Over 0–100 km/h, i4 M50 xDrive G26 wins (3,92 s vs 4,18 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 M50 xDrive G26 | M3 F80 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,92 s−0,26 s | 4,18 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,01 s−0,25 s | 12,26 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,97 s | 21,95 s+0,02 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 225 km/h | 250 km/h−25 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,07 kg/hp | 3,55 kg/hpbetter ratio |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | i4 M50 xDrive G26 | M3 F80 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,13 s | 1,20 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,89 s | 2,01 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,04 s | 3,29 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,92 s | 4,18 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,04 s | 5,53 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,35 s | 8,71 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 13,16 s | 13,11 stight gap |
| 400 m standing start | 12,01 s | 12,26 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,97 s | 21,95 stight gap |
| Top speed limited | 225 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 544 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 795 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 215 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Automatic transmission, single-speed with fixed ratio |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 480 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 705 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual |
Off the line, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive hits 100 km/h in 3.92 s versus 4.18 s for the Bmw M3. The instant torque of 795 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive leads by 0.26 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive is doing 155 km/h against 154 km/h for the Bmw M3. The gap is 0.23 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive crosses the line in 12.01 s versus 12.25 s. The 0.25 s gap represents roughly 13 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Bmw i4 M50 xDrive maxes out at 225 km/h while the Bmw M3 keeps accelerating towards 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.22 s.
Around 985 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Bmw M3 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 25 km/h higher top speed.
At 1,000 metres, the Bmw M3 finishes in 21.95 s versus 21.97 s. The 0.02 s delta shows an extremely tight race.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive is capped at 225 km/h, the Bmw M3 at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 6.22 seconds. The 0.26 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i4 M50 xDrive G26 wins (3,92 s vs 4,18 s).
i4 M50 xDrive G26 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,92 seconds (calibrated simulation).
i4 M50 xDrive G26: 544 hp, ratio 4,07 kg/hp. M3 F80: 480 hp, ratio 3,55 kg/hp.
i4 M50 xDrive G26: 225 km/h. M3 F80: 250 km/h.