Over 0–100 km/h, S8 wins (3,83 s vs 5,30 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.
| S8 | 430d xDrive Gran Coupé G22 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,83 s−1,47 s | 5,30 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,81 s−1,82 s | 13,63 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,27 s−3,75 s | 25,02 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,89 kg/hpbetter ratio | 6,45 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 | S8 | 430d xDrive Gran Coupé G22 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,07 s | 1,15 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,78 s | 1,93 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,88 s | 3,69 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,83 s | 5,30 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,97 s | 7,33 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 7,99 s | 12,94 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 12,24 s | 21,77 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,81 s | 13,63 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,27 s | 25,02 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 | 571 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 800 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 220 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 286 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 650 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 845 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the S8 hits 100 km/h in 3.83 s versus 5.30 s for the 430d xDrive Gran Coupé. At this point, the S8 leads by 1.47 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S8 is doing 157 km/h against 132 km/h for the 430d xDrive Gran Coupé. The gap is 1.03 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the S8 crosses the line in 11.81 s versus 13.63 s. The 1.82 s gap represents roughly 80 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the S8 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 222 km/h versus 184 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S8 finishes in 21.26 s versus 25.02 s, with a 3.75 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 S8 and the 430d xDrive Gran Coupé 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.89 kg/hp vs 6.45 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.52 seconds. The 1.47 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S8 wins (3,83 s vs 5,30 s).
S8 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,83 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S8: 571 hp, ratio 3,89 kg/hp. 430d xDrive Gran Coupé G22: 286 hp, ratio 6,45 kg/hp.
S8: 250 km/h. 430d xDrive Gran Coupé G22: 250 km/h.