BMW M240i drags Tesla Model S in gas vs electric Las Vegas battle that ends with a shock
Published on Dec 27, 2025 at 10:44 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Dec 12, 2025 at 6:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
In what should have been a straightforward ‘lil bro moment in a gas versus EV showdown, this BMW M240i underdog threw the Las Vegas strip into uproar in a race against a Tesla Model S Plaid.
Gas versus electric drag races don’t usually end with close contests, as the zippy acceleration of the motors is far beyond what usual combustion engines are capable of.
But, despite EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid getting even more formidable, a lot of attention has been poured into combustion cars to keep them relevant in racing.
Now, one gas-powered contender has stepped up to dethrone the Plaid, and the BMW M240i has put up one heck of a fight.
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BMW M240i vs Tesla Model S Plaid seems an unfair match
The BMW M2 series is one of the most beloved European racers out there, and has been revived for 2026 with a retro-inspired look.
But in this particular race, the M-Series car on display was far from the pinnacle models, such as this 1,100 M2 in Munich.
Instead, a Mexican-tuned, sub-400hp BMW M240i rolled up to the Las Vegas strip looking for blood.
The king of drag racing is the Model S Plaid, and it has often caught challenges from the best gas cars on the planet and kicked them to the curb.
After Sin City’s racing scene already chewed up a Dodge Challenger, a Model S picked a fight with this seemingly menial BMW M240i, filmed on the Wheels Plus YouTube channel.
Realistically, the much slower BMW stood little chance of winning.
But sometimes it’s not about the car, it’s about the driver.
Key Features: BMW M240i
Powertrain: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 petrol engine producing 382hp
Top Speed: 155 mph
0–62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Drive Modes: Sport, Comfort, Launch Control, Coasting
Starting Price: $61,000
Key Features: Tesla Model S Plaid
Powertrain: Triple-motor electric AWD, producing 1,020hp
Top Speed: 200 mph
0–62 mph: 2.1 seconds
Drive Modes: Chill, Sport, Plaid, Track
Starting Price: $146,500
How did it unfold?
In a freakish twist, the BMW M240i smashed the Tesla Model S Plaid, proving that gas cars can still compete with the best EVs.
With a time of 11.14s, it beat the Tesla by over a second.
You wouldn’t be alone in raising your eyebrows at the 12.21s finish for the Tesla Model S Plaid, though, with some comments calling into question the validity of the ‘Plaid’ tag.
Knowing that we’ve seen the Plaid set times of around ten seconds, give or take, it seems like a rough day at the office for this driver.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.
