Audi e-tron GT quattro vs BMW X7 xDrive40d G07: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the e-tron GT quattro hits 100 km/h in 4.14 s versus 6.12 s for the X7 xDrive40d. The instant torque of 830 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the e-tron GT quattro leads by 1.98 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the e-tron GT quattro is doing 149 km/h against 126 km/h for the X7 xDrive40d. The gap is 1.24 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 14.39 s. The 2.03 s gap represents roughly 85 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 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the e-tron GT quattro finishes in 22.46 s versus 26.45 s, with a 4.00 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (245 vs 245 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the e-tron GT quattro and the X7 xDrive40d are governed to 245 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 9.90 seconds. The 1.98 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.