Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs BMW X3 xDrive30i G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 5.05 s versus 6.35 s for the Bmw X3 xDrive30i. The instant torque of 533 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Long Range AWD leads by 1.30 s and sits roughly 6 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 126 km/h for the Bmw X3 xDrive30i. The gap is 0.74 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Long Range AWD crosses the line in 13.27 s versus 14.56 s. The 1.30 s gap represents roughly 55 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 175 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD finishes in 23.97 s versus 26.56 s, with a 2.59 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (240 km/h), the Bmw X3 xDrive30i never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i at 240 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 10.01 seconds. The 1.30 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.