Over 0–100 km/h, iX xDrive40 wins (6,04 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.
| iX xDrive40 | A5 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,04 s−1,75 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,37 s−1,37 s | 15,74 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,37 s−2,26 s | 28,63 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 200 km/h | 242 km/h−42 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,48 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,92 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 | iX xDrive40 | A5 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,42 s | 1,83 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,37 s | 3,04 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,25 s | 5,46 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,04 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,34 s | 10,74 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 15,21 s | 19,81 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 26,44 s | 34,87 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,37 s | 15,74 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,37 s | 28,63 s |
| Top speed | 200 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 | 326 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 630 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 440 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 820 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the iX xDrive40 hits 100 km/h in 6.04 s versus 7.79 s for the A5 Sedan. The instant torque of 630 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the iX xDrive40 leads by 1.75 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the iX xDrive40 is doing 127 km/h against 117 km/h for the A5 Sedan. The gap is 0.98 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the iX xDrive40 crosses the line in 14.36 s versus 15.74 s. The 1.37 s gap represents roughly 54 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the iX xDrive40 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 175 km/h versus 162 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the iX xDrive40 finishes in 26.37 s versus 28.62 s, with a 2.26 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (242 km/h), the A5 Sedan never recovers its launch deficit.
The iX xDrive40 features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A5 Sedan’s FWD. 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 iX xDrive40 is capped at 200 km/h, the A5 Sedan at 242 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 12.41 seconds. The 1.75 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, iX xDrive40 wins (6,04 s vs 7,79 s).
iX xDrive40 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,04 seconds (calibrated simulation).
iX xDrive40: 326 hp, ratio 7,48 kg/hp. A5 Sedan: 204 hp, ratio 8,92 kg/hp.
iX xDrive40: 200 km/h. A5 Sedan: 242 km/h.