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

Off the line, the Bmw X3 M40i hits 100 km/h in 4.74 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 Bmw X3 M40i leads by 0.98 s and sits roughly 11 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i is doing 142 km/h against 131 km/h for the Model 3 Long Range RWD. The gap is 0.71 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 M40i crosses the line in 12.98 s versus 14.16 s. The 1.18 s gap represents roughly 51 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 198 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i finishes in 23.62 s versus 26.28 s, with a 2.66 s lead.

The Bmw 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 Bmw 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 0.98 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.