If you were to line up a Tesla Model 3 Performance and a BMW M340i xDrive alongside each other for a drag race, there’s little doubt that the Tesla would win. However, this particular M340i has undergone a plethora of modifications that have given it the upper hand.
Driving the M340i xDrive is BMW’s beloved B58 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. It delivers 382 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque which, let’s be honest, is more than enough power for everyday driving duties. Nevertheless, the B58 has long proven to be very popular among tuners looking for extra power.
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This M340i’s engine has a ‘Stage 2’ ECU tune from an unspecified aftermarket shop and also sports new downpipes. The upgrades are apparently enough to lift grunt to 520 hp and 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) of torque, giving it slightly more power than a standard Model 3 Performance with its 450 hp and 471 lb-ft (639 Nm).
While testing the duo out, this YouTuber discovered that the BMW’s all-wheel-drive system is strong enough to actually accelerate it off the line quicker than the Tesla, not something you may expect if you’ve ever experienced just how brutally quick a Model 3 Performance is off the line. As the speeds build, the BMW continues to stretch its advantage and takes a comfortable victory.
In the latter half of the video, a rolling drag race is held. The two are surprisingly well-matched at the start of the race but once again, the BMW was able to establish a lead as the speeds started to build.