Amid the growing landscape of electric compact SUVs, the emergence of sedan-sized alternatives is a welcome sight for traditionalists. While Tesla continues to reign supreme in both the domestic and international electric vehicle markets—largely due to the affordability of the Model 3 and the luxury of the Model S—there are viable competitors vying for attention before the end of the year.
Available for purchase or lease, these electric sedans from the 2024 and 2025 model years offer contrast to their SUV counterparts. Notably, the Chevy Bolt EV, once a strong budget option in the EV space, has been discontinued by GM. Fortunately, six contenders remain, catering to the preferences of sedan enthusiasts.
Related: Toyota delays Lexus EVs until 2027
Top Alternatives to the Tesla Model 3 for 2024
Finding a worthy rival to the Tesla Model 3—especially in the sub-$50,000 price bracket—can be a challenge. However, Hyundai steps into the ring with a compelling alternative, while several others offer comparable performance with slightly higher price points.
Tesla Model 3 Key Specifications: Price: $42,490 starting, Range: Up to 363 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 286 and 309 pound-feet, Battery Size: Up to 79.7 kWh, Battery Efficiency: Up to 131 MPGe
1. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai is making significant strides in the compact sedan segment, presenting the Ioniq 6 as a strong competitor to Tesla’s offerings. With a diverse range of trims and battery configurations, the Ioniq 6 is appealing to a broader audience. Its distinctive retro-inspired design and more conventional interior stand in stark contrast to Tesla’s minimalist aesthetic.
Price: Starts at $38,900, Range: Up to 342 miles, Horsepower & Torque: Up to 320 and 446 pound-feet, Battery Size: Up to 77.4 kWh, Battery Efficiency: Up to 135 MPGe combined
2. 2025 BMW i4
BMW’s i4 delivers an intriguing electric Gran Coupe that balances aesthetic updates with performance prowess. This model remains largely unchanged from its previous iteration but poses a formidable alternative to both the Model 3 and Model S, especially given Tesla’s fluctuating pricing landscape.
Price: Starts at $53,975, Range: Up to 318 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 469 and 546 lb-ft, Battery Size: 83.4 kWh, Battery Efficiency: 99 MPGe combined
3. 2025 Polestar 2
The refreshed Polestar 2 sports a new front design and an accompanying price increase. While the 2024 model aligned more closely with the base Model 3 in pricing, the 2025 offering now includes more features as standard, positioning it closer to the Model S market. Though the Polestar 2 falls short on range, it compensates with a dynamic driving experience, particularly with its dual-motor performance package.
Price: Starts at $66,200, Range: 254 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 469 and 546 lb-ft, Battery Size: 82 kWh, Battery Efficiency: 114 MPGe combined
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Notable Alternatives to the Tesla Model S for 2024
When your budget stretches beyond the Tesla offerings, the realm of luxury EVs opens up significantly. Brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and the newcomer Lucid rise to the occasion, presenting strong competitors to the Tesla Model S Plaid—despite Tesla’s ability to maintain its pricing below the $100,000 mark.
Tesla Model S Key Specifications: Price: Starts at $74,990, Range: Up to 402 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 670 and 723 lb-ft, Battery Size: 100 kWh, Battery Efficiency: Up to 122 MPGe combined
4. Lucid Air Pure
The Lucid Air Pure has become an everyday contender since its price drop. While higher trims align more closely with the pricing and performance of the Model S Plaid, the Pure model showcases impressive specifications under the $75,000 threshold.
Price: $69,900, Range: 420 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 430 and 406 lb-ft, Battery Size: 84 kWh, Battery Efficiency: 146 MPGe combined
5. 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
The 2025 EQS Sedan introduces significant enhancements, including a larger battery and an improved range, accompanied by a refreshed design. With its limousine-like stature, the focus remains on passenger comfort, featuring adjustable rear seatbacks and extensive heating options, which surpass Tesla’s luxury offerings.
Price: Starts at $104,400, Range: 350 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 335 and 590 lb-ft, Battery Size: 118 kWh, Battery Efficiency: 97 MPGe combined
6. 2025 BMW i7
The BMW i7 presents several trims—eDrive50, xDrive60, and M70—each boasting remarkable specifications, including up to 650 horsepower and 749 pound-feet of torque. Though its top trim reaches $168,600, each variant establishes a strong luxury presence while matching the Model S’s capacity.
Price: Starts at $105,700, Range: 321 miles, Horsepower & Torque: 650 and 749 lb-ft, Battery Size: 101.7 kWh, Battery Efficiency: 95 MPGe combined
Concluding Insights
Regardless of your reasoning for sidestepping the ubiquitous Tesla—whether it be political stances, safety concerns regarding Autopilot, or simply aesthetic preferences—an array of electric sedans remains accessible to you.
While the choices may appear limited in the electric sedan market, a few noteworthy options still thrive. However, it’s evident that luxury electric sedans are becoming increasingly prevalent, making the Model 3’s appeal more pronounced after examining the starting prices of its competitors.
Related: Mitsubishi’s 2025 Outlander just leveled up
Source:www.autoblog.com