Over 0–100 km/h, S3 Sportback wins (4,64 s vs 5,32 s).
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.
| S3 Sportback | 740Le xDrive iPerformance G11 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,64 s−0,68 s | 5,32 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,09 s−0,45 s | 13,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,72 s−1,01 s | 24,73 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,61 kg/hpbetter ratio | 6,13 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 | S3 Sportback | 740Le xDrive iPerformance G11 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,23 s | 1,17 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,05 s | 1,96 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,41 s | 3,63 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,64 s | 5,32 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 6,63 s | 7,19 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,91 s | 12,49 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 17,45 s | 20,49 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,09 s | 13,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,72 s | 24,73 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 | 333 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 420 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 535 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 326 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 000 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
Off the line, the S3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.64 s versus 5.32 s for the 740Le xDrive iPerformance. Despite lacking instant torque, 333 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S3 Sportback leads by 0.68 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S3 Sportback is doing 139 km/h against 134 km/h for the 740Le xDrive iPerformance. The gap is 0.23 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the S3 Sportback crosses the line in 13.08 s versus 13.54 s. The 0.45 s gap represents roughly 21 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the S3 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 188 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S3 Sportback finishes in 23.72 s versus 24.72 s, with a 1.00 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 S3 Sportback and the 740Le xDrive iPerformance 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 8.34 seconds. The 0.68 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S3 Sportback wins (4,64 s vs 5,32 s).
S3 Sportback goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,64 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S3 Sportback: 333 hp, ratio 4,61 kg/hp. 740Le xDrive iPerformance G11: 326 hp, ratio 6,13 kg/hp.
S3 Sportback: 250 km/h. 740Le xDrive iPerformance G11: 250 km/h.