Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW X3 xDrive20d G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 7.92 s for the Bmw X3 xDrive20d. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 2.18 s and sits roughly 3 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 114 km/h for the Bmw X3 xDrive20d. The gap is 0.84 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 15.76 s. The 1.82 s gap represents roughly 69 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 156 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 29.22 s, with a 4.06 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (201 vs 213 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The Bmw X3 xDrive20d 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 Bmw X3 xDrive20d at 213 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 13.46 seconds. The 2.18 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.