Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW vs BMW 118d F20LCI: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW hits 100 km/h in 6.42 s versus 8.51 s for the 118d. The instant torque of 400 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW leads by 2.09 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW is doing 127 km/h against 114 km/h for the 118d. The gap is 0.87 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW crosses the line in 14.80 s versus 16.27 s. The 1.47 s gap represents roughly 56 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 181 km/h versus 158 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW finishes in 26.45 s versus 29.61 s, with a 3.16 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW is capped at 237 km/h, the 118d at 212 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 13.72 seconds. The 2.09 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.