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

Off the line, the 4 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 6.73 s versus 7.55 s for the 520d xDrive. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the 520d xDrive is 13 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

At 200 metres, the 520d xDrive is doing 114 km/h against 129 km/h for the 4 Long Range RWD. The gap is 0.09 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the 4 Long Range RWD crosses the line in 14.92 s versus 15.45 s. The 0.54 s gap represents roughly 21 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the 4 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 176 km/h versus 158 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 4 Long Range RWD finishes in 27.23 s versus 28.76 s, with a 1.53 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (222 km/h), the 520d xDrive never recovers its launch deficit.

The 520d xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 4 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 4 Long Range RWD is capped at 180 km/h, the 520d xDrive at 222 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 12.92 seconds. The 0.82 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.