BMW X5 xDrive40d G05 vs Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.37 s versus 5.58 s for the X5 xDrive40d. The instant torque of 582 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Long Range RWD leads by 0.21 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 131 km/h for the X5 xDrive40d. The gap is 0.11 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Long Range RWD crosses the line in 13.90 s versus 13.92 s. The 0.01 s gap represents roughly 1 m of track

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Model Y Long Range RWD maxes out at 216 km/h while the X5 xDrive40d keeps accelerating towards 245 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.18 s.

Around 415 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the X5 xDrive40d overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 29 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the X5 xDrive40d finishes in 25.54 s versus 26.20 s. The 0.66 s delta in favour of the X5 xDrive40d shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the X5 xDrive40d is capped at 245 km/h, the Model Y Long Range RWD 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 8.87 seconds. The 0.21 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.