars, but the B-Class does offer more luxury and prestige than the other cars on this list if the $35,000 Tesla Model 3 is outside of your budget.

Tesla Model 3 Outsells All BMW Cars Combined

That's what years of preorders will do for sales.

When a car is as hotly anticipated as the Tesla Model 3, it's bound to sell well. In fact, the Model 3 has already cracked the top 10 best-selling cars in the US - the Toyota Corolla and Camry, Honda Accord and Civic, and Nissan Sentra and Altima were the only non-SUVs to outsell it. Of course, this is bound to happen when years of preorders are being delivered in such a short time span.

Tesla has finally opened up its order books to non-preorder customers, but those wanting the $35,000 base model continue to be left waiting. No one knows exactly how many preorders Tesla lost due to production delays, but it doesn't seem to be hurting demand as the Model 3 just had a significant sales milestone in August.

According to Inside EVs, Tesla sold an estimated 17,800 units of the Model 3 in August, thus beating out the entire BMW passenger car model range. No, we aren't talking about the comparably sized 3 Series, this includes sales of the i3, i8, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series. Even including the X1 and X2, the Model 3 still single-handedly outsold BMW's entire range of cars.

Bravo Tesla, but it will be interesting to see if Model 3 sales continue as the initial preorder hype dies down. We drove the Model 3 and found it to be a very compelling package, but its promised $35,000 base price could make it even more desirable. For Tesla to continue this dominant sales success, it needs to make an announcement about the availability of the base Model 3. If not, we wouldn't be shocked if sales drastically taper off as preorders are fulfilled and the demand for the current $50,000 model proves to be unsustainable.