In an electrifying showdown, Edmunds recently staged one of its signature “U-Drag” races, pitting two formidable electric cars against each other: the all-new Dodge Charger EV Daytona Scat Pack and the sophisticated BMW i5 M60. While these vehicles cater to vastly different buyer demographics—one a modern interpretation of American muscle, the other a German luxury sport sedan—their on-paper specifications suggested a surprisingly close contest. This unique U-Drag race format, a true test of all-around performance, promised to reveal more than just straight-line speed.
The Edmunds U-Drag isn’t your typical quarter-mile sprint. It’s a comprehensive assessment involving a drag race to a 180-degree corner, followed by hard braking, navigating the turn, and then accelerating back to the starting line. This multifaceted challenge evaluates not only raw acceleration but also crucial braking capabilities and cornering agility, making it an ideal arena to compare these high-performance electric cars. The near-identical power-to-weight ratios of the Charger EV and BMW i5 set the stage for what Edmunds described as one of its closest and most exciting U-Drag races to date.
| Specification | BMW i5 M60 | Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 593 hp | 670 hp |
| Weight (approx.) | 5,230 lbs | 5,930+ lbs |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio (hp/lb) | ~0.1134 (Slightly higher) | ~0.1130 |
| 0-60 mph (Claimed) | 3.4 seconds | 3.3 seconds |
| Quarter Mile Time (Est.) | ~11.5 seconds | ~11.5 seconds |
The Dodge Charger EV boasts a formidable 670 horsepower, overshadowing the BMW i5’s 593 hp. However, the BMW carries a significant weight advantage, tipping the scales at over 700 pounds less than the nearly 6,000-pound Dodge. This crucial difference gives the BMW a slight edge in horsepower per pound. While the Dodge claims a marginally quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds (versus the BMW’s 3.4 seconds), both were anticipated to deliver nearly identical quarter-mile performances around the 11.5-second mark, highlighting just how closely matched these electric cars are on paper.
Across three intense runs, the BMW i5 M60 consistently emerged victorious, albeit by the narrowest of margins. The racing dynamics revealed fascinating insights into each car’s strengths. The German sedan demonstrated a knack for pulling away comfortably in the initial sprint, establishing and maintaining a lead before reaching the crucial corner. This initial advantage was complemented by slightly superior braking performance compared to the hefty Dodge Charger EV. As anticipated, the BMW also proved more adept through the corner, showcasing better poise and agility.
However, the drama didn’t end there. In a stunning display of raw power, the Dodge Charger EV consistently showcased superior acceleration from a roll. Despite the BMW being the first to exit the corner in all three runs, the Charger would unleash its might, rapidly closing the gap on the return leg. The second run was a nail-biter, nearly ending in a photo finish, with the Dodge almost nosing ahead. Had the return straight been slightly longer, the American muscle EV might have clinched a win. Both drivers utilized their vehicles’ respective boost modes for an extra surge of power post-corner, but the Dodge appeared to be the more ferocious straight-line machine once already in motion.
| Performance Aspect | BMW i5 M60 | Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Acceleration (to corner) | Consistently Stronger | Slightly Trailing |
| Braking Performance | Marginally Better (still a heavy car) | Challenged by weight |
| Cornering Agility | Superior, hides heft well | Muscle car characteristics |
| Rolling Acceleration (post-corner) | Good | Exceptional, regains ground rapidly |
| Race Wins (out of 3) | 3 | 0 (but very close) |
It’s important to note that both electric cars, despite their performance credentials, showed that stopping significant mass from high speed is a challenge. The BMW i5, weighing over 5,230 pounds, and the Dodge Charger EV, approaching 6,000 pounds, both struggled somewhat to scrub off speed effectively under hard braking, a common trait among powerful, heavy EVs.
The U-Drag race did more than just crown a narrow winner; it highlighted the distinct personalities of these two electric cars. Recent driving experiences with the Dodge Charger EV confirm its strengths: it’s visually striking and undeniably rapid in a straight line. However, its handling characteristics lean heavily into its muscle car heritage, which, in terms of agility and cornering finesse, isn’t always a compliment. It tends to feel its considerable weight in the turns.
Conversely, the BMW i5 M60 performs a kind of automotive alchemy. While also a substantial vehicle, it manages to mask its heft remarkably well, particularly through corners. It drives like a much smaller, more agile car, offering a blend of straight-line speed and dynamic composure that gives it an edge as an overall sporty package. This ability to feel nimble despite its size is a testament to BMW’s chassis engineering.
While neither vehicle excels in braking—a common challenge for performance-oriented electric cars due to their battery mass—the BMW’s more balanced approach to performance gives it a slight advantage. Looking ahead, if a head-to-head comparison were to involve the upcoming four-door electric Charger sedan, its likely additional weight could further tip the scales in favor of the BMW i5, particularly in tests like the demanding U-Drag race that penalize excess mass in braking and cornering phases.
