Over 0–100 km/h, X3 xDrive30i G01 wins (6,35 s vs 8,07 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 xDrive30i G01 | 520e G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,35 s−1,72 s | 8,07 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,57 s−1,30 s | 15,87 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,56 s−2,93 s | 29,49 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 240 km/h+27 km/h | 213 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6,81 kg/hpbetter ratio | 9,31 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 xDrive30i G01 | 520e G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,50 s | 1,44 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,54 s | 2,58 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,56 s | 5,37 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,35 s | 8,07 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,65 s | 11,61 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 15,25 s | 22,82 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 27,16 s | 52,29 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,57 s | 15,87 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,56 s | 29,49 s |
| Top speed | 240 km/h | 213 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 252 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 715 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 900 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i hits 100 km/h in 6.35 s versus 8.07 s for the Bmw 520e. Despite lacking instant torque, 252 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i leads by 1.72 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i is doing 126 km/h against 113 km/h for the Bmw 520e. The gap is 0.65 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i crosses the line in 14.56 s versus 15.86 s. The 1.30 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 175 km/h versus 154 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive30i finishes in 26.56 s versus 29.49 s, with a 2.93 s lead.
The Bmw X3 xDrive30i features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Bmw 520e’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 xDrive30i is capped at 240 km/h, the Bmw 520e at 218 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 13.80 seconds. The 1.72 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, X3 xDrive30i G01 wins (6,35 s vs 8,07 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. 520e G30: 204 hp, ratio 9,31 kg/hp.
X3 xDrive30i G01: 240 km/h. 520e G30: 213 km/h.