I put Tesla's high-performance Model S and Model 3 up against the BMW M5 and M3 to see how they compared - here's the verdict

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I put Tesla's high-performance Model S and Model 3 up against the BMW M5 and M3 to see how they compared - here's the verdict

BMW M5

Matthew DeBord/BI

The incredible BMW M5.

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  • I've driven the high-performance Tesla Model S and Model 3 and have also sampled the BMW M5 and M3.
  • For me, the BMW M5 beats the Tesla Model S P90D and P100D.
  • But the Tesla Model 3 Performance upsets the mighty BMW M3.


Right up front, I'll admit that comparing legendary gas-powered performance sedans with Tesla's four-doors could be construed as bogus. Gas versus electric? C'mon, what are you thinking?

But bear with me. The thing is that when I drive a performance car - powered by dinosaur goo, electrons, or anything else - I'm thinking less about the fuel and more about what the vehicle can deliver when the rubber hits road or race track.

Read more: I drove a $119,000 Audi A8 L to see if the ultraluxurious sedan is worth the price. Here's the verdict.

That's my basis for this double-comparison: Tesla Model S versus BMW M5; and Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW M3. A performance-car head-to-head, looking at the two most critical go-fast sedan segments - mid-size and compact.

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And another thing. As long-range, high-performance EVs go from not actually existing to hitting the market in real numbers, buyers are going to be cross-shopping gas with electric.

Read more: We drove an $87,000 Jaguar I-PACE to see how it compares with a $57,500 Tesla Model 3 and a $150,000 Model X. Here's the verdict.

My idea here is to ignore many of the peculiarities of electric cars and the environmental issues of low-MPG gas cars and make this a fair fight, all about the driving part.

So, how do the cars of the future match up against the Ultimate Driving Machines? Read on to find out:

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We'll start with the Tesla Model S. Here we have an all-electric sedan with a price tag north of $100,000.

We'll start with the Tesla Model S. Here we have an all-electric sedan with a price tag north of $100,000.

I've tested the car on several occasions and have taken it on a road trip.

I've tested the car on several occasions and have taken it on a road trip.

Click here to read more about our Tesla Model S road trip.

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I've experienced the P90D version but also ...

I've experienced the P90D version but also ...

... The P100D at Tesla's factory test track in California.

... The P100D at Tesla's factory test track in California.
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In Ludicrous Mode, the P90D can clock a 0-60 time in 2.6 seconds. The P100D can make that run in an astonishing 2.3 seconds. Those are supercar velocities, for a family four-door.

In Ludicrous Mode, the P90D can clock a 0-60 time in 2.6 seconds. The P100D can make that run in an astonishing 2.3 seconds. Those are supercar velocities, for a family four-door.

The Model S is able to achieve this staggering straight-line performance because electric cars can deliver astounding, immediate torque. The P90D and P100D also have large 90 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs respectively along with all-wheel-drive.

The Model S is able to achieve this staggering straight-line performance because electric cars can deliver astounding, immediate torque. The P90D and P100D also have large 90 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs respectively along with all-wheel-drive.
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I haven't driven the Model S on a race track, but in my experience the drag-strip performance of the P90D and P100D is offset somewhat negatively by the cars' handling, which is solid but not ferocious. Top speed? 155 mph.

I haven't driven the Model S on a race track, but in my experience the drag-strip performance of the P90D and P100D is offset somewhat negatively by the cars' handling, which is solid but not ferocious. Top speed? 155 mph.

I prefer the driving dynamics of the slower, rear-wheel-drive Model S. And with the new Model 3 Performance, Tesla has added a "Track Mode" that brings a joyful instability to the party, shown here.

I prefer the driving dynamics of the slower, rear-wheel-drive Model S. And with the new Model 3 Performance, Tesla has added a "Track Mode" that brings a joyful instability to the party, shown here.
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The bottom line is that the Model S performance trim levels are mind-boggling for drag-racing runs, and the car is quite a luxurious saloon cruiser, crammed with technology and serving up well over 200 miles of range. But I prefer the Model 3 Performance by a long shot for spirited driving.

The bottom line is that the Model S performance trim levels are mind-boggling for drag-racing runs, and the car is quite a luxurious saloon cruiser, crammed with technology and serving up well over 200 miles of range. But I prefer the Model 3 Performance by a long shot for spirited driving.

Next up is the Model S P90D and P100D's rival in gas-powered realms, the BMW M5.

Next up is the Model S P90D and P100D's rival in gas-powered realms, the BMW M5.
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My M5 test car costs whopping $130,000, nicely equipped and more than ready to rock.

My M5 test car costs whopping $130,000, nicely equipped and more than ready to rock.

The design of the M5 is beautifully brutal.

The design of the M5 is beautifully brutal.
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Under the hood we find the 4.4-liter, 600-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 making 553 pound-feet of juicy torque. This is a hulking pole axe of a motor, a masterpiece of menace — a grand mechanism for taking gasoline and transforming it into staggering velocity.

Under the hood we find the 4.4-liter, 600-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 making 553 pound-feet of juicy torque. This is a hulking pole axe of a motor, a masterpiece of menace — a grand mechanism for taking gasoline and transforming it into staggering velocity.

That power is piped through a set of quad exhaust pipes, creating a masterful sonic symphony of fiery rage.

That power is piped through a set of quad exhaust pipes, creating a masterful sonic symphony of fiery rage.
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The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is so crisp and capable that you don't need to flip on manual mode and use the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to change gears. Unlike the AWD Model S, the M5 is rear-wheel-drive.

The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is so crisp and capable that you don't need to flip on manual mode and use the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to change gears. Unlike the AWD Model S, the M5 is rear-wheel-drive.

The interior is far more traditional than what you get with the Model S. Although that tradition is pure Ultimate Driving Machine.

The interior is far more traditional than what you get with the Model S. Although that tradition is pure Ultimate Driving Machine.
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The M5 is outfitted with Pirelli P Zero performance tires.

The M5 is outfitted with Pirelli P Zero performance tires.

The bottom line is that with a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 163 mph, If the worship of four-doors and euphoric thrust is what you seek, the BMW M5 has what you're looking for.

The bottom line is that with a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 163 mph, If the worship of four-doors and euphoric thrust is what you seek, the BMW M5 has what you're looking for.
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And the winner is ... the M5 over the Tesla Model S P90D and P100D.

And the winner is ... the M5 over the Tesla Model S P90D and P100D.

The Tesla P90D and P100D are fantastic, make no mistake. But the M5 is a four-door supercar that can handle long freeways cruises with suave style but in a heartbeat switch to Wild mode and bring the terror far more than the Model S.

The driving dynamics of the M5 are also much, much better. Some of this is due to the M5 being designed to be driven hard in the way that the best internal-combustion vehicles are supposed to be driven hard. The balance, power, steering, braking, and overall energy of the car is the culmination of decades of engineering.

The Model S provides that futuristic, sci-fi speed that Tesla has perfected, while the M5 is more physical and athletic. And for this type of car — a midsize sport sedan — I favor the rawness that lurks beneath the Bavarian reserve.

Let us now turn our attention to the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Let us now turn our attention to the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
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This $78,000 all-electric machine is fully loaded.

This $78,000 all-electric machine is fully loaded.

Please note that the Model 3 Performance — I call it the P3D — has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. The 0-60 mph time has been clocked at under 3.5 seconds. Top speed? 155 mph.

Please note that the Model 3 Performance — I call it the P3D — has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. The 0-60 mph time has been clocked at under 3.5 seconds. Top speed? 155 mph.
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My press car had the much-admired, much-coveted all-white interior.

My press car had the much-admired, much-coveted all-white interior.

Unlike with the soon-to-be-discussed BMW M3, the Model 3 Performance has an airy, minimalist cockpit, with a dashboard defined by a big touchscreen that displays speed and handles almost all infotainment and vehicle-operation duties. No need to shift gears, either!

Unlike with the soon-to-be-discussed BMW M3, the Model 3 Performance has an airy, minimalist cockpit, with a dashboard defined by a big touchscreen that displays speed and handles almost all infotainment and vehicle-operation duties. No need to shift gears, either!
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A short lip of carbon-fiber makes up the truck-lid spoiler and is a clue that this Model 3 has a bit more under the hood.

A short lip of carbon-fiber makes up the truck-lid spoiler and is a clue that this Model 3 has a bit more under the hood.

The bottom line on the Model 3 Performance is that it's the best Tesla you can currently buy, a sheer joy to drive, and a worthy addition to the brand's enthusiast lineup.

The bottom line on the Model 3 Performance is that it's the best Tesla you can currently buy, a sheer joy to drive, and a worthy addition to the brand's enthusiast lineup.
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Finally, we have the BMW M3. Starts at about $66,000 and goes up from there as you add options.

Finally, we have the BMW M3. Starts at about $66,000 and goes up from there as you add options.

I've also sampled the drop-top convertible version, the M4. These are rear-wheel-drive German muscle cars in a compact package.

I've also sampled the drop-top convertible version, the M4. These are rear-wheel-drive German muscle cars in a compact package.
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Some serious heritage here. The M3 has been a champ since before it had four doors! Actually, it was a coupé until quite recently.

Some serious heritage here. The M3 has been a champ since before it had four doors! Actually, it was a coupé until quite recently.

Like the M5 — and unlike the Model 3 — the M3 wears its aggression proudly.

Like the M5 — and unlike the Model 3 — the M3 wears its aggression proudly.
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The M3's engine is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder powerplant that cranks our 425 horsepower with 406 pound-feet of torque.

The M3's engine is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder powerplant that cranks our 425 horsepower with 406 pound-feet of torque.

No minimalist interior here. Instead, the M3 presents a familiar BMW cockpit that's all about the driver.

No minimalist interior here. Instead, the M3 presents a familiar BMW cockpit that's all about the driver.
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The M3 is a beast that sported a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual mode when I tested it. Magnificent!

The M3 is a beast that sported a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual mode when I tested it. Magnificent!

The M3's 0-60 mph time is about 4 seconds. Top speed? 175 mph. And the bottom line is that the BMW M3 is just about the most impressive sporting sedan on the market.

The M3's 0-60 mph time is about 4 seconds. Top speed? 175 mph. And the bottom line is that the BMW M3 is just about the most impressive sporting sedan on the market.
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And the winner is ... the Model 3 Performance!

And the winner is ... the Model 3 Performance!

Heretical? Yes. The BMW M3 has been among the best high-performance cars for sale on planet Earth since 1985. End of discussion.

It's the best gas-powered compact four-door for going fast that money can buy. But the question here is, "How does it stack up against an all-electric competitor that's priced in the same general ballpark?"

You might think that this is a case of "apple, meet orange," but in fact, the Model 3 Performance is such as step up, in my estimation, from the Model S dual-motor performance cars that I think the comparison is fair. If you want a high-performance compact sedan and would also like to have an all-electric option, you were out of luck until the P3D came along.

You're out of luck no more. And as far as my own verdicts go, the P3D is among the best cars I've ever driven, period. I love the M3. But I love the Model 3 Performance more — and when I finally get a shot at "Track Mode" in action, I think we'll be talking about transcendent love.

The core issue is that the M3 is a legitimately insane automobile — German engineering applied to the task of taking the extremely rational and making it devoutly irrational. Like any other car journalist, I can get tired of BMW's luxury rep and its popularity among the nouveau riche. Then I slip into an M car, hammer the throttle, and all is forgiven. But I slip out of the car shaken and stunned.

The Model 3 offers none of that. Instead, the P3D serves up ideas, ideas, and more ideas. So does the more pedestrian, cheaper long-range, non-performance Model 3. But the P3D adds special sauce. I don't slip out of the car shaken and stunned, but rather impressed, with my synapses firing, firing, firing.

There's no question that the M3 is the latest in a long, rich history of performance. But the Model 3 Performance is the future.

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