MG MG4 Long Range RWD vs BMW 520d xDrive G30: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the MG4 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 6.73 s versus 7.38 s for the Bmw 520d xDrive. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the Bmw 520d xDrive is 2 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

At 200 metres, the MG4 Long Range RWD is doing 129 km/h against 119 km/h for the Bmw 520d xDrive. The gap is 0.17 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the MG4 Long Range RWD crosses the line in 14.92 s versus 15.45 s. The 0.53 s gap represents roughly 22 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the MG4 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 176 km/h versus 166 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the MG4 Long Range RWD finishes in 27.23 s versus 28.10 s, with a 0.87 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (232 km/h), the Bmw 520d xDrive never recovers its launch deficit.

The Bmw 520d xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the MG4 Long Range RWD’s RWD. 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 MG4 Long Range RWD is capped at 180 km/h, the Bmw 520d xDrive at 232 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 11.86 seconds. The 0.65 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.