BMW i4 eDrive35 G26 vs Audi A4 45 TFSI quattro: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A4 45 TFSI quattro hits 100 km/h in 5.78 s versus 6.08 s for the i4 eDrive35. Despite lacking instant torque, 245 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A4 45 TFSI quattro leads by 0.30 s and sits roughly 11 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A4 45 TFSI quattro is doing 129 km/h against 131 km/h for the i4 eDrive35. The gap is 0.34 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the A4 45 TFSI quattro crosses the line in 14.09 s versus 14.38 s. The 0.29 s gap represents roughly 13 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the A4 45 TFSI quattro continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 179 km/h versus 179 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A4 45 TFSI quattro finishes in 25.82 s versus 26.26 s, with a 0.44 s lead.

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 9.27 seconds. The 0.30 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.