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  • SpecsModel · X3

Tesla Model X 100D vs BMW X3 M40d 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.

large SUV · 2017 vs 2018 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model X 100D

532 hp · 967 Nm · 2,459 kg · 2017

VS
BMWDiesel

X3 M40d G01

326 hp · 680 Nm · 1,895 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model X 100D

4.63 s

Gap0.24 sin favour of Model X 100D
BBMW X3 M40d G01

4.87 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel X 100DX3 M40d G01Gap
0–100 km/h4.63 s4.87 s0.24 s · Model X 100D
400 m standing start12.78 s13.21 s0.43 s · Model X 100D
1,000 m standing start23.03 s24.25 s1.22 s · Model X 100D
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h250 km/hSame
Power-to-weight ratio4.62 kg/hp5.81 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model X 100D

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel X 100D
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDieselX3 M40d 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 X 100DX3 M40d G01
0–30 km/h1.35 s1.25 s · tight gap
0–50 km/h2.26 s2.01 s
0–80 km/h3.63 s3.49 s · tight gap
0–100 km/h4.63 s4.87 s
0–120 km/h5.92 s6.61 s
0–160 km/h9.80 s11.49 s
0–200 km/h15.63 s19.48 s
400 m standing start12.78 s13.21 s
1,000 m standing start23.03 s24.25 s
Top speed limited250 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 X 100D

4,62kg/hpratio better by 1,19 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power532 hpDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque967 Nm
Weight2 459 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

X3 M40d G01

5,81kg/hpcompensated by −564 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power326 hp6 cyl
Torque680 Nm
Weight1 895 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model X 100D hits 100 km/h in 4.64 s versus 4.87 s for the X3 M40d. The instant torque of 967 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the X3 M40d is 3 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model X 100D is doing 148 km/h against 138 km/h for the X3 M40d. The gap is 0.13 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model X 100D crosses the line in 12.78 s versus 13.21 s. The 0.43 s gap represents roughly 20 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model X 100D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 205 km/h versus 191 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model X 100D finishes in 23.03 s versus 24.24 s, with a 1.22 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model X 100D and the X3 M40d are governed to 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 7.63 seconds. The 0.24 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Macan S vs X3 M40d

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model X 100D wins (4,63 s vs 4,87 s).

Model X 100D goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,63 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model X 100D: 532 hp, ratio 4,62 kg/hp. X3 M40d G01: 326 hp, ratio 5,81 kg/hp.

Model X 100D: 250 km/h. X3 M40d G01: 250 km/h.