Mercedes V 300 d 4MATIC vs BMW 520e G30: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 520e hits 100 km/h in 8.07 s versus 8.32 s for the V 300 d 4MATIC. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the 520e leads by 0.25 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the 520e is doing 113 km/h against 114 km/h for the V 300 d 4MATIC. The gap is 0.17 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the 520e crosses the line in 15.86 s versus 16.03 s. The 0.16 s gap represents roughly 6 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the gap narrows.

At 1,000 metres, the 520e finishes in 29.49 s versus 29.55 s, with just 0.06 s to spare. The V 300 d 4MATIC fails to fully close the launch gap.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the V 300 d 4MATIC and the 520e are governed to 217 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 14.08 seconds. The 0.25 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.