Audi A6 50 TDI quattro vs BMW i4 eDrive35 G26: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A6 50 TDI quattro hits 100 km/h in 5.65 s versus 6.08 s for the i4 eDrive35. Despite lacking instant torque, 286 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A6 50 TDI quattro leads by 0.43 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A6 50 TDI quattro is doing 129 km/h against 131 km/h for the i4 eDrive35. The gap is 0.49 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the A6 50 TDI quattro crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 14.38 s. The 0.43 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the A6 50 TDI quattro continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 180 km/h versus 179 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A6 50 TDI quattro finishes in 25.62 s versus 26.26 s, with a 0.63 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the A6 50 TDI quattro is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the i4 eDrive35 at 190 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 9.27 seconds. The 0.43 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.