Tesla Model X 90D vs BMW iX xDrive50 I20: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the iX xDrive50 hits 100 km/h in 4.69 s versus 5.03 s for the Model X 90D. At this point, the iX xDrive50 leads by 0.34 s and sits roughly 8 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the iX xDrive50 is doing 144 km/h against 147 km/h for the Model X 90D. The gap is 0.24 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the iX xDrive50 crosses the line in 12.93 s versus 13.07 s. The 0.14 s gap represents roughly 7 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The iX xDrive50 maxes out at 200 km/h while the Model X 90D keeps accelerating towards 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.06 s.

Around 686 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Model X 90D overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 49 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Model X 90D finishes in 23.32 s versus 23.92 s. The 0.60 s delta in favour of the Model X 90D shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

On paper, the Model X 90D combines 532 hp, 967 Nm and 2,441 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the iX xDrive50. Yet the iX xDrive50 launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the iX xDrive50 has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model X 90D is capped at 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the iX xDrive50 at 200 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

With two electric powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (4.59 kg/hp vs 4.94 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.09 seconds. The 0.34 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.