Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW vs BMW 118d F40: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW hits 100 km/h in 7.22 s versus 8.65 s for the 118d. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW leads by 1.43 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW is doing 124 km/h against 113 km/h for the 118d. The gap is 0.51 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW crosses the line in 15.38 s versus 16.41 s. The 1.03 s gap represents roughly 39 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 157 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW finishes in 27.44 s versus 29.82 s, with a 2.39 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (225 vs 218 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW is capped at 225 km/h, the 118d at 218 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 14.03 seconds. The 1.43 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.