BMW X3 xDrive30e G01 vs BMW X4 xDrive30d G02: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the X4 xDrive30d hits 100 km/h in 5.86 s versus 6.14 s for the X3 xDrive30e. Despite lacking instant torque, 265 hp of power compensates. At this point, the X4 xDrive30d leads by 0.28 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the X4 xDrive30d is doing 129 km/h against 127 km/h for the X3 xDrive30e. The gap is 0.14 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the X4 xDrive30d crosses the line in 14.18 s versus 14.38 s. The 0.20 s gap represents roughly 9 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the X4 xDrive30d continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 177 km/h versus 176 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the X4 xDrive30d finishes in 26.04 s versus 26.28 s, with a 0.24 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the X3 xDrive30e is capped at 210 km/h, the X4 xDrive30d at 240 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 9.78 seconds. The 0.28 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.