Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs BMW 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 5.05 s versus 7.62 s for the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe. The instant torque of 533 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Long Range AWD leads by 2.57 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 118 km/h for the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe. The gap is 1.35 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Long Range AWD crosses the line in 13.27 s versus 15.55 s. The 2.28 s gap represents roughly 89 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 164 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD finishes in 23.97 s versus 28.34 s, with a 4.37 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (236 km/h), the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe at 236 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 12.25 seconds. The 2.57 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.