Over 0–100 km/h, i5 xDrive40 G60 wins (5,30 s vs 7,79 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.
| i5 xDrive40 G60 | A4 40 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,30 s−2,49 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,59 s−2,18 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,58 s−3,51 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 215 km/h | 242 km/h−27 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,79 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 | i5 xDrive40 G60 | A4 40 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,43 s | 2,16 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,39 s | 3,61 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,92 s | 5,84 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,30 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,04 s | 10,28 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,04 s | 17,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 19,54 s | 30,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,59 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,58 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed | 215 km/h | 242 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 394 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 590 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 280 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Automatic transmission, single-stage with fixed ratio |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 575 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 hits 100 km/h in 5.30 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 590 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 leads by 2.49 s and sits roughly 25 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 is doing 137 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 1.62 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 crosses the line in 13.59 s versus 15.77 s. The 2.18 s gap represents roughly 89 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 191 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 finishes in 24.58 s versus 28.08 s, with a 3.51 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (242 km/h), the A4 40 TDI never recovers its launch deficit.
Electronically capped at 215 km/h, the Bmw i5 xDrive40 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 11.76 seconds. The 2.49 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i5 xDrive40 G60 wins (5,30 s vs 7,79 s).
i5 xDrive40 G60 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,30 seconds (calibrated simulation).
i5 xDrive40 G60: 394 hp, ratio 5,79 kg/hp. A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
i5 xDrive40 G60: 215 km/h. A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h.