Over 0–100 km/h, X3 xDrive30d G01 wins (5,62 s vs 7,84 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 xDrive30d G01 | 520i G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,62 s−2,22 s | 7,84 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,96 s−1,73 s | 15,69 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,66 s−3,21 s | 28,87 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 245 km/h+14 km/h | 231 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6,75 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,75 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 xDrive30d G01 | 520i G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,33 s | 1,40 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,17 s | 2,62 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,95 s | 5,33 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,62 s | 7,84 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,75 s | 11,09 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 13,82 s | 20,66 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 24,31 s | 39,54 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,96 s | 15,69 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,66 s | 28,87 s |
| Top speed | 245 km/h | 231 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 286 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 650 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 930 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 610 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d hits 100 km/h in 5.62 s versus 7.84 s for the Bmw 520i. At this point, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d leads by 2.22 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d is doing 130 km/h against 114 km/h for the Bmw 520i. The gap is 1.06 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d crosses the line in 13.96 s versus 15.68 s. The 1.72 s gap represents roughly 66 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 180 km/h versus 159 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30d finishes in 25.66 s versus 28.87 s, with a 3.21 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (245 vs 231 km/h), preventing any comeback.
The Bmw X3 xDrive30d features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Bmw 520i’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 xDrive30d is capped at 245 km/h, the Bmw 520i at 235 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (6.75 kg/hp vs 8.75 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 13.04 seconds. The 2.22 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, X3 xDrive30d G01 wins (5,62 s vs 7,84 s).
X3 xDrive30d G01 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,62 seconds (calibrated simulation).
X3 xDrive30d G01: 286 hp, ratio 6,75 kg/hp. 520i G30: 184 hp, ratio 8,75 kg/hp.
X3 xDrive30d G01: 245 km/h. 520i G30: 231 km/h.