It’s no secret that cars have been steadily losing market share to crossover SUVs, both in the mainstream volume sector and amongst premium brands. BMW, for instance, sold less than half of its D-segment 3 and 4 Series models last year than it did in 2010, while Mercedes’ C-Class sales were down by two-thirds over the same decade. Bucking the trend is Tesla’s Model 3, which benefited from 12,800 deliveries in Canada in 2021, compared to just 4,348 for the 3 Series and 3,010 of the C-Class.
Tesla’s Model 3 outsold all other D-segment competitors in the U.S. market too, last year, thanks to 121,610 unit-sales compared to 49,461 BMW 3 Series deliveries (72,398 including the 4 Series) and 30,815 C-Class sales (which comes in three body styles).
The Model 3 also swept the D segments of 28 European countries throughout 2021, due to 141,429 total deliveries, selling more units across the Atlantic and in Canadian and the U.S. combined (as per JATO Dynamics). By comparison, the once-dominant 3 Series only managed to deliver 116,250 units in Europe during the same 12 months.
Back in Canada, the Model 3’s crossover sibling, dubbed Model Y, wasn’t able to top the compact luxury SUV charts. Still, with 6,400 examples down Canadian roads it managed a solid sixth-place ranking in a market segment filled with 20 competitors. Ahead of the Model Y was Audi’s Q5 in first place with 9,968 unit-sales, while Acura’s RDX was second with 7,976 deliveries. In third place was BMW’s X3 finding 7,506 new buyers, while Lexus’ NX was fourth with 7,283 units, and in fifth was Mercedes-Benz’ GLC-Class thanks to 6,887 new owners.
South of the 49th, sales results and rankings took a major swing in the Model Y’s favour, however, with 161,529 unit-sales compared to just 86,478 combined BMW X3 and X4 deliveries (with 75,858 for the X3 and 10,620 for the X4). Considering that Canada often replicates what American does in this market segment, although at around 10 percent of the volume, it’s highly probable that Tesla’s compact SUV will place higher when supply is able to meet demand. Of course, we’ll need to see Tesla Canada’s quarterly numbers (which should arrive in early April) before knowing if the Texas-based automaker has managed to allocate enough Model Y units to our market. Then again, even if the Model Y isn’t in the number one position after Q1 ends, it will likely achieve this feat before the year is over.
Of note, Tesla currently has Model 3 and Model Y factory leasing and financing rates at just zero percent, so make sure to check out the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Canada Prices page and 2022 Tesla Model Y Canada Prices page to learn about details. You can also configure your Model 3, Model Y, Model S or Model X within the CarCostCanada site or by downloading our free app at the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Take note that BMW is pushing back against the Model 3 with its new 4 Series-based i4 this year, while it’s also going after Tesla’s Model X mid-size crossover SUV with its similarly sized iX. Worthy of mentioning too, Audi sells a mid-size crossover EV dubbed E-tron.
Model 3 at Tesla winter proving grounds (0:15):
Snow laps in a Model 3 (0:15):
Model 3 Surprise (1:53):
Model 3 Guide | Navigate on Autopilot (1:16):
Model 3 Guide | Gear Selection (0:42):
Model 3 Guide | Mobile App (0:33):
Model 3 Guide | Phone Key (0:24):
Model 3 Guide | Key Card (0:25):
Model 3 Guide | Enhanced AutoPilot (0:49):
Model 3 Guide | AutoPark (0:45):
Model 3 Guide | Charging (0:38):
Model 3 Guide | Charging Adapters (0:35):
Model 3 Guide | Front Trunk (0:28):
First Model 3 Handovers (14:45):
Tesla Unveils Model 3 (22:43):
Story credit: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Tesla