Question about the instrument rating xc, 421.46 says:

(D) one dual cross-country flight under simulated or actual IMC conditions of a minimum of 100 nautical miles, the flight to be conducted in accordance with an IFR flight plan to include at, two different locations, an instrument approach to minima.

Doesn't say anything about a radius, or intermediate stops. Also not about the class of airplane.

An xc that would satisfy this would be a trip direct to one airport 50 nm away, an approach there, and then return for another approach at the destination/arrival airport correct?

My instructor says I need to make an intermediate stop.

Also doesn't say it has to be in a twin, if doing a group 1.....

Correct?

Thank you.

Read and interpret as you see fit. One of the FTUisms I find is that they make you do it in a twin engine AC when its fine to save some money by doing it in a single.

My instrument cross country was exactly as you describe. Out 50 miles, an approach, back home to an approach.

In a single, but then I did my single IFR first. My multi ifr consisted of one training flight and then the test.

No mention of radius. Unlike the distinction with the CPL xc with clearly states "radius".

You could also do approaches at 2 other airports each 25 miles on either side of your airport. Whatever, just cumulative total of 100nm.

Have fun! Try to do something that's a bit challenging however, these are expensive flights and might as well get the most from each,

It's 100nm total flight distance. I did one a couple years ago "around" Ottawa Terminal, with approaches at Smith Falls, Brockville, Gatineau and back to Carp.

Absolutely does not have to be done in a twin. I did one with a student in his RV-9 last month, 160 KIAS at 6.5 gph. If you already have the multi rating, just do the flight test in a twin for the M-IFR. The IFR training and experience time can be done in a single at way less cost.