Over 0–100 km/h, M5 F90 wins (3,42 s vs 3,92 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.
| M5 F90 | i4 M50 xDrive G26 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,42 s−0,50 s | 3,92 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,25 s−0,76 s | 12,01 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,43 s−1,54 s | 21,97 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+25 km/h | 225 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,16 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,07 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 | M5 F90 | i4 M50 xDrive G26 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,97 s | 1,13 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,62 s | 1,89 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,56 s | 3,04 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,42 s | 3,92 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,38 s | 5,04 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 7,00 s | 8,35 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 10,73 s | 13,16 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,25 s | 12,01 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,43 s | 21,97 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 225 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 600 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 895 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, transmission oil cooling |
| 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 |
Off the line, the Bmw M5 hits 100 km/h in 3.43 s versus 3.92 s for the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive. Despite lacking instant torque, 600 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw M5 leads by 0.50 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw M5 is doing 165 km/h against 155 km/h for the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive. The gap is 0.49 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw M5 crosses the line in 11.25 s versus 12.01 s. The 0.76 s gap represents roughly 40 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw M5 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 231 km/h versus 216 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw M5 finishes in 20.43 s versus 21.97 s, with a 1.54 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw M5 is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive at 225 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 5.72 seconds. The 0.50 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, M5 F90 wins (3,42 s vs 3,92 s).
M5 F90 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,42 seconds (calibrated simulation).
M5 F90: 600 hp, ratio 3,16 kg/hp. i4 M50 xDrive G26: 544 hp, ratio 4,07 kg/hp.
M5 F90: 250 km/h. i4 M50 xDrive G26: 225 km/h.