Over 0–100 km/h, i5 eDrive40 G60 wins (6,12 s vs 7,74 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | i5 eDrive40 G60 | 420i xDrive G22 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.12 s | 7.74 s | 1.62 s · i5 eDrive40 G60 |
| 400 m standing start | 14.30 s | 15.61 s | 1.31 s · i5 eDrive40 G60 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25.87 s | 28.72 s | 2.85 s · i5 eDrive40 G60 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 193 km/h | 234 km/h | 41 km/h · 420i xDrive G22 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6.81 kg/hp | 8.64 kg/hp | better ratio · i5 eDrive40 G60 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | i5 eDrive40 G60 | 420i xDrive G22 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.79 s | 1.38 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.98 s | 2.58 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4.78 s | 5.26 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.12 s | 7.74 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7.84 s | 10.94 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 13.27 s | 20.29 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 38.25 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14.30 s | 15.61 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25.87 s | 28.72 s |
| Top speed | 193 km/h | 234 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 | 313 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 130 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Automatic transmission, single-stage with fixed ratio |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 590 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the i5 eDrive40 hits 100 km/h in 6.12 s versus 7.74 s for the 420i xDrive. The instant torque of 400 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the 420i xDrive is 2 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the i5 eDrive40 is doing 135 km/h against 115 km/h for the 420i xDrive. The gap is 0.51 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the i5 eDrive40 crosses the line in 14.29 s versus 15.61 s. The 1.31 s gap represents roughly 51 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the i5 eDrive40 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 186 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the i5 eDrive40 finishes in 25.87 s versus 28.71 s, with a 2.85 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (234 km/h), the 420i xDrive never recovers its launch deficit.
The 420i xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the i5 eDrive40’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 i5 eDrive40 is capped at 193 km/h, the 420i xDrive at 238 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 12.85 seconds. The 1.62 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i5 eDrive40 G60 wins (6,12 s vs 7,74 s).
i5 eDrive40 G60 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,12 seconds (calibrated simulation).
i5 eDrive40 G60: 313 hp, ratio 6,81 kg/hp. 420i xDrive G22: 184 hp, ratio 8,64 kg/hp.
i5 eDrive40 G60: 193 km/h. 420i xDrive G22: 234 km/h.