BMW X3 M Competition G01 vs Tesla Model S 85: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Bmw X3 M Competition hits 100 km/h in 4.13 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 510 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw X3 M Competition leads by 1.62 s and sits roughly 20 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 M Competition is doing 151 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 1.29 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 M Competition crosses the line in 12.22 s versus 13.94 s. The 1.71 s gap represents roughly 78 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Bmw X3 M Competition continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 207 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw X3 M Competition finishes in 22.37 s versus 25.17 s, with a 2.80 s lead.

The Bmw X3 M Competition features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw X3 M Competition is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model S 85 at 201 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 8.41 seconds. The 1.62 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.