Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic vs BMW 740d xDrive G11: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic hits 100 km/h in 4.84 s versus 5.09 s for the 740d xDrive. The instant torque of 700 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic leads by 0.25 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic is doing 140 km/h against 137 km/h for the 740d xDrive. The gap is 0.16 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic crosses the line in 13.11 s versus 13.37 s. The 0.26 s gap represents roughly 12 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 191 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic finishes in 23.78 s versus 24.34 s, with a 0.56 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic and the 740d xDrive are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 7.92 seconds. The 0.25 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.