Skoda Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245 vs BMW 520d G30: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 520d hits 100 km/h in 7.17 s versus 7.42 s for the Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245. Despite lacking instant torque, 190 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 520d leads by 0.25 s and sits roughly 21 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the 520d is doing 117 km/h against 124 km/h for the Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245. The gap is 0.62 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 520d crosses the line in 15.20 s versus 15.47 s. The 0.28 s gap represents roughly 12 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245 maxes out at 230 km/h while the 520d keeps accelerating towards 235 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.00 s.

Around 596 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 5 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Octavia iV 1.4 TSI e-TEC PHEV 245 finishes in 27.64 s versus 28.10 s. The 0.45 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Electronically capped at 235 km/h, the 520d never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 12.01 seconds. The 0.25 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.