BMW 745e G11 vs BMW X3 xDrive30d G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 745e hits 100 km/h in 5.16 s versus 5.62 s for the X3 xDrive30d. The instant torque of 600 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.46 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the 745e is doing 139 km/h against 130 km/h for the X3 xDrive30d. The gap is 0.25 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the 745e crosses the line in 13.37 s versus 13.96 s. The 0.59 s gap represents roughly 26 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the 745e continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 180 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 745e finishes in 24.07 s versus 25.66 s, with a 1.59 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 245 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The X3 xDrive30d features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 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 are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 745e is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the X3 xDrive30d at 245 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 9.01 seconds. The 0.46 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.