Over 0–100 km/h, 530e iPerformance G30 wins (6,28 s vs 7,75 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.
| 530e iPerformance G30 | 520i G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,28 s−1,47 s | 7,75 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,40 s−1,26 s | 15,66 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,31 s−2,37 s | 28,68 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 235 km/h+4 km/h | 231 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,02 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,37 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 | 530e iPerformance G30 | 520i G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,41 s | 1,56 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,35 s | 2,75 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,29 s | 5,34 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,28 s | 7,75 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,42 s | 10,84 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 14,95 s | 19,96 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 26,50 s | 37,89 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,40 s | 15,66 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,31 s | 28,68 s |
| Top speed | 235 km/h | 231 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 252 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 770 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 540 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
Off the line, the Bmw 530e iPerformance hits 100 km/h in 6.28 s versus 7.75 s for the Bmw 520i. The instant torque of 290 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw 530e iPerformance leads by 1.47 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw 530e iPerformance is doing 127 km/h against 116 km/h for the Bmw 520i. The gap is 0.76 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 530e iPerformance crosses the line in 14.39 s versus 15.66 s. The 1.26 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw 530e iPerformance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 176 km/h versus 161 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 530e iPerformance finishes in 26.31 s versus 28.68 s, with a 2.37 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (235 vs 231 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Bmw 530e iPerformance and the Bmw 520i are governed to 235 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 12.70 seconds. The 1.47 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, 530e iPerformance G30 wins (6,28 s vs 7,75 s).
530e iPerformance G30 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,28 seconds (calibrated simulation).
530e iPerformance G30: 252 hp, ratio 7,02 kg/hp. 520i G30: 184 hp, ratio 8,37 kg/hp.
530e iPerformance G30: 235 km/h. 520i G30: 231 km/h.