5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
Tesla Model 3 RWDVSBMW 320i
The Tesla Model 3 RWD is cheaper to run — by $24,694 over 5 years (35% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $46,101
- Tesla Model 3 RWD
- Saving vs rival
- $24,694
- 35% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $4,939
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ Tesla Model 3 RWD | ⛽ BMW 320i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $63,400 | $78,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 14.0 kWh/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 60.0 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~400 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $464 | $2,430 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the Tesla Model 3 RWD and BMW 320i. 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 RWD
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,321
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $11,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $28,530
5-Year Total
$46,101
$1/km · $9,220/yr
Petrol
BMW 320i
- Energy / Fuel
- $12,150
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $10,000
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $35,505
5-Year Total
$62,905
$1/km · $12,581/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 RWD | BMW 320i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,321 | $12,150 | −$9,829 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $11,000 | $10,000 | +$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $28,530 | $43,395 | −$14,865 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $46,101 | $70,795 | $24,694 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Tesla Model 3 RWD costs $46,101 to own and run, against $70,795 for the BMW 320i. That is a $24,694 difference — about $4,939 a year, or $412 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $14,865. 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 320i'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 RWD cheaper to run than the BMW 320i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the Tesla Model 3 RWD costs $46,101 to run versus $70,795 for the BMW 320i — a saving of $24,694 (35%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the Tesla Model 3 RWD per year in Australia?
- Around $9,220 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 320i to the Tesla Model 3 RWD?
- About $24,694 over 5 years — roughly $4,939 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.