Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW vs BMW 120d F40: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW hits 100 km/h in 6.42 s versus 7.38 s for the 120d. 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 0.96 s and sits roughly 3 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW is doing 127 km/h against 121 km/h for the 120d. The gap is 0.35 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 15.41 s. The 0.61 s gap represents roughly 25 m of track - two to three car lengths.

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 168 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A3 Sportback TFSI e 200 kW finishes in 26.45 s versus 27.90 s, with a 1.45 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (237 vs 231 km/h), preventing any comeback.

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 120d at 231 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 11.54 seconds. The 0.96 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.