Xpeng G9 vs BMW X3 xDrive20d G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Bmw X3 xDrive20d hits 100 km/h in 7.92 s versus 8.51 s for the G9. Despite lacking instant torque, 190 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw X3 xDrive20d leads by 0.59 s and sits roughly 27 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Bmw X3 xDrive20d is doing 114 km/h against 120 km/h for the G9. The gap is 0.90 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw X3 xDrive20d crosses the line in 15.76 s versus 16.32 s. The 0.55 s gap represents roughly 23 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The G9 maxes out at 200 km/h while the Bmw X3 xDrive20d keeps accelerating towards 213 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.20 s.

Around 714 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the G9 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 13 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the G9 finishes in 28.71 s versus 29.22 s. The 0.51 s delta in favour of the G9 shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

The Bmw X3 xDrive20d features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the G9’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 G9 is capped at 200 km/h, the Bmw X3 xDrive20d at 213 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 13.46 seconds. The 0.59 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.