DS9 E-Tense 250 vs BMW 420i xDrive G22: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 420i xDrive hits 100 km/h in 7.74 s versus 8.36 s for the 9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 184 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 420i xDrive leads by 0.62 s and sits roughly 28 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the 420i xDrive is doing 115 km/h against 121 km/h for the 9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.93 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 420i xDrive crosses the line in 15.61 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.61 s gap represents roughly 25 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 234 km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed - the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 234 km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the 9 E-Tense 250 finishes in 28.57 s versus 28.71 s. The 0.15 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Electronically capped at 238 km/h, the 420i 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.

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 12.85 seconds. The 0.62 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.