A BMW i8, Tesla Model Y, And Audi E-Tron GT All Drag Race, But The Results Are Closer Than You'd ThinkInsideEVs[email protected] (Kevin Williams)Thu, September 17, 2026 at 5:38 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleTELSA Model Y Drag TFLA Drag Race Between A BMW i8, Audi E-Tron, And Tesla Model Y Shows How Far We've ComeFor this comparison, the Tesla Model Y, BMW i8 (used), and the Audi E-Tron GT (used) all have the same real-world purchase price of around $45,000-$48,000.The Audi E-Tron is the fastest, but the Tesla Model Y and BMW i8 aren't too far behind.In a rolling drag race, the Tesla Model Y and Audi E-Tron are very, very close. It's insane to think just how much capability electric cars bring, and how quickly this has all progressed. One of the first mass-produced EVs, the Nissan Leaf, only made about 110 horsepower and could only hit 60 in about 12 seconds. Now, a little over a decade later, it's so easy to find an electric car with mind-altering levels of power that the experience is practically commonplace. The Fast Lane's latest drag race video is one of more nuanced examples of just how far this industry has come in a short amount of time. The YouTube channel just did a trio drag race between an Audi E-Tron GT, a Tesla Model Y, and a BMW i8. The Tesla Model Y is new, while the Audi E-Tron is used. Of course, the BMW i8 is very much a well-used car, since BMW stopped making them in 2020. However, the prices between the three, as they stand, are interesting to consider in context.According to the channel, the E-Tron GT was purchased used for about $47,000, although when new it was significantly more expensive. Similarly, the i8's brand-new price was well into the six figures, but they say it could be purchased for about $45,000. The Tesla Model Y on test is about $48,000. So all the cars cost about the same.AdvertisementAdvertisementOverall, the Audi took the win. But maybe not by much as you'd think. The first drag race between it and the Model Y had the Tesla turn the quarter mile in 12.52 seconds, slower than the 12.24 from Audi. When the race became a drag race with a rollout, the two cars got even closer.The i8 didn't fare as well, though. When it came out to play against the E-Tron, it turned in even slower times. The Audi's quarter mile improved to 11.85 seconds, but the i8 only did 13.04 seconds. Eventually, TFL coaxed 12.54 seconds out of the i8, but it still ultimately lost to the Tesla and Audi.To put it into context, these are still very respectable numbers. Even when losing, the i8's performance would still be faster than a lot of cars on the road. There aren't many cars with a three-cylinder engine that can go in a straight line this fast.In about a decade, the kind of performance that was only attainable in a six-figure sports car has become almost ubiquitous in a family hauler. The Model Y is a four-door crossover SUV, sold at pretty attainable prices. Before, you'd have to be very rich to get this kind of speed from your daily driver. AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the end of the video, the TFL acknowledges this as well. The Audi E-tron may be quick, and the BMW i8 certainly does have that cool factor, but you can't count the Tesla out. For the same price as two higher-dollar (when new) used cars, this new car can hold its own. That's a pretty big deal, and it shows us just how far EVs have come in a short amount of time.Related ArticlesTesla Might Be Tanking, But Its Cars Are Still FastHyundai Ioniq 5 N Vs. BMW M3 CS Drag Race: It's Very CloseOld Vs. New Tesla Model 3 Performance Drag Race: 'A Bit Disappointing'Hyundai Ioniq 5 N VS. Kia EV6 GT: Who Wins A Drag Race?
+13 others
