BMW 320e G20 vs Audi A4 40 TDI: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 320e hits 100 km/h in 7.46 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the 320e leads by 0.33 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the 320e is doing 115 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 0.68 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 320e crosses the line in 15.43 s versus 15.77 s. The 0.33 s gap represents roughly 14 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The 320e maxes out at 215 km/h while the A4 40 TDI keeps accelerating towards 242 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.01 s.

Around 594 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the A4 40 TDI overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 27 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the A4 40 TDI finishes in 28.08 s versus 28.77 s. The 0.68 s delta in favour of the A4 40 TDI shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

Electronically capped at 220 km/h, the 320e never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 12.74 seconds. The 0.33 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.