Audi e-tron GT quattro vs BMW 216i Gran Tourer F22: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the e-tron GT quattro hits 100 km/h in 4.14 s versus 11.54 s for the 216i Gran Tourer. The instant torque of 830 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the e-tron GT quattro leads by 7.40 s and sits roughly 30 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the e-tron GT quattro is doing 149 km/h against 101 km/h for the 216i Gran Tourer. The gap is 3.69 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the e-tron GT quattro crosses the line in 12.36 s versus 18.11 s. The 5.75 s gap represents roughly 183 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the e-tron GT quattro continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 208 km/h versus 139 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the e-tron GT quattro finishes in 22.46 s versus 33.26 s, with a 10.80 s lead.

The e-tron GT quattro features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 216i Gran Tourer’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the e-tron GT quattro is capped at 245 km/h, the 216i Gran Tourer at 188 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 20.02 seconds. The 7.40 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.