A BMW M240i unexpectedly outperformed a Tesla Model S Plaid in a drag race on the Las Vegas strip, challenging the dominance of electric vehicles. The gas-powered BMW completed the quarter-mile in 11.14 seconds, beating the Tesla by over a second. The result has sparked questions about the Tesla's performance.
In a surprising turn during a gas versus electric vehicle showdown, a Mexican-tuned BMW M240i defeated a Tesla Model S Plaid on the Las Vegas strip. The race, captured by the Wheels Plus YouTube channel, highlighted the ongoing competition between combustion engines and EVs in drag racing.
Typically, electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid excel due to their instant torque and rapid acceleration. The Plaid features a triple-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 1,020 horsepower, with a 0-62 mph time of 2.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. It starts at $146,500. In contrast, the BMW M240i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 petrol engine delivering 382 horsepower, achieving 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, with a starting price of $61,000.
The BMW, far from the high-end M2 models, entered the race as an underdog. Despite expectations of an easy win for the Tesla, the BMW crossed the finish line in 11.14 seconds, while the Tesla recorded 12.21 seconds. Observers noted the Tesla's time was slower than its usual sub-11-second performances, leading some to question the validity of its 'Plaid' configuration or the driver's execution on that day.
This event underscores efforts to keep gas-powered cars competitive in racing, even as EVs grow more powerful. The BMW's victory, though anomalous, demonstrates that driver skill and conditions can sometimes level the playing field.
