Renault Megane E-Tech Electric vs BMW 118d xDrive F20LCI: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Megane E-Tech Electric hits 100 km/h in 7.48 s versus 8.62 s for the 118d xDrive. The instant torque of 300 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the 118d 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 Megane E-Tech Electric is doing 123 km/h against 112 km/h for the 118d xDrive. The gap is 0.22 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Megane E-Tech Electric crosses the line in 15.59 s versus 16.28 s. The 0.70 s gap represents roughly 26 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Megane E-Tech Electric continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 160 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Megane E-Tech Electric finishes in 29.16 s versus 29.87 s, with a 0.71 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (210 km/h), the 118d xDrive never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Megane E-Tech Electric is capped at 160 km/h, the 118d xDrive at 210 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 14.20 seconds. The 1.14 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.