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Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW i4 eDrive35 G26: 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.

grand tourer · 2012 vs 2024 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S 85

362 hp · 599 Nm · 2,108 kg · 2012

VS
BMWBEV

i4 eDrive35 G26

286 hp · 400 Nm · 2,000 kg · 2024

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S 85

5.75 s

Gap0.33 sin favour of Model S 85
BBMW i4 eDrive35 G26

6.08 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S 85i4 eDrive35 G26Gap
0–100 km/h5.75 s6.08 s0.33 s · Model S 85
400 m standing start13.94 s14.38 s0.44 s · Model S 85
1,000 m standing start25.17 s26.26 s1.09 s · Model S 85
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h190 km/h11 km/h · Model S 85
Power-to-weight ratio5.82 kg/hp6.99 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model S 85

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel S 85
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWBEVi4 eDrive35 G26
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 S 85i4 eDrive35 G26
0–30 km/h1.67 s · tight gap1.69 s
0–50 km/h2.78 s · tight gap2.81 s
0–80 km/h4.46 s · tight gap4.56 s
0–100 km/h5.75 s6.08 s
0–120 km/h7.39 s8.04 s
0–160 km/h12.43 s14.28 s
0–200 km/h20.22 s-
400 m standing start13.94 s14.38 s
1,000 m standing start25.17 s26.26 s
Top speed201 km/h190 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 S 85

5,82kg/hpratio better by 1,17 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power362 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque599 Nm
Weight2 108 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

i4 eDrive35 G26

6,99kg/hpcompensated by −108 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power286 hpPending
Torque400 Nm
Weight2 000 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
GearboxAutomatic transmission, single-speed with fixed ratio

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 6.08 s for the i4 eDrive35. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 0.33 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 131 km/h for the i4 eDrive35. The gap is 0.21 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S 85 crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 14.38 s. The 0.44 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 179 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 26.26 s, with a 1.09 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (201 vs 190 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the i4 eDrive35 at 190 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.

With two electric powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (5.82 kg/hp vs 6.99 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 9.27 seconds. The 0.33 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Compare with other alternatives

Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.

Instead of Model S 85
Xpeng P7iXpeng P7Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
Instead of i4 eDrive35 G26
BMW i5 eDrive40

Other duels you might be interested in

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BMWVSTesla

i4 eDrive35 vs Model 3 RWD

BMWVSTesla

i5 xDrive40 vs Model S 85

BMWVSTesla

i4 eDrive35 vs Model 3 Long Range RWD

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 6,08 s).

Model S 85 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,75 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model S 85: 362 hp, ratio 5,82 kg/hp. i4 eDrive35 G26: 286 hp, ratio 6,99 kg/hp.

Model S 85: 201 km/h. i4 eDrive35 G26: 190 km/h.