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AX3PetrolvsB320dDiesel
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  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsX3 · 320d

BMW X3 xDrive30i G01 vs BMW 320d G20: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

family SUV · 2018 vs 2019 · Methodology
BMWPetrolFaster

X3 xDrive30i G01

252 hp · 350 Nm · 1,715 kg · 2018

VS
BMWDiesel

320d G20

190 hp · 400 Nm · 1,450 kg · 2019

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW X3 xDrive30i G01

6.35 s

Gap0.68 sin favour of X3 xDrive30i
BBMW 320d G20

7.03 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureX3 xDrive30i G01320d G20Gap
0–100 km/h6.35 s7.03 s0.68 s · X3 xDrive30i G01
400 m standing start14.57 s15.13 s0.56 s · X3 xDrive30i G01
1,000 m standing start26.56 s27.24 s0.68 s · X3 xDrive30i G01
Top speed (electronically limited)240 km/h240 km/hSame
Power-to-weight ratio6.81 kg/hp7.63 kg/hpbetter ratio · X3 xDrive30i G01

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

BMWPetrolX3 xDrive30i G01
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel320d G20
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageX3 xDrive30i G01320d G20
0–30 km/h1.50 s1.81 s
0–50 km/h2.54 s3.00 s
0–80 km/h4.56 s5.11 s
0–100 km/h6.35 s7.03 s
0–120 km/h8.65 s9.49 s
0–160 km/h15.25 s16.32 s
0–200 km/h27.16 s28.13 s
400 m standing start14.57 s15.13 s
1,000 m standing start26.56 s27.24 s
Top speed240 km/h240 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

BMW

X3 xDrive30i G01

6,81kg/hpratio better by 0,83 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power252 hp4 cyl
Torque350 Nm
Weight1 715 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic
BMW

320d G20

7,63kg/hpcompensated by −265 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power190 hpPending
Torque400 Nm
Weight1 450 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
GearboxSix-speed manual

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the X3 xDrive30i hits 100 km/h in 6.35 s versus 7.03 s for the 320d. At this point, the X3 xDrive30i leads by 0.68 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the X3 xDrive30i is doing 126 km/h against 123 km/h for the 320d. The gap is 0.47 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the X3 xDrive30i crosses the line in 14.56 s versus 15.13 s. The 0.56 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the X3 xDrive30i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 175 km/h versus 173 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the X3 xDrive30i finishes in 26.56 s versus 27.23 s, with a 0.68 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (240 vs 240 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the X3 xDrive30i and the 320d are governed to 240 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (6.81 kg/hp vs 7.63 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Manual).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 10.96 seconds. The 0.68 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, X3 xDrive30i G01 wins (6,35 s vs 7,03 s).

X3 xDrive30i G01 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,35 seconds (calibrated simulation).

X3 xDrive30i G01: 252 hp, ratio 6,81 kg/hp. 320d G20: 190 hp, ratio 7,63 kg/hp.

X3 xDrive30i G01: 240 km/h. 320d G20: 240 km/h.