BMW M3 CS shows why power-to-weight ratio matters

Hyundai’s popular electric cars can’t compete with sporty sedans like the BMW M3, partly because of physics

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves to the world that it is possible to own an electric car that is as fun, exciting and thrills the senses as an internal combustion engine car. However, this test shows that it really struggles to compete with one of the best sports sedans on the market. BMW M3 CS.

Shortly after we saw the Hyundai go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3 Performance in a drag race, Edmunds pitted it against the M3 CS to see how the electric cars compared. It’s worth pointing out that the two are not direct competitors. The M3 CS is a hardcore sedan, while the Ioniq 5 N is a larger electric SUV and therefore weighs significantly more than its German rival.

Read: Cornering ability trumps speed in this performance EV battle

Off the line, one might think the Ioniq 5 N would have an advantage because of the extra power and instant torque provided by its two electric motors. However, the BMW is roughly 1,000 pounds lighter and has a better weight-to-power ratio at 7.14 pounds/horsepower compared to the Hyundai’s 8.08 pounds/horsepower.

As a result, it blasts off the starting line at frightening speed, almost immediately establishing a length advantage over the Ioniq 5 N. As speeds increased, Hyundai had the M3 CS in its sights, but when it came to doing things it turned around at high speeds, the rear end was loose and it couldn’t keep up with the sedan.

The second game was very similar. This time, the M3 driver started slightly ahead and the Beemer accelerated to take the lead. It maintained its lead until the end of the race.

While the BMW M3 CS won, it didn’t win by a huge margin. In fact, it’s just 0.1 seconds faster than the Ioniq 5 N, completing the U-Drag race in 32.7 seconds at 136.9 mph, compared to the Ioniq 5 N’s 32.8 seconds. Both cars are in elite company, faster than the Acura NSX Type S, with a best time of 33.0 seconds at 136.5 mph. The M3 CS also matches the more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 63.