Over 0–100 km/h, i4 eDrive35 G26 wins (6,08 s vs 7,56 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.
| i4 eDrive35 G26 | 520i G60 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,08 s−1,48 s | 7,56 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,38 s−1,21 s | 15,59 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,26 s−2,00 s | 28,26 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 190 km/h | 230 km/h−40 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6,99 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,29 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 | i4 eDrive35 G26 | 520i G60 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,69 s | 1,84 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,81 s | 3,06 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,56 s | 5,40 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,08 s | 7,56 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,04 s | 10,35 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 14,28 s | 18,52 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 34,32 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,38 s | 15,59 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,26 s | 28,26 s |
| Top speed | 190 km/h | 230 km/h |
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 | 208 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 330 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 725 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 hits 100 km/h in 6.08 s versus 7.56 s for the Bmw 520i. The instant torque of 400 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 leads by 1.48 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 is doing 131 km/h against 119 km/h for the Bmw 520i. The gap is 0.75 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 crosses the line in 14.38 s versus 15.58 s. The 1.21 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 179 km/h versus 166 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw i4 eDrive35 finishes in 26.26 s versus 28.25 s, with a 2.00 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (230 km/h), the Bmw 520i never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i4 eDrive35 is capped at 190 km/h, the Bmw 520i at 230 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 12.02 seconds. The 1.48 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, i4 eDrive35 G26 wins (6,08 s vs 7,56 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. 520i G60: 208 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
i4 eDrive35 G26: 190 km/h. 520i G60: 230 km/h.