Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD vs BMW 520d xDrive G30: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.72 s versus 7.09 s for the Bmw 520d xDrive. The instant torque of 446 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range RWD leads by 1.37 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 118 km/h for the Bmw 520d xDrive. The gap is 0.56 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range RWD crosses the line in 14.16 s versus 15.17 s. The 1.01 s gap represents roughly 40 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 165 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD finishes in 26.28 s versus 27.93 s, with a 1.65 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 232 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The Bmw 520d xDrive 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 Model 3 Long Range RWD is capped at 225 km/h, the Bmw 520d xDrive at 232 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 11.76 seconds. The 1.37 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.