Over 0–100 km/h, X3 M40i G01 wins (4,74 s vs 6,26 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.
| X3 M40i G01 | 530e G60 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,74 s−1,52 s | 6,26 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,98 s−1,56 s | 14,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,62 s−3,20 s | 26,82 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+23 km/h | 227 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,19 kg/hpbetter ratio | 6,71 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 | X3 M40i G01 | 530e G60 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,26 s | 1,40 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,08 s | 2,37 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,49 s | 4,40 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,74 s | 6,26 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 6,30 s | 8,69 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,59 s | 15,89 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 17,32 s | 30,66 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,98 s | 14,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,62 s | 26,82 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 227 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 360 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 500 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 870 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 299 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 450 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 005 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw X3 M40i hits 100 km/h in 4.74 s versus 6.26 s for the Bmw 530e. Despite lacking instant torque, 360 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw X3 M40i leads by 1.52 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i is doing 142 km/h against 125 km/h for the Bmw 530e. The gap is 0.92 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 M40i crosses the line in 12.98 s versus 14.54 s. The 1.56 s gap represents roughly 65 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 198 km/h versus 172 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw X3 M40i finishes in 23.62 s versus 26.81 s, with a 3.19 s lead.
The Bmw X3 M40i features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Bmw 530e’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 Bmw X3 M40i is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Bmw 530e at 230 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 10.14 seconds. The 1.52 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, X3 M40i G01 wins (4,74 s vs 6,26 s).
X3 M40i G01 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,74 seconds (calibrated simulation).
X3 M40i G01: 360 hp, ratio 5,19 kg/hp. 530e G60: 299 hp, ratio 6,71 kg/hp.
X3 M40i G01: 250 km/h. 530e G60: 227 km/h.