5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
Tesla Model Y RWDVSBMW X3 xDrive20i
The Tesla Model Y RWD is cheaper to run — by $30,890 over 5 years (39% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $48,149
- Tesla Model Y RWD
- Saving vs rival
- $30,890
- 39% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $6,178
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ Tesla Model Y RWD | ⛽ BMW X3 xDrive20i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $67,400 | $89,900 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Efficiency | 15.5 kWh/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 60.0 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 95 |
| Range | ~370 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $514 | $2,869 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the Tesla Model Y RWD and BMW X3 xDrive20i. 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 Y RWD
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,569
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $11,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $30,330
5-Year Total
$48,149
$1/km · $9,630/yr
Petrol
BMW X3 xDrive20i
- Energy / Fuel
- $14,344
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $10,000
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $40,455
5-Year Total
$70,049
$1/km · $14,010/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 Y RWD | BMW X3 xDrive20i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,569 | $14,344 | −$11,775 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $11,000 | $10,000 | +$1,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $30,330 | $49,445 | −$19,115 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $48,149 | $79,039 | $30,890 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Tesla Model Y RWD costs $48,149 to own and run, against $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i. That is a $30,890 difference — about $6,178 a year, or $515 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $19,115. 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 X3 xDrive20i'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 Y RWD cheaper to run than the BMW X3 xDrive20i?
- Yes. Based on 15,000 km/year over 5 years in NSW, the Tesla Model Y RWD costs $48,149 to run versus $79,039 for the BMW X3 xDrive20i — a saving of $30,890 (39%). The biggest difference is depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the Tesla Model Y RWD per year in Australia?
- Around $9,630 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 X3 xDrive20i to the Tesla Model Y RWD?
- About $30,890 over 5 years — roughly $6,178 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.