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BMW X3 M40i G01 vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

family SUV · 2020 vs 2018 · Methodology
BMWPetrolFaster

X3 M40i G01

360 hp · 500 Nm · 1,845 kg · 2020

VS
TeslaBEV

Model 3 Long Range RWD

258 hp · 446 Nm · 1,730 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW X3 M40i G01

4.78 s

Gap0.94 sin favour of X3 M40i
BTesla Model 3 Long Range RWD

5.72 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureX3 M40i G01Model 3 Long Range RWDGap
0–100 km/h4.78 s5.72 s0.94 s · X3 M40i G01
400 m standing start13.02 s14.16 s1.14 s · X3 M40i G01
1,000 m standing start23.68 s26.28 s2.60 s · X3 M40i G01
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h224 km/h26 km/h · X3 M40i G01
Power-to-weight ratio5.13 kg/hp6.71 kg/hpbetter ratio · X3 M40i G01

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

BMWPetrolX3 M40i G01
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
TeslaBEVModel 3 Long Range RWD
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageX3 M40i G01Model 3 Long Range RWD
0–30 km/h1.28 s1.51 s
0–50 km/h2.12 s2.52 s
0–80 km/h3.53 s4.19 s
0–100 km/h4.78 s5.72 s
0–120 km/h6.35 s7.74 s
0–160 km/h10.65 s14.66 s
0–200 km/h17.43 s29.94 s
400 m standing start13.02 s14.16 s
1,000 m standing start23.68 s26.28 s
Top speed limited250 km/h224 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

BMW

X3 M40i G01

5,13kg/hpratio better by 1,58 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power360 hp6 cyl
Torque500 Nm
Weight1 845 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic
Tesla

Model 3 Long Range RWD

6,71kg/hpcompensated by −115 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power258 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque446 Nm
Weight1 730 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the X3 M40i hits 100 km/h in 4.78 s versus 5.72 s for the Model 3 Long Range RWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 360 hp of power compensates. At this point, the X3 M40i leads by 0.94 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the X3 M40i is doing 142 km/h against 131 km/h for the Model 3 Long Range RWD. The gap is 0.68 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the X3 M40i crosses the line in 13.02 s versus 14.16 s. The 1.14 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the X3 M40i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the X3 M40i finishes in 23.67 s versus 26.28 s, with a 2.61 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

The X3 M40i features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model 3 Long Range RWD’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 X3 M40i is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Long Range RWD at 225 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 9.03 seconds. The 0.94 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, X3 M40i G01 wins (4,78 s vs 5,72 s).

X3 M40i G01 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,78 seconds (calibrated simulation).

X3 M40i G01: 360 hp, ratio 5,13 kg/hp. Model 3 Long Range RWD: 258 hp, ratio 6,71 kg/hp.

X3 M40i G01: 250 km/h. Model 3 Long Range RWD: 224 km/h.