BMW 745e G11 vs Audi Q5 SUV: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Q5 SUV hits 100 km/h in 5.00 s versus 5.16 s for the Bmw 745e. At this point, the Q5 SUV leads by 0.16 s and sits roughly 6 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Q5 SUV is doing 136 km/h against 139 km/h for the Bmw 745e. The gap is 0.14 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 745e crosses the line in 13.37 s versus 13.38 s. The 0.01 s gap represents roughly 0 m of track

Past 400 metres, the Bmw 745e continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 188 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 745e finishes in 24.07 s versus 24.54 s, with a 0.47 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.

On paper, the Bmw 745e combines 394 hp, 600 Nm and 2,000 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the Q5 SUV. Yet the Q5 SUV launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the Q5 SUV has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

The Q5 SUV features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Bmw 745e’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Bmw 745e and the Q5 SUV 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 plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (5.08 kg/hp vs 5.91 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.94 seconds. The 0.16 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.