Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs BMW X3 M40d G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Bmw X3 M40d hits 100 km/h in 4.87 s versus 5.05 s for the Model Y Long Range AWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 326 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw X3 M40d leads by 0.18 s and sits roughly 8 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 M40d is doing 138 km/h against 143 km/h for the Model Y Long Range AWD. The gap is 0.19 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 M40d crosses the line in 13.21 s versus 13.27 s. The 0.06 s gap represents roughly 3 m of track — barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Model Y Long Range AWD maxes out at 217 km/h while the Bmw X3 M40d keeps accelerating towards 250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.06 s.

Around 500 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Model Y Long Range AWD overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 33 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD finishes in 23.97 s versus 24.24 s. The 0.27 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the Bmw X3 M40d 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 7.63 seconds. The 0.18 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.