Volvo S90 B5 AWD vs MG4 Long Range RWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S90 B5 AWD hits 100 km/h in 6.58 s versus 6.73 s for the 4 Long Range RWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 250 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S90 B5 AWD leads by 0.15 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S90 B5 AWD is doing 125 km/h against 129 km/h for the 4 Long Range RWD. The gap is 0.27 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the S90 B5 AWD crosses the line in 14.75 s versus 14.92 s. The 0.16 s gap represents roughly 7 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the S90 B5 AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 176 km/h versus 176 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S90 B5 AWD finishes in 27.11 s versus 27.23 s, with a 0.13 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (180 vs 180 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The S90 B5 AWD 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 share the same electronic speed cap: the S90 B5 AWD and the 4 Long Range RWD are governed to 180 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 10.37 seconds. The 0.15 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.