BMWBEV
i4 eDrive35 G26
286 ch · 67.1 kWh · 2024
Motorway range comparison
Trip mapped at a glance. Charging stops visible, total duration predictable. Caralogy simulation at 130 km/h.
Paris → Marseille · 130 km/h · Caralogy simulation
| i4 eDrive35 G26 | Model 3 Long Range RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h44 | 7h30−14 min |
| Charging stops | 4 stops | 2 stops−2 stops |
| Total cost | 63,35 € | 44,87 €−18,48 € |
Both vehicles drive at 130 km/h. The difference comes from charging stops.
Analysis
Both vehicles drove at 130 km/h for the entire trip. The gap is built at the stops: 2 stops totalling 29 min for the Model 3 Long Range RWD versus 4 stops totalling 43 min for the i4 eDrive35 G26.
The official WLTP figures (18,6 kWh/100km for i4 eDrive35 G26 and 14,7 kWh/100km for Model 3 Long Range RWD) are measured on a mixed cycle averaging ~46 km/h. At a steady 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag weighs much more heavily - it grows with the square of speed. Caralogy calculates a motorway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve - not a uniform correction factor. For this trip, the simulation yields 22,3 kWh/100km (i4 eDrive35 G26) and 17,5 kWh/100km (Model 3 Long Range RWD). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
During the 29 minutes of charging for the Model 3 Long Range RWD, range recovers by 422 km. During the 43 cumulative minutes for the i4 eDrive35 G26, range recovers by 535 km. Per minute: the Model 3 Long Range RWD recovers 1,2× faster. The gap is less pronounced but accumulates over long distances.
A Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech 180 (equivalent segment) consumes about 7,2 L/100km on the motorway at 130 km/h. At 1,9 €/L, this Paris → Marseille trip would cost ~103 €. That is 1,6× the electric cost of the i4 eDrive35 G26 and 2,3× that of the Model 3 Long Range RWD. The gap narrows in winter but never reverses.
The cost per kilometre depends on the electricity rate applied to each segment - based on the energy source used at that point of the trip.
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Beaune, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 271 km60 kWh consumed | 0,047 €/km | 12,68 € |
| Beaune, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,101 €/km | 12,08 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,101 €/km | 12,08 € |
| Valence, A7 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,101 €/km | 12,08 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 155 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 144 km32 kWh consumed | 0,100 €/km | 14,43 € |
| Trip total | 63,35 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Limonest, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 382 km67 kWh consumed | 0,037 €/km | 13,99 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Supercharger 161 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 170 km30 kWh consumed | 0,078 €/km | 13,32 € |
| Valence, A7 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 148 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 224 km39 kWh consumed | 0,078 €/km | 17,57 € |
| Trip total | 44,87 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | BMW i4 eDrive35 G26 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~47 km | ~57 km |
| 10 minutes | ~94 km | ~114 km |
| 20 minutes | ~188 km | ~227 km |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~210 km24 min | ~297 km28 min |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
286 ch · 67.1 kWh · 2024
258 ch · 74 kWh · 2018
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the Model 3 Long Range RWD arrives in 7h30 with 2 charging stops.
WLTP consumption does not reflect motorway reality. Aerodynamic drag grows with the square of speed, so real consumption is 15 to 25 % higher than WLTP combined. Caralogy calculates a highway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve.
Total time = driving time + charging time. Driving time is calculated at an average speed of 130 km/h on the motorway (adjustable). Charging time is calculated based on the real power curve of each vehicle, respecting the optimal 10 → 80 % range and the maximum power accepted by the chargers on the route.
No. The displayed cost covers only the energy consumed during the trip: kWh × energy rate, with a mix of home charging and DC fast chargers. Battery wear is a long-term ownership cost, not a trip cost.
Electric: 63,35 € (i4 eDrive35 G26) and 44,87 € (Model 3 Long Range RWD). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.