Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD vs BMW X3 xDrive20d G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.37 s versus 7.92 s for the X3 xDrive20d. The instant torque of 582 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Long Range RWD leads by 2.55 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 114 km/h for the X3 xDrive20d. The gap is 1.18 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Long Range RWD crosses the line in 13.90 s versus 15.76 s. The 1.86 s gap represents roughly 70 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model Y Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 172 km/h versus 156 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Long Range RWD finishes in 26.20 s versus 29.22 s, with a 3.02 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (216 vs 213 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Long Range RWD is capped at 217 km/h, the 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 2.55 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.