In our Berlin to Bucharest EV duel, the BMW iX3 beats the Audi SQ8 e-tron by 65 minutes, completing the 1676km route in 18h 48min. The key advantage? 3 fewer charging stops. Route calculated on September 14, 2026 using real-time charging station data.
Despite costing 30,800 less, the BMW iX3 beats the Audi SQ8 e-tron by 65 minutes on this route.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron's 366km range doesn't beat the BMW iX3's 360km here - charging speed and efficiency matter more.
The BMW iX3 needs only 8 charging stops compared to 11 for the slowest vehicle, saving valuable time.
Winner
BMW iX3
- Total time: 18h 48min (65 min faster)
- Charging stops: 8
- Charging time: 2h 2min
- Energy: ~340 kWh
- Distance: 1676km
Quick Comparison
| Metric |
Audi SQ8 e-tron |
BMW iX3 |
| Travel time |
19h 53min |
18h 48min |
| Charging time: |
3h 0min |
2h 2min |
| Charging stops: |
11 |
8 |
| Energy used |
~302 kWh |
~302 kWh |
Charging Strategy Breakdown
Audi SQ8 e-tron Route
- Start: Berlin (100% charge)
-
Stop 1:
SachsenEnergie City Center (10 min, 45% → 62%)
-
Stop 2:
MOL Bělčice (13 min, 10% → 40%)
-
Stop 3:
Základní škola (10 min, 10% → 34%)
-
Stop 4:
MOL Zeleňák - Bratislava (12 min, 11% → 39%)
-
Stop 5:
ZSE Motor-Car Lamač (14 min, 10% → 42%)
-
Stop 6:
IONITY Bábolna (15 min, 10% → 45%)
-
Stop 7:
Inárcsi pihenőhely Szeged (23 min, 10% → 60%)
-
Stop 8:
MOL Szent Gellért pihenőhely (11 min, 10% → 37%)
-
Stop 9:
Spatiu Servicii A1 Giarmata Sens Timisoara (31 min, 10% → 71%)
-
Stop 10:
OMV Miercurea Sibiului stanga (28 min, 10% → 67%)
-
Stop 11:
Supercharger Pitesti Retail Park (13 min, 10% → 42%)
- Arrival: Bucharest
BMW iX3 Route
- Start: Berlin (100% charge)
-
Stop 1:
Shell Hansastraße (10 min, 49% → 70%)
-
Stop 2:
IONITY Bageterie Boulevard (14 min, 10% → 58%)
-
Stop 3:
Ladná směr Brno (15 min, 10% → 60%)
-
Stop 4:
IONITY Bábolna (14 min, 10% → 58%)
-
Stop 5:
IONITY Csalánosi Csárda (21 min, 10% → 70%)
-
Stop 6:
Spatiu Servicii A1 Giarmata Sens Timisoara (20 min, 10% → 68%)
-
Stop 7:
OMV Miercurea Sibiului stanga (Truck) (16 min, 10% → 62%)
-
Stop 8:
Kaufland Gavana (12 min, 10% → 43%)
- Arrival: Bucharest
Why the BMW iX3 Won
The BMW iX3 achieved a 65-minute advantage over Audi SQ8 e-tron on this 1676km route. Key factors:
- Fewer charging stops: 8 stops vs 11 for the slowest vehicle means less time spent finding and connecting to chargers.
- Faster charging: Total charging time of 2h 2min vs 3h 0min thanks to higher peak charging speeds or better charging curve.
- Better efficiency: Lower energy consumption (~340 kWh vs ~485 kWh) means less time spent charging.
Related Comparisons