If the M3 was an ICE vehicle how would it compare?

[GSP]

Elon used to argue that the Model S was a luxury car that also happened to be an EV, so does the same line of thinking apply to the M3? Obviously everyone on this forum is at least partly interested in the Model 3 because it is an EV, but what if it was an ICE vehicle instead? Would the ICE M3 still be a compelling car for you?

To test this idea let's configure the base Model 3 with a color other than black, and then add 19" wheels, PUP, AP, and destination charge, which should make the price around $49,500. Now assume for the moment that the M3 is and ICE vehicle rather than an EV but has the same performance specs, curb appeal, trunk space, and interior volume and design as the current Model 3, how would it compare with BMW's, Mercedes, Lexus, Porsche, and others configured in the same way and at a similar price point?

I think the Model 3 compares very well with top ICE cars like the BMW M3 and Porsche Cayman. Even those cars can not match the Model 3 specs for acceleration, handling, passenger room and cargo space. They also have conventional interiors instead of the futuristic and esthetically pleasing interior of the Model 3.

Also, no EV benefits like instant pedal response, one-pedal driving, lack of noise or emissions. On top of that, you still have to go to gas stations just to keep them moving. How primitive!

GSP

 

[Zythryn]

Elon used to argue that the Model S was a luxury car that also happened to be an EV, so does the same line of thinking apply to the M3? Obviously everyone on this forum is at least partly interested in the Model 3 because it is an EV, but what if it was an ICE vehicle instead? Would the ICE M3 still be a compelling car for you?

To test this idea let's configure the base Model 3 with a color other than black, and then add 19" wheels, PUP, AP, and destination charge, which should make the price around $49,500. Now assume for the moment that the M3 is and ICE vehicle rather than an EV but has the same performance specs, curb appeal, trunk space, and interior volume and design as the current Model 3, how would it compare with BMW's, Mercedes, Lexus, Porsche, and others configured in the same way and at a similar price point?

The M3 starts at $65k. You will need to wait for the P version of the Model 3 to compare those specific vehicles at a similar price point.
I also assume you are magically getting the same performance and driving behavior from an ICE version of the Model 3?
Does it also magically not need to go to a gas station? Serious question as that convenience is a big factor for me in a car.

 

[internalaudit]

If the M3 was an ICEV, then maintenance and repair post warranty/ESA will be wonderful. If our drive unit or battery fails, we can go to the scrap yard and get these major components at a significant discount.

But then again, there is no word of the Right to Repair and these components are not authorized and cannot be installed so post warranty, many of us will be in for a huge repair sticker shocks.

 

[30seconds]

Pretty simple comparison. A BMW 330i with 248hp starts very close to $40k but is slower (5.5sec 0-60) whereas a 340i with 330hp and 4.8 0-60 time starts around $48k.

Adding the $5k PUP for the LR Model S to bring it to $44k makes it even more clear that the Model 3 is a much better value than either the 330 or 340

 

[weak_pig]

If Model 3 is an ICE, it wouldn't be:
1. So cheap because,
2. The engine required to move the car within 5.1 sec for 0-60 would require highly tuned engine with turbocharged, and it's simply not possible to price it at the current cost given the complexities involved. Also,
3. It would be a pretty noisy engine.

 

[run-the-joules]

If Model 3 is an ICE, it wouldn't be:
1. So cheap because,
2. The engine required to move the car within 5.1 sec for 0-60 would require highly tuned engine with turbocharged, and it's simply not possible to price it at the current cost given the complexities involved. Also,
3. It would be a pretty noisy engine.

The Ford Mustang starts around $25k and gets to 60 in under 5 with the 4cyl turbo. Soooo...

 

[weak_pig]

The Ford Mustang starts around $25k and gets to 60 in under 5 with the 4cyl turbo. Soooo...

Oh really? I was using the Merc AMG a45 as an example. So my bad if I quoted a bad example..

 

[gowthamn]

The only reason to buy EV is instant torque. ICE is better at everything else