BMWBEV
i4 eDrive35 G26
286 ch · 67.1 kWh · 2024
Motorway range comparison
Trip mapped at a glance. Charging stops visible, total duration predictable. Caralogy simulation at 130 km/h.
Paris → Marseille · 130 km/h · Caralogy simulation
| i4 eDrive35 G26 | A3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h44 | 7h01−43 min |
| Charging stops | 4 stops | 0 stops−4 stops |
| Total cost | 79,64 € | 69,33 €−10,31 € |
Both vehicles drive at 130 km/h. The difference comes from charging stops.
Analysis
Both vehicles drove at 130 km/h for the entire trip. The A3 Sportback (combustion) makes no stop, the i4 eDrive35 G26 (electric) 4 stops totalling 43 min. Road safety reminder: on a trip of this duration, it is recommended to stop for at least 51 min total (17 min every 2h). The energy cost is 79,64 € for i4 eDrive35 G26 versus 69,33 € for A3 Sportback.
The official WLTP figures (18,6 kWh/100km for i4 eDrive35 G26 and 4,9 L/100km for A3 Sportback) are measured on a mixed cycle averaging ~46 km/h. At a steady 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag weighs much more heavily - it grows with the square of speed. Caralogy calculates a motorway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve - not a uniform correction factor. For this trip, the simulation yields 22,3 kWh/100km (i4 eDrive35 G26) and 4,4 L/100km (A3 Sportback). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
On a 200 km round trip (e.g. a weekend getaway), the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle completes the entire journey on home energy at 0.18 €/kWh - with no charging stop. The time advantage of the combustion car on long-distance motorways disappears entirely, and the economic advantage of electric strengthens considerably.
The cost per kilometre depends on the electricity rate applied to each segment - based on the energy source used at that point of the trip.
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Beaune, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,20 €/kWh | 271 km60 kWh consumed | 0,045 €/km | 12,08 € |
| Beaune, A6 → Limonest, A6energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,134 €/km | 16,10 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,134 €/km | 16,10 € |
| Valence, A7 → Montélimar, A7energy charged at Ionity 179 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 120 km27 kWh consumed | 0,134 €/km | 16,10 € |
| Montélimar, A7 → Marseilleenergy charged at Ionity 155 kW · 0,60 €/kWh | 144 km32 kWh consumed | 0,134 €/km | 19,24 € |
| Trip total | 79,64 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Marseillefuel · 2,03 €/L | 775 km34 L consumed | 0,089 €/km | 69,33 € |
| Trip total | 69,33 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | BMW i4 eDrive35 G26 | Audi A3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~47 km | - |
| 10 minutes | ~94 km | - |
| 20 minutes | ~188 km | - |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~210 km24 min | - |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
286 ch · 67.1 kWh · 2024
116 ch · 2026
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the A3 Sportback arrives in 7h01 with 0 charging stop.
WLTP consumption does not reflect motorway reality. Aerodynamic drag grows with the square of speed, so real consumption is 15 to 25 % higher than WLTP combined. Caralogy calculates a highway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve.
Total time = driving time + charging time. Driving time is calculated at an average speed of 130 km/h on the motorway (adjustable). Charging time is calculated based on the real power curve of each vehicle, respecting the optimal 10 → 80 % range and the maximum power accepted by the chargers on the route.
No. The displayed cost covers only the energy consumed during the trip: kWh × energy rate, with a mix of home charging and DC fast chargers. Battery wear is a long-term ownership cost, not a trip cost.
Electric: 79,64 € (i4 eDrive35 G26) and 69,33 € (A3 Sportback). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.