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AModel 3BEVvsBX3Diesel
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsModel 3 · X3

Tesla Model 3 Performance vs BMW X3 xDrive30d G01: 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
BMWDiesel

X3 xDrive30d G01

286 hp · 650 Nm · 1,930 kg · 2021

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model 3 Performance

3.29 s

Gap2.33 sin favour of Model 3 Performance
BBMW X3 xDrive30d G01

5.62 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel 3 PerformanceX3 xDrive30d G01Gap
0–100 km/h3.29 s5.62 s2.33 s · Model 3 Performance
400 m standing start11.49 s13.96 s2.47 s · Model 3 Performance
1,000 m standing start21.21 s25.66 s4.45 s · Model 3 Performance
Top speed (electronically limited)261 km/h245 km/h16 km/h · Model 3 Performance
Power-to-weight ratio4.03 kg/hp6.75 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
BMWDieselX3 xDrive30d G01
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 PerformanceX3 xDrive30d G01
0–30 km/h0.89 s1.33 s
0–50 km/h1.49 s2.17 s
0–80 km/h2.44 s3.95 s
0–100 km/h3.29 s5.62 s
0–120 km/h4.37 s7.75 s
0–160 km/h7.66 s13.82 s
0–200 km/h12.53 s24.31 s
400 m standing start11.49 s13.96 s
1,000 m standing start21.21 s25.66 s
Top speed261 km/h245 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 2,72 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power456 hpDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque698 Nm
Weight1 836 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

X3 xDrive30d G01

6,75kg/hpcompensated by −94 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power286 hp6 cyl
Torque650 Nm
Weight1 930 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 5.62 s for the X3 xDrive30d. The instant torque of 698 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 2.33 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 157 km/h against 130 km/h for the X3 xDrive30d. The gap is 1.65 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 13.96 s. The 2.48 s gap represents roughly 106 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 180 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.21 s versus 25.66 s, with a 4.45 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 X3 xDrive30d at 245 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 9.01 seconds. The 2.33 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 5,62 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. X3 xDrive30d G01: 286 hp, ratio 6,75 kg/hp.

Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. X3 xDrive30d G01: 245 km/h.