Does The Tesla Model 3 Have THE JUICE To Do The UNTHINKABLE? Will It Unseat The BMW 3-Series In Entry-Level Luxury Sales?

It sold just over 94,500 units in 2015 and in 2014 BMW moved over 100,000 units of the entry-level luxury sedan, the 3-Series. After decades of accolades and the motoring press loving every bit of it, the 3'er is one of those vehicles that's a well-seated benchmark.

It's not much of a secret either as plenty of vehicles spied undergoing testing from OTHER automakers use the 3-Series to level set with the competition. That's when you have to know you've nailed it.

There's just one thing. Change is on the horizon. Look no further than yesterday's carnival-like reveal of the Tesla Model 3.

THINK: In two days' time, over 200,000 $1,000 deposits have been made on a vehicle that is not actually real and more than half knew nothing about before placing their hard-earned dollars into Tesla's bank account.

Sure, last night we saw rolling prototypes but they were very unfinished according to on-the-scene reports. We don't doubt it. The interior didn't even have HVAC vents.

That said, there's one thing no one can deny. Elon Musk and Tesla has some serious power as they've captured buyer's attention. People are waiting on line like this is an iPhone, not a $35,000 purchase. While 200k+ hand raisers is nice, these are not sales; however, we're thinking that many of these people will not stray from the course. They're gonna hang in there for their Model 3. At least that's my take.

What say you, Spies? Do YOU think that the Model 3 will be the first entry-level luxury vehicle to unseat the BMW 3-Series from its sales throne? Let us know in the comments below!

emiliojose - 4/1/2016 7:10:44 PM

+4 Boost

Without a dealer network nor global support, that would be impossible

cidflekken - 4/1/2016 7:16:33 PM

+2 Boost

Not sure it's really a fair comparison. The 3 Series has other competitors whereas the Model 3 doesn't yet have any direct competitors. Just like when sales of the Model S were being compared to the S-Class. The Model S still doesn't have any direct competitors at its price point whereas the S-Class has plenty of existing competition.

jeffgall - 4/2/2016 8:35:38 AM

-2 Boost

If a sale would have gone to someone other than Tesla, than it is a competitor. If someone bought a Model S instead of a 5 Series, than a competitive move happened. Not saying the Model 3 will outsell the 3 Series, but people will sure consider the alternative and purchase this instead. The Model 3 will also take sales from the Volt, Prius, and i3.

MDarringer - 4/2/2016 8:08:00 PM

+1 Boost

And yet it doesn't given its commanding sales.

TheSteve - 4/1/2016 11:13:53 PM

0 Boost

Not a chance. Talk to me in 3 years when production units starts showing up, IF they ever do, and then compare the Tesla to whatever BMW is selling for the same price at that time.

MrEE - 4/2/2016 5:46:45 PM

+2 Boost

Likey, just needs the production capacity and a repeat the S top ratings.

MDarringer - 4/2/2016 8:08:44 PM

-1 Boost

By people playing into the emperor's new clothes scheme...

MBKing - 4/2/2016 10:31:14 PM

+1 Boost

A properly spec'd 328i is $40k-$45k and you're easily in the $50k+ range for a 340i today. Given the direction BMW is headed, with every car being exactly the same looking, and their carbon copy interiors (outside of the M range and competition package cars) I would say BMW should be more concerned with their design direction and current competitors (Merc and Audi) before it should start worrying about Tesla. The Model 3 will easily get into the $50k range once it is fully spec'd out but you will be getting something that has never been seen in that price range, and that in itself is valuable. My neighbor's 17 year old kid got a new 320i a few months ago and I swear outside of obviously higher end materials and a thicker steering wheel, the interior is the same as my coworkers 550i that he spent $75k+ for 18 months ago. Figure it out BMW...trouble ahead.