DS3 Crossback PureTech 155 EAT8 vs BMW 118d xDrive F20LCI: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 118d xDrive hits 100 km/h in 8.62 s versus 9.00 s for the 3 Crossback PureTech 155 EAT8. At this point, the 118d xDrive leads by 0.38 s and sits roughly 24 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the 118d xDrive is doing 112 km/h against 118 km/h for the 3 Crossback PureTech 155 EAT8. The gap is 0.77 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 118d xDrive crosses the line in 16.28 s versus 16.76 s. The 0.47 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. Past 400 metres, both rivals hit the same electronic ceiling at 210 km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed - the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 210 km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the 3 Crossback PureTech 155 EAT8 finishes in 29.59 s versus 29.87 s. The 0.27 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Electronically capped at 210 km/h, the 118d xDrive never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (7.88 kg/hp vs 9.80 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Manual).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 14.20 seconds. The 0.38 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.