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BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX) vs Tesla Model S / Model X: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Tesla Model S / Model X carries less risk than the BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX): 25/100 versus 38/100 (both moderate risk). The BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX) has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Cells with a damaged cathode in the high-voltage battery (fire risk)»; the Tesla Model S / Model X has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «High-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) fault».

Risk index

BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX)

38

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

Tesla Model S / Model X

25

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

17 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX) reliable?

The sources consulted record no faults with the motor or the reduction gear. What is documented are small recalls for the battery (cells, modules, pads) and the integrated charger, concentrated on cars built from 2021 to 2023: ask for the chassis number and the paperwork.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX) faults

Is the Tesla Model S / Model X reliable?

The Tesla Model S and X electric drivetrain looks sound: Auto Bild hardly records any motor or battery faults, and the documented faults are isolated. The most-cited problems with these cars fall outside this section (screen, suspension, doors).[4][5]

See the 5 of the Tesla Model S / Model X faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX) and Tesla Model S / Model X
BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX)Tesla Model S / Model X
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelElectricalElectrical
Displacement——
Timing——
Power282–650 hp302–1020 hp
Productionsince 2020[3][6][7][8]2012–2026[9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity33
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Cells with a damaged cathode in the high-voltage battery (fire risk)
  2. Critical severity: Protective pads for the high-voltage battery not fitted (2021 i4)
  3. High severity: Battery cell and module monitoring circuit out of specification
  1. Critical severity: High-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) fault
  2. Critical severity: Leaks from battery cooling hoses (Model S 2012-2016)
  3. Medium severity: Vibrations from worn front driveshafts
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • iX3 (G08) 80 kWh, 286 hp (2020-2024)[2][3]
  • Second stage: 75D, 90D, 100D, P100D, Long Range and Performance (2016-2020)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 rear-wheel drive (2021-)[2][11]
  • i4 xDrive40, M50 and M60 all-wheel drive (2022-)[2][6]
  • iX xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60 (2021-2025)[2][12][13]
  • iX xDrive45, xDrive60 and M70 (2025-)[7][14]
  • First generation: Model S 60, 70, 85, P85 and D variants (2012-2016)[4][15]
  • Redesign: Long Range and Plaid (2021-2026)[16][17]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX)

Tesla Model S / Model X

Other comparisons

With the BMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX)

With the Tesla Model S / Model X

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Rückruf BMW i4 und iX: Batterieproblemeauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 24 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  2. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2021/361, R/2022/020, R/2022/330, R/2023/133, R/2023/235, R/2024/211, R/2025/274)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  3. Probleme mit dem BMW iX3: typische Schwächen inkl. RückrufeCarWiki · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité Tesla Model S (2012-2021): tous les problèmesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  5. Gebrauchtwagen-Test Tesla Model X: Der Tesla Model X macht gebraucht nur wenig ÄrgerAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 25 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. BMW i4Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  7. BMW iXWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. BMW X3 (G01): sección iX3 (G08)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  9. Tesla Model SWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Tesla Model XWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  11. Safety Gate: alerta A12/00124/22, BMW i4 (almohadillas de la batería de alta tensión)Comisión Europea – Safety Gate · Official body · published 18 January 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026
  12. BMW iX (2022): EV/Hybrid, firecar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 21 September 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026
  13. BMW iX Probleme (i20): Mängel, Schwachstellen und RückrufeCarWiki · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  14. BMW iX reliabilityAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026
  15. Tesla ändert Batteriegarantie: Kilometer statt Laufzeitauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 6 February 2020 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  16. Tesla Model S Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  17. Tesla Model X Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026