DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Audi A3 Sportback: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 8.19 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 150 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A3 Sportback leads by 0.17 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A3 Sportback is doing 115 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.55 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the A3 Sportback crosses the line in 15.95 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.26 s gap represents roughly 11 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 232 km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed - the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 232 km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the DS9 E-Tense 250 finishes in 28.57 s versus 28.98 s. The 0.42 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

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 13.06 seconds. The 0.17 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.