BMW M550d xDrive G30 vs Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the M550d xDrive hits 100 km/h in 4.46 s versus 5.05 s for the Model Y Long Range AWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 400 hp of power compensates. At this point, the M550d xDrive leads by 0.59 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the M550d xDrive is doing 146 km/h against 143 km/h for the Model Y Long Range AWD. The gap is 0.46 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the M550d xDrive crosses the line in 12.66 s versus 13.27 s. The 0.61 s gap represents roughly 29 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the M550d xDrive continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 204 km/h versus 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the M550d xDrive finishes in 22.91 s versus 23.97 s, with a 1.05 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the M550d xDrive is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model Y Long Range AWD at 217 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.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.41 seconds. The 0.59 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.