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AModelBEVvsBM340dHybrid
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  • SpecsModel · M340d

Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW M340d xDrive G20: 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 2020 · Methodology
TeslaBEV

Model S 85

362 hp · 599 Nm · 2,108 kg · 2012

VS
BMWHybridFaster

M340d xDrive G20

340 hp · 700 Nm · 1,820 kg · 2020

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S 85

5.75 s

Gap1.17 sin favour of M340d xDrive
BBMW M340d xDrive G20

4.58 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S 85M340d xDrive G20Gap
0–100 km/h5.75 s4.58 s1.17 s · M340d xDrive G20
400 m standing start13.94 s12.87 s1.07 s · M340d xDrive G20
1,000 m standing start25.17 s23.54 s1.63 s · M340d xDrive G20
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h250 km/h49 km/h · M340d xDrive G20
Power-to-weight ratio5.82 kg/hp5.35 kg/hpbetter ratio · M340d xDrive G20

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
BMWHybridM340d xDrive G20
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 85M340d xDrive G20
0–30 km/h1.67 s1.07 s
0–50 km/h2.78 s1.78 s
0–80 km/h4.46 s3.25 s
0–100 km/h5.75 s4.58 s
0–120 km/h7.39 s6.22 s
0–160 km/h12.43 s10.70 s
0–200 km/h20.22 s17.39 s
400 m standing start13.94 s12.87 s
1,000 m standing start25.17 s23.54 s
Top speed limited201 km/h250 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/hpcompensated by −288 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power362 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque599 Nm
Weight2 108 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

M340d xDrive G20

5,35kg/hpratio better by 0,47 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power340 hp6 cyl
Torque700 Nm
Weight1 820 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxEight-speed Steptronic transmission

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the M340d xDrive hits 100 km/h in 4.58 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 340 hp of power compensates. At this point, the M340d xDrive leads by 1.17 s and sits roughly 20 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the M340d xDrive is doing 141 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.94 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the M340d xDrive crosses the line in 12.87 s versus 13.94 s. The 1.07 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the M340d xDrive continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the M340d xDrive finishes in 23.53 s versus 25.17 s, with a 1.63 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

The M340d xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’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 S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the M340d xDrive at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.41 seconds. The 1.17 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, M340d xDrive G20 wins (4,58 s vs 5,75 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. M340d xDrive G20: 340 hp, ratio 5,35 kg/hp.

Model S 85: 201 km/h. M340d xDrive G20: 250 km/h.