5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
Tesla Model 3 Long RangeVSBMW X1 sDrive20i
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is cheaper to run — by $17,535 over 5 years (25% lower total cost), driven mostly by energy / fuel.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $52,116
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Saving vs rival
- $17,535
- 25% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $3,507
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ Tesla Model 3 Long Range | ⛽ BMW X1 sDrive20i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $76,400 | $75,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 15.0 kWh/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 78.4 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~510 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $497 | $2,531 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range and BMW X1 sDrive20i. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,486
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $11,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $34,380
5-Year Total
$52,116
$1/km · $10,423/yr
Petrol
BMW X1 sDrive20i
- Energy / Fuel
- $12,656
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $10,000
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $40,455
5-Year Total
$68,361
$1/km · $13,672/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | Tesla Model 3 Long Range | BMW X1 sDrive20i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,486 | $12,656 | −$10,170 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $11,000 | $10,000 | +$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $34,380 | $41,745 | −$7,365 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $52,116 | $69,651 | $17,535 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Tesla Model 3 Long Range costs $52,116 to own and run, against $69,651 for the BMW X1 sDrive20i. That is a $17,535 difference — about $3,507 a year, or $292 a month.
The single biggest swing is energy / fuel: across 5 years the gap is $10,170. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the BMW X1 sDrive20i's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range cheaper to run than the BMW X1 sDrive20i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range costs $52,116 to run versus $69,651 for the BMW X1 sDrive20i — a saving of $17,535 (25%). The biggest difference is energy / fuel.
- How much does it cost to run the Tesla Model 3 Long Range per year in Australia?
- Around $10,423 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the BMW X1 sDrive20i to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range?
- About $17,535 over 5 years — roughly $3,507 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.