Drag race: BMW X4 M40d vs Honda Civic Type R vs Audi e-tron

Petrol, diesel or electric, which is the best? Well that’s what today’s drag race looks to answer — perhaps in an unconventional manner.

What we have lined up here is an electric luxury SUV, a diesel performance-oriented SUV and a petrol hot hatch. Seemingly an odd bunch on the surface, but the results may surprise you…

On paper, they couldn’t be much more different. The Audi e-tron uses two electric motors to produce 408hp and 664Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels through a single-speed transmission.

Powerful though it is, it’s pretty heavy (you can thank its batteries for that.) It weighs in at 2,490kg.

Next to it is a Honda Civic Type R. This member of hot hatch royalty uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 320hp and 400Nm horsepower, delivered to the front axle through a six-speed manual gearbox. Unsurprisingly, it’s the lightest of today’s trio, tipping the scales at 1,380kg.

Representing diesel power is a BMW X4 M40d, powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six unit. It’s good for 330hp and 680Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Weight-wise, it takes the middle ground at 1,900kg.

Which fuel type comes out as king of the drag race today? Well, you’ll need to watch to find out…

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