Porsche Taycan J1.1 vs BMW 740Ld xDrive G11: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Taycan hits 100 km/h in 5.13 s versus 5.24 s for the 740Ld xDrive. The instant torque of 345 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the 740Ld xDrive is 7 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

At 200 metres, the Taycan is doing 148 km/h against 136 km/h for the 740Ld xDrive. The gap is 0.07 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Taycan crosses the line in 13.02 s versus 13.54 s. The 0.52 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Taycan continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 215 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Taycan finishes in 22.91 s versus 24.60 s, with a 1.69 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the 740Ld xDrive never recovers its launch deficit.

The 740Ld xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Taycan’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 Taycan is capped at 230 km/h, the 740Ld xDrive at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.19 seconds. The 0.12 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.