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BMW XM 50e G09 vs BMW X3 M40i G01: 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.

luxury SUV · 2024 vs 2018 · Methodology
BMWPHEV

XM 50e G09

476 hp · 700 Nm · 2,620 kg · 2024

VS
BMWPetrolFaster

X3 M40i G01

354 hp · 500 Nm · 1,810 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW XM 50e G09

5.19 s

Gap0.43 sin favour of X3 M40i
BBMW X3 M40i G01

4.76 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureXM 50e G09X3 M40i G01Gap
0–100 km/h5.19 s4.76 s0.43 s · X3 M40i G01
400 m standing start13.44 s13.02 s0.42 s · X3 M40i G01
1,000 m standing start24.30 s23.71 s0.59 s · X3 M40i G01
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h250 km/hSame
Power-to-weight ratio5.50 kg/hp5.11 kg/hpbetter ratio · X3 M40i G01

Watch the race

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

BMWPHEVXM 50e G09
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWPetrolX3 M40i G01
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.
StageXM 50e G09X3 M40i G01
0–30 km/h1.39 s1.28 s · tight gap
0–50 km/h2.33 s2.13 s
0–80 km/h3.82 s3.52 s
0–100 km/h5.19 s4.76 s
0–120 km/h6.88 s6.33 s
0–160 km/h11.59 s10.65 s
0–200 km/h18.84 s17.58 s
400 m standing start13.44 s13.02 s
1,000 m standing start24.30 s23.71 s
Top speed limited250 km/h250 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

XM 50e G09

5,50kg/hpcompensated by −810 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power476 hp4 cyl
Torque700 Nm
Weight2 620 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxEight-speed M Steptronic transmission
BMW

X3 M40i G01

5,11kg/hpratio better by 0,39 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power354 hp6 cyl
Torque500 Nm
Weight1 810 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the X3 M40i hits 100 km/h in 4.76 s versus 5.19 s for the XM 50e. Despite lacking instant torque, 354 hp of power compensates. At this point, the X3 M40i leads by 0.43 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the X3 M40i is doing 142 km/h against 139 km/h for the XM 50e. The gap is 0.31 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the X3 M40i crosses the line in 13.01 s versus 13.44 s. The 0.42 s gap represents roughly 20 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the X3 M40i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 193 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the X3 M40i finishes in 23.71 s versus 24.30 s, with a 0.59 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the XM 50e and the X3 M40i are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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.

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 7.89 seconds. The 0.43 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 M40i G01 wins (4,76 s vs 5,19 s).

XM 50e G09 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,19 seconds (calibrated simulation).

XM 50e G09: 476 hp, ratio 5,50 kg/hp. X3 M40i G01: 354 hp, ratio 5,11 kg/hp.

XM 50e G09: 250 km/h. X3 M40i G01: 250 km/h.