Honda e:Ny1 vs BMW X1 xDrive20i F48: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the X1 xDrive20i hits 100 km/h in 7.22 s versus 7.76 s for the e:Ny1. Despite lacking instant torque, 178 hp of power compensates. At this point, the X1 xDrive20i leads by 0.54 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the X1 xDrive20i is doing 118 km/h against 122 km/h for the e:Ny1. The gap is 0.73 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the X1 xDrive20i crosses the line in 15.24 s versus 15.82 s. The 0.58 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the X1 xDrive20i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 164 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the X1 xDrive20i finishes in 28.05 s versus 29.40 s, with a 1.35 s lead.

The X1 xDrive20i features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the e:Ny1’s FWD. 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 e:Ny1 is capped at 160 km/h, the X1 xDrive20i at 223 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 11.89 seconds. The 0.54 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.