Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron vs BMW X4 M40i G02: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron hits 100 km/h in 4.37 s versus 4.87 s for the X4 M40i. The instant torque of 855 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron leads by 0.50 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron is doing 145 km/h against 142 km/h for the X4 M40i. The gap is 0.36 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron crosses the line in 12.68 s versus 13.08 s. The 0.40 s gap represents roughly 20 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 200 km/h versus 198 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron finishes in 23.17 s versus 23.70 s, with a 0.53 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the X4 M40i never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the SQ6 Sportback e-tron is capped at 230 km/h, the X4 M40i at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 7.33 seconds. The 0.50 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.