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AModel 3BEVvsBX1Hybrid
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsModel 3 · X1

Tesla Model 3 Performance vs BMW X1 xDrive20i F48: 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.

saloon · 2021 vs 2021 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model 3 Performance

456 hp · 698 Nm · 1,836 kg · 2021

VS
BMWHybrid

X1 xDrive20i F48

178 hp · 280 Nm · 1,580 kg · 2021

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model 3 Performance

3.29 s

Gap3.93 sin favour of Model 3 Performance
BBMW X1 xDrive20i F48

7.22 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel 3 PerformanceX1 xDrive20i F48Gap
0–100 km/h3.29 s7.22 s3.93 s · Model 3 Performance
400 m standing start11.49 s15.24 s3.75 s · Model 3 Performance
1,000 m standing start21.21 s28.05 s6.84 s · Model 3 Performance
Top speed (electronically limited)261 km/h223 km/h38 km/h · Model 3 Performance
Power-to-weight ratio4.03 kg/hp8.88 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model 3 Performance

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel 3 Performance
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWHybridX1 xDrive20i F48
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.
StageModel 3 PerformanceX1 xDrive20i F48
0–30 km/h0.89 s1.33 s
0–50 km/h1.49 s2.47 s
0–80 km/h2.44 s4.99 s
0–100 km/h3.29 s7.22 s
0–120 km/h4.37 s10.18 s
0–160 km/h7.66 s18.68 s
0–200 km/h12.53 s35.74 s
400 m standing start11.49 s15.24 s
1,000 m standing start21.21 s28.05 s
Top speed261 km/h223 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.

Tesla

Model 3 Performance

4,03kg/hpratio better by 4,85 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power456 hpDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque698 Nm
Weight1 836 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

X1 xDrive20i F48

8,88kg/hpcompensated by −256 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power178 hpPending
Torque280 Nm
Weight1 580 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.29 s versus 7.22 s for the X1 xDrive20i. The instant torque of 698 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 3.93 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 157 km/h against 118 km/h for the X1 xDrive20i. The gap is 2.43 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.49 s versus 15.24 s. The 3.75 s gap represents roughly 143 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 216 km/h versus 164 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.21 s versus 28.05 s, with a 6.84 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Performance is capped at 261 km/h, the X1 xDrive20i at 223 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 11.89 seconds. The 3.93 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, Model 3 Performance wins (3,29 s vs 7,22 s).

Model 3 Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,29 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model 3 Performance: 456 hp, ratio 4,03 kg/hp. X1 xDrive20i F48: 178 hp, ratio 8,88 kg/hp.

Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. X1 xDrive20i F48: 223 km/h.