Carwow has compared three heavily tuned AWD German cars in a straight-line acceleration race. The contenders this time around are a BMW M8 Gran Coupe, a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Out of these, two proved so closely matched that Matt Watson had to do a couple more runs to determine the winner.
The BMW is simultaneously the lightest and the most powerful of the participants. It weighs 1,980 kg (4,365 lbs) and packs a 4.4-liter V8 that normally delivers 625 PS (616 hp / 460 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque in the Competition spec. This car is no longer stock, though, and delivers 800 PS (789 hp / 588 kW) along with 900 Nm (664 lb-ft).
The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is 65 kg (143 lbs) heavier than its Bavarian opponent and commands 740 PS (730 hp / 544 kW). The torque is outstanding at 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft).
The second-generation Porsche Panamera Turbo has a four-liter V8 like the Mercedes and also delivers 740 PS (730 hp / 544 kW) to the wheels. Its peak torque is a little smaller at 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft). It also weighs the most out of the three with 2,080 kg (4,585 lbs).
The standing quarter-mile races end with the Mercedes winning the first and third runs and the BMW winning second and fourth. A fifth round was held to determine the winner, and while both cars managed to cross the finish line nearly at the same time (10.9 seconds), the Affalterbach sports car pulled ahead of the Bavarian by half a body length. The Porsche lagged one-tenth of a second behind both and ranked second in any given race.
The BMW M8 then proceeded to win a half-mile rolling race where all participants started from 80 km/h (50 mph). It then showed the worst result at a brake test, while the Porsche Panamera reigned supreme in this discipline.