BMWBEV
i4 M50 xDrive G26
544 ch · 80.7 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 M50 xDrive G26 | Model 3 Standard Range Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h37 | 7h31−6 min |
| Charging stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Total cost | 65,01 € | 44,09 €−20,92 € |
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: 4 stops totalling 31 min for the Model 3 Standard Range Plus versus 4 stops totalling 36 min for the i4 M50 xDrive G26.
The official WLTP figures (19,7 kWh/100km for i4 M50 xDrive G26 and 14,9 kWh/100km for Model 3 Standard Range Plus) 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 23,6 kWh/100km (i4 M50 xDrive G26) and 15,7 kWh/100km (Model 3 Standard Range Plus). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
During the 31 minutes of charging for the Model 3 Standard Range Plus, range recovers by 520 km. During the 36 cumulative minutes for the i4 M50 xDrive G26, range recovers by 499 km. Per minute: the Model 3 Standard Range Plus 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 M50 xDrive G26 and 2,3× that of the Model 3 Standard Range Plus. 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 → Tournus, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 307 km73 kWh consumed | 0,050 €/km | 15,25 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Ionity 194 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 137 km32 kWh consumed | 0,106 €/km | 14,53 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 208 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 58 km14 kWh consumed | 0,107 €/km | 6,18 € |
| Trip total | 65,01 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Beaune, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 286 km45 kWh consumed | 0,033 €/km | 9,45 € |
| Beaune, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Supercharger 171 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 127 km20 kWh consumed | 0,071 €/km | 9,00 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Supercharger 171 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 127 km20 kWh consumed | 0,071 €/km | 9,00 € |
| Valence, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Supercharger 171 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 127 km20 kWh consumed | 0,071 €/km | 9,00 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 163 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 108 km17 kWh consumed | 0,071 €/km | 7,64 € |
| Trip total | 44,09 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | BMW i4 M50 xDrive G26 | Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~51 km | ~63 km |
| 10 minutes | ~101 km | ~126 km |
| 20 minutes | ~202 km | ~252 km |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~239 km25 min | ~222 km19 min |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
544 ch · 80.7 kWh · 2024
227 ch · 50 kWh · 2019
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the Model 3 Standard Range Plus arrives in 7h31 with 4 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: 65,01 € (i4 M50 xDrive G26) and 44,09 € (Model 3 Standard Range Plus). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.