Xpeng P7i vs BMW X3 xDrive30i G01: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the P7i hits 100 km/h in 6.31 s versus 6.35 s for the X3 xDrive30i. The instant torque of 430 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.04 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the X3 xDrive30i is doing 126 km/h against 129 km/h for the P7i. The gap is 0.06 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the P7i crosses the line in 14.56 s versus 14.56 s. The 0.00 s gap represents roughly 0 m of track

Past 400 metres, the P7i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 178 km/h versus 175 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the P7i finishes in 26.38 s versus 26.56 s, with a 0.18 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (240 km/h), the X3 xDrive30i never recovers its launch deficit.

The X3 xDrive30i features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the P7i’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 P7i is capped at 200 km/h, the X3 xDrive30i at 240 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 10.01 seconds. The 0.04 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.