Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW vs BMW 520d G30: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 520d hits 100 km/h in 7.17 s versus 7.22 s for the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW. Despite lacking instant torque, 190 hp of power compensates. The 0.05 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the 520d is doing 117 km/h against 124 km/h for the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW. The gap is 0.51 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 520d crosses the line in 15.20 s versus 15.38 s. The 0.18 s gap represents roughly 8 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW maxes out at 225 km/h while the 520d keeps accelerating towards 235 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.12 s.

Around 517 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 10 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW finishes in 27.44 s versus 28.10 s. The 0.66 s delta in favour of the A3 Sportback TFSI e 150 kW shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

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 520d at 235 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 12.01 seconds. The 0.05 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.