Over 0–100 km/h, i4 eDrive35 G26 wins (6,08 s vs 9,90 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | i4 eDrive35 G26 | A3 Sportback | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.08 s | 9.90 s | 3.82 s · i4 eDrive35 G26 |
| 400 m standing start | 14.38 s | 17.23 s | 2.85 s · i4 eDrive35 G26 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26.26 s | 31.34 s | 5.08 s · i4 eDrive35 G26 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 190 km/h | 209 km/h | 19 km/h · A3 Sportback |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6.99 kg/hp | 11.68 kg/hp | better ratio · i4 eDrive35 G26 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | i4 eDrive35 G26 | A3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.69 s | 2.22 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.81 s | 3.75 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4.56 s | 6.86 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.08 s | 9.90 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8.04 s | 13.90 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 14.28 s | 26.77 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 64.77 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14.38 s | 17.23 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26.26 s | 31.34 s |
| Top speed | 190 km/h | 209 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 286 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 000 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Automatic transmission, single-speed with fixed ratio |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 116 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 355 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual gearbox |
Off the line, the i4 eDrive35 hits 100 km/h in 6.08 s versus 9.90 s for the A3 Sportback. The instant torque of 400 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the i4 eDrive35 leads by 3.82 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the i4 eDrive35 is doing 131 km/h against 108 km/h for the A3 Sportback. The gap is 1.81 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the i4 eDrive35 crosses the line in 14.38 s versus 17.23 s. The 2.85 s gap represents roughly 101 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the i4 eDrive35 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 179 km/h versus 149 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the i4 eDrive35 finishes in 26.26 s versus 31.33 s, with a 5.08 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (209 km/h), the A3 Sportback never recovers its launch deficit.
Electronically capped at 190 km/h, the i4 eDrive35 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 16.37 seconds. The 3.82 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i4 eDrive35 G26 wins (6,08 s vs 9,90 s).
i4 eDrive35 G26 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,08 seconds (calibrated simulation).
i4 eDrive35 G26: 286 hp, ratio 6,99 kg/hp. A3 Sportback: 116 hp, ratio 11,68 kg/hp.
i4 eDrive35 G26: 190 km/h. A3 Sportback: 209 km/h.