Over 0–100 km/h, RS 5 Sedan wins (3,73 s vs 5,06 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| RS 5 Sedan | 540i G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,73 s−1,33 s | 5,06 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,78 s−1,43 s | 13,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,38 s−2,32 s | 23,70 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,69 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,69 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | RS 5 Sedan | 540i G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,01 s | 1,43 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,68 s | 2,38 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,74 s | 3,82 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,73 s | 5,06 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,89 s | 6,59 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,03 s | 10,74 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 12,49 s | 16,99 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,78 s | 13,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,38 s | 23,70 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 639 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 825 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 355 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 340 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 450 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 595 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
Off the line, the RS 5 Sedan hits 100 km/h in 3.73 s versus 5.06 s for the 540i. The instant torque of 825 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the RS 5 Sedan leads by 1.33 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the RS 5 Sedan is doing 156 km/h against 143 km/h for the 540i. The gap is 1.06 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the RS 5 Sedan crosses the line in 11.77 s versus 13.21 s. The 1.44 s gap represents roughly 69 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the RS 5 Sedan continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 218 km/h versus 200 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the RS 5 Sedan finishes in 21.38 s versus 23.70 s, with a 2.32 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.
The RS 5 Sedan features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 540i’s RWD. 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 share the same electronic speed cap: the RS 5 Sedan and the 540i 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 7.48 seconds. The 1.33 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, RS 5 Sedan wins (3,73 s vs 5,06 s).
RS 5 Sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,73 seconds (calibrated simulation).
RS 5 Sedan: 639 hp, ratio 3,69 kg/hp. 540i G30: 340 hp, ratio 4,69 kg/hp.
RS 5 Sedan: 250 km/h. 540i G30: 250 km/h.