Audi Q4 40 e-tron 150 kW vs Volvo XC40 B4: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the XC40 B4 hits 100 km/h in 8.23 s versus 8.62 s for the Q4 40 e-tron 150 kW. Despite lacking instant torque, 197 hp of power compensates. At this point, the XC40 B4 leads by 0.39 s and sits roughly 11 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the XC40 B4 is doing 115 km/h against 115 km/h for the Q4 40 e-tron 150 kW. The gap is 0.38 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the XC40 B4 crosses the line in 16.10 s versus 16.48 s. The 0.37 s gap represents roughly 15 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the XC40 B4 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 158 km/h versus 157 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the XC40 B4 finishes in 29.39 s versus 30.31 s, with a 0.92 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Q4 40 e-tron 150 kW is capped at 160 km/h, the XC40 B4 at 180 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 13.70 seconds. The 0.39 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.